- “Check in Scotland” is a Scottish Government scheme for test and protect purposes which our parishes have joined. Download the app and you'll be able to easily register your attendance by simply pointing your phone camera at the QR code and pressing "check in". We would encourage those who are able to use this facility. Download for Android devices here; for Apple iOS devices here.
Cluster News
28/29 August
Our Weekend Masses
For details see the section in this week's news and go to
our dedicated page.
Live streamed Masses here
Brothers and sisters,
We welcome back Fr Alex after a hopefully relaxing and restorative break. Sincere thanks to Fr Mike for celebrating Mass in our three churches these past two weekends. It has been great to see him again.
Online Liturgy:
22nd Sunday B
Children's Liturgy:
22nd Sunday B
Communion Services will resume at St Gregory's every Wednesday at 9.30 am. No need to book but your details will be taken for Test & Protect purposes.
Changes to our Arrangements for Mass
Many thanks to all for your cooperation in moving smoothly to our new Mass arrangements that took effect last weekend. From 4/5 Sept there will be some further changes:
- Live music will be introduced in all three parishes.
- St Gregory's will resume their
monthly
teas & coffees after Mass starting
4th September, and St Catherine's their
weekly teas & coffees.
- no booking, just a name and contact number.
- please wear a face covering (unless exempted or under 12 years of age.
- please use hand sanitiser on entry and leaving.
- We will ensure good ventilation in our churches.
- You can choose to sit where you prefer but please maintain a respectful distance from one another, or one family from another.
- Congregational singing is allowed (behind a face covering).
- You will be invited by our stewards to move forward to receive Communion and then return to your seat for the concluding parts of the Mass.
- At the end of Mass, you will be invited to leave by the stewards and you may sanitise your hands.
- We are continuing to explore children’s liturgy and teas and coffees at St John Vianney's and will update you in due course.
We hope this paints a clear picture of what you can expect when you come to Mass. It is important to conclude by saying that we fully understand that there will be people across our faith communities who won’t yet feel able to come to Mass.
All of this will be kept under review and we will continue to watch out for any further Scottish Government guidance or advice.
If you have any questions, please email southedclust@btinternet.com
Synod of Bishops 2021-2023
Synodal consultation in our Archdiocese
The consultation begins on 17 Oct. In September, the Secretariat of the Synod will issue a preparatory document, a questionnaire and a vademecum (a guide) with proposals for carrying out a consultation in each diocese. This will help us prepare to make sure the voice of all the faithful is heard. For more details go here. Updates on the archdiocesan website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For further Synod-related events, go here.
Alpha Is Back!
Alpha will be running in the cluster this autumn. It starts on the week beginning Monday 13th September and will run online. It would be great to have you join us. If you have already attended an Alpha perhaps you know of someone you could invite to come along? Every week we watch a film about what it means to believe in Jesus then we get together and chat about it. There’s no pressure or expectation and anything goes!
If you or someone you know is interested in joining please contact us on cluster.alpha@outlook.com
Coffee Saints: new cafe at the Cathedral
Coffee Saints is set to open on Thu 2 Sept and will be the only ethical cafe in the revamped St James' Quarter area. The exciting new social enterprise will be run by the Grassmarket Community Project (GCP) in partnership with St Mary's. Homeless people and those who are destitute will be served a free meal every week with "dignity, acceptance, love and respect". Services and support, such as counselling, educational programmes and training for work, will also be offered free to the community.
Survey of Cluster Buildings
Towards the end of 2020 the Archdiocese asked a company of Charted Building Surveyors to carry out a survey of every church, hall, and parish house throughout the Archdiocese. Please go here for an important update on how our Cluster will be impacted by the results.
We would greatly appreciate early warning of your requests for insertion into the news. Understandably, there will be unexpected events at the last moment, but where you know well in advance, then let us know well in advance too!
Ideally, we'd like to know by Wednesday at noon for that weekend's news. Thank you!
