Erroll Bursary gives boost to theology students in Edinburgh!

A generous donation has led to the launch of a new bursary that will support students of a Catholic theology course in Edinburgh.

The Erroll Bursary Fund will contribute £500 towards fees on the two-year Master’s Degree in Theology at St Mary's University's Gillis Centre Campus.

The University itself will match each successful bursary application with a further £500.

It comes following a donation of £8,000 from the Honourable Peregrine Moncreiffe to the university's Gillis Campus.

Investment banker Peregrine Hay (main image, inset) became chief of Clan Moncreiffe in 1998.

A practicing Catholic, he is known as Moncreiffe of that Ilk after his clan link was recognised by the Lord Lyon. He is also the feudal baron of Easter Moncreiffe, the clan seat, in Perthshire.

Angus Hay (main image, right) representing his kinsman, made the donation this week at St Bennet's, the home of Archbishop Leo Cushley.

Mr Hay said: "This theology course is a wonderful way for people to advance in their knowledge and love of the Catholic faith.

“Peregrine became aware of it and wanted to make a donation so that the Erroll Bursary could be set up to give a helping hand to prospective students.”

I am very grateful to the Honourable Peregrine Moncreiffe for this kind and timely donation.

The fund is so-called due to the Hay family’s links with the Earl of Erroll title which goes back many centuries (Peregrine’s brother is the present 24th Earl of Erroll).

Archbishop Leo Cushley (main image, left) said: "The cost of fees for the Master's course can be a challenge for some students, so the Erroll Bursary Fund will allow us to offer them a contribution to the cost.

“That means greater accessibility to a qualification that provides an invaluable way for Catholics to hone and widen their understanding of the Catholic Faith at our Gillis Campus.

"I am very grateful to the Honourable Peregrine Moncreiffe for this kind and timely donation."

A spokesperson for St Mary's University said: “We are delighted and honoured by the generosity of the Hon. Peregrine Moncreiffe.

"Enabling people to study on the MA in Applied Catholic Theology will greatly aid the shared endeavour of St Mary’s University with the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh, to equip the faithful to be of service to the Church and the world – an exciting opportunity we want to be open to as many people as possible.”

The MA in Applied Catholic Theology is a partnership between St Mary's University, Twickenham, and the Archdiocese of St Andrews & Edinburgh.

It provides a thorough grounding in key aspects of Catholic theology, whilst developing the key skills to apply Catholic theology to the challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world. Teaching is flexible and the course is suitable for graduates of most academic disciplines.

To apply for the course and to find out more about the Errol Bursary Fund, visit stmarys.ac.uk/Edinburgh

 

St Mary’s University launches Edinburgh Campus

St Mary's University, Twickenham, has formally launched its new Edinburgh campus in a boost for Catholic education in Scotland.

Guest, students and staff attended Mass and a reception at the Gillis Centre last night (Wednesday) where courses begin today.

The event began with the celebration of a Votive Mass of the Holy Spirit, a tradition at the beginning of the academic year in Catholic universities all over the world, and included music from St Mary's Cathedral choir.

In his homily, Archbishop Cushley said, "We ask the Lord to bless this new venture abundantly.

"If it is the Lord’s will, we will have begun something that will, in the fulness of time, bring greater strength to Catholic education in our land, and to the greater glory of God."

After Mass, students got the chance to see the newly refurbished classrooms and chat with course leaders and St Mary's staff.

Guests included Bishop Joseph Toal (Motherwell Diocese) and Bishop Richard Moth (Arundel & Brighton Diocese), St Mary’s Chair of Governors, as well as headteachers from local schools.

Bishop Moth said, "This is an important moment in the life of St Mary's and, we pray, in the life of Catholic Education in Scotland.

“It's a wonderful step forward to work with the Archdiocese in assisting the growth of theological study."

St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Anthony McClaran said, "From the beginning there was an absolute understanding and a commitment between St Mary's and the Archdiocese that we would see this venture come to light.

"That's why it's wonderful to see it happening this evening as we launch St Mary's University here in Edinburgh."

To find out more visit stmarys.ac.uk/Edinburgh

 

Apply now to study at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh

St Mary's University will start teaching its master’s courses in Theology and Catholic Education this Autumn at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh, and applications are now open

Students will study a taught postgraduate programme in Catholic Education, School Leadership or Theology.

St Mary’s, established in 1850, has a long history of academic excellence, and students  will be able to access the same expertise throughout their studies.

Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Anthony McClaran, said, “After the unavoidable delay caused by Covid-19, we are pleased that we will be teaching our Theology and Education postgraduate courses in Edinburgh from September and we encourage people to apply now

"Our courses are open to students of all faiths and none, and our flexible programmes at the Gillis Centre will create new opportunities for mature students, teachers and others across central Scotland.”

Find out more

WATCH: Open evening for Gillis Centre Courses

Course leaders from St Mary's University, Twickenham, showcased the courses available at an online open evening held earlier this week.

Watch below or on YouTube. Visit stmarys.ac.uk/edinburgh for course details.

Gillis Centre to welcome St Mary's students soon!

St Mary's University will start teaching its master’s courses in Theology and Catholic Education this Autumn at the Gillis Centre in Edinburgh, following a delay caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Students will study a taught postgraduate programme in Catholic Education, School Leadership or Theology.

St Mary’s, established in 1850, has a long history of academic excellence, and students  will be able to access the same expertise throughout their studies.

The University and the Archdiocese have agreed arrangements for St Mary’s to occupy part of the Gillis Centre, which houses the offices for the Archdiocese.

'Delighted'

Archbishop Leo Cushley said: “St Mary’s is the UK’s leading Catholic university, so we’re delighted it has agreed to offer courses here.

"It’s an ideal location and is consistent with our Archdiocesan aim for the advancement of Catholic education. It will help support the Roman Catholic community and give people the opportunity to study a fascinating range of subjects.”

"Our courses are open to students of all faiths and none, and our flexible programmes at the Gillis Centre will create new opportunities for mature students, teachers and others across central Scotland."

Speaking of the announcement, Chair of St Mary’s University Board of Governors, Bishop Richard Moth, said, “St Mary’s is very pleased to be working with the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh.

"Opening a postgraduate campus in Edinburgh is consistent with the mission of the University to promote higher education and to grow our postgraduate offering.”

Flexible

Vice-Chancellor of St Mary’s University, Anthony McClaran, added, “After the unavoidable delay caused by Covid-19, we are pleased that we will be teaching our Theology and Education postgraduate courses in Edinburgh from September.

"Our courses are open to students of all faiths and none, and our flexible programmes at the Gillis Centre will create new opportunities for mature students, teachers and others across central Scotland.”

Find out more

WATCH: Take a video tour of St Mary's Cathedral

Deacons Bobby Taylor and Martin Eckersley present this video tour of the Mother Church of our Archdiocese - St Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh.

This video was organised by our Catechetics Commission. Parishes are welcome to download an editable Church Tour Booklet template here (please consult your parish priest).

Please keep Bobby and Martin in your prayers ahead of their planned ordination to the priesthood later this year. Please note: recording took place when places of worship were open to the public.