Safeguarding Training in the Archdiocese
Induction Part 2 Training (Duration approx. 90 Mins)
Please note that Induction Part 2 Training should be done approx. 18 months after Level 1 or Induction Part 1 Training has been completed - thank you.
Trainer: Joanne Aitken - Joanne.Aitken@staned.org.uk
Tuesday 31 August 2021 at 7.15pm
Wednesday 8 September 2021 at 7.15pm
Trainer: Julie Brechin - julie.brechin@staned.org.uk
Saturday 25 September 2021 at 10am
Please book direct with either Joanne or Julie via the email address above. 30 places available for this session and must be pre booked to obtain the joining details. Please also provide your parish and role within the parish when booking - thanks.
We are proud to welcome in our new P1 cohort for the new school year. Looking so smart and fresh faced, they really are amazing! We are also really pleased to welcome two new members of staff too. Miss Byrne and Mr. Eves have joined our staff teaching team.
With the changes, there are also lots that remain the same. We now enter the third school year affected by restrictions. Although the bubbles have gone, we still need to stick to our mask wearing and our social distancing. Everyone has been amazing at doing it, let’s keep it going for just a wee while longer.
I look forward to seeing everyone in Parish again.
Saint Jean-Baptist de La Salle, the Patron Saint of Teachers said of those who chose to teach ‘God has chosen you to do his work. May God continue what he has begun in you.’ I think that sums up perfectly our mission for this new school year ahead.
God Bless.
Mr. Hunter
Justice Matters: Call to transition
We are often called to conversions in our lives as Christians – to inviting the Spirit to renew some aspect of our lives. As often referred to in this column, Pope Francis calls us to “ecological conversion” whereby the effect of our encounter with Christ becomes evident in how we relate to the earth.
See Its so good that we hear the word “transition” often nowadays. The status quo of how we are living can’t be sustained by the Earth or the poor – or ourselves. We are called to work for a transition to a future we want. “Transition Scotland” is a network that has local, regional and national organisation. This video explains the Transition Scotland vision. Transition Edinburgh “connects and supports community groups, and initiates practical projects that strive for a greener, fairer, healthier and more resilient Edinburgh.” Transition Edinburgh South is making a local response.
Reflect What is the relationship between “conversion” and “transition”? Maybe working for “transition” is a sign that the Spirit has been doing a work of conversion in us. Conversion is at the deepest level of each of us; it gets expressed in all sort of ways….
What is the overlap in terms of ideas and actions between Laudato Si’ (or eco-) circles (grounded in the Church) and Transition Scotland groups? A Laudato Si’ circle will have an explicit foundation in Christ, one that includes prayer. Many practical actions by Laudato Si circles are ones taken by Transition groups also …. Many Transition ideas are also found in Laudato Si’ groups. Some people are active in both.
God is in all people and places, in all the creative actions of our lives and communities – whether Christian language is used or not. The word Spirit does not need to be seen or spoken for the Spirit to be moving in any action that is creative or healing for people, place or planet. (see Mt 25:37-40)
Act We could praise God for, and pray for, the groups and initiatives from the “secular” world that are seeking to respond to injustices, to the climate and ecological emergencies, to those living with poverty. That would include the COP conferences (on biodiversity in China, and on climate in Glasgow).
We might be drawn to join a group where we see God acting, whether God is named or not. We will know such a group by their fruits, including whether they build caring community that includes the Earth.
We could read about the Transition Scotland websites (above) and consider the advert for volunteers for Transition Edinburgh South, with its project at Gracemount Mansion, in this newsletter. We could also respond to the government’s consultation on the report from the Just Transition Commission.
You are held in prayer
Please remember in your prayers
those who are sick:
Patricia Simmons, George Lewis,
Gerry Mulvenna, Elizabeth Napier, Laurence Friel, George Pringle,
Donna Buchan, John and Angela Mcintosh,
Jorge Rodriguez, Sr Veronica,
Katharine, Ashley Hammond,
John, Jennifer,
Christopher Mackinnon, Gilmour Forrest,
Maureen Lawson, Bailey Bruce McCann,
Grettel Calvo Mendez, Betty Dickinson,
Annette, Catherine Hart,
Karen Devlin, Vo Van Tu,
Scott Fraser, Thea Maung,
Anne Doig, Sr May Lewis,
Jessie & George Ritchie,
John Skinner, Fr Eugen,
Evelyn Levine, James Duffy,
Ronan Boyle, Hazel Martin,
Mary Boyle, Mary Dias,
Catriona McAuley, Elaine Hepburn,
Marie, Sophie,
Roney Fernandes, Christopher Browne, Xaverina Rodrigues, Anne and Helen, Sacred Heart sisters in Uganda.
I am the Resurrection and the Life
We remember in love
Those who have died recently:
Olive Meehan
William Doig,
Mary Malone,
Mary Campbell,
Patrick,
Ester Rodriguez,
Leah Gunn,
John McGinley.
Anniversaries
St Catherine’s
Kathleen Delaney.
St. Gregory:
Dick Perry, Ninian Jamieson.
St J V:
William Learmonth, Annie Boner,
Mary Boyle, Charlie McGeever,
Dan Quigley, Patrick Duffy,
Maria Evita Tarriella, Hugh Doherty,
Eva Campbell, Pat Doherty,
David Williams, Mary Buchanan,
Joseph Forrest, Anne McCaffrey,
Thomas Donoghue, Pat Dolan.
Our Remembrance Gallery is in memory of the loved ones we have lost during the pandemic. If you wish a loved one to be included, go here to find out how. You will also find information on what help our Cluster Bereavement Group offer for anyone who has been bereaved.
For those without internet access
If you know a parishioner without internet access please tell them about our podcast. For the cost of a local call, 0131 357 6463 they can hear our Lockdown Liturgy (available on Sunday).
United in prayer:
Tues 2.45 & Weds 7pm
Our Prayer Foundation invite us all to join in 30 min of silent prayer. For an example of an opening prayer see
here.
For prayer requests email
Ask your MP to stop the £20 cut to Universal Credit
The relevant food bank for the cluster is:
47 Southhouse Broadway EH17 8AS
Phone number 664 9353
Needed this week:
- Fray Bentos Pies,
- Sponge Puddings,
- Hand wash,
- Tinned Tuna,
- Tinned Carrots
Are you struggling? We are here to help
If you, or anyone you know, is in need of financial support or a friendly telephone chat, call our SSVP in the Cluster:
St John Vianney's 07922 675196,
St Gregory's 07757 845673,
St Catherine's 07539 266411.
If you would like to make a donation go here
Entitlements Page
What help are you entitled to?
There are many benefits and grants to which people are entitled. Please check our entitlements page. Let us also know of others. Scottish Child Payment: £10 a week paid monthly for each child under 6.
Trustee (voluntary)
We are seeking new trustees including a new treasurer to join the small charity, Transition Edinburgh South (TES), that runs Gracemount Community Garden. We are looking for trustees of any age or any background as long as they are passionate about building local community and environmental sustainability, particularly in and around Gracemount and its neighbouring areas. Please get in touch through the contact form on our website https://www.transitionedinburghsouth.org.uk/
International Day Against Nuclear Tests 29 August
Justice for the victims of nuclear testing 29 Aug @ 7pm by Zoom. Clause 6 of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons seeks compensation for the victims of nuclear weapons tests, and reparation for lands damaged by radiation. People and territory are still suffering because of the effects of nuclear testing. Our speakers are each expert because of their experiences, their research, and their work to achieve justice for all affected. Register here.
St Joseph’s Services in Rosewell has a vacancy for a Pastoral Coordinator. You will realise how important such a post is in a project like ours where we wish to stay true to the values and pastoral ethos of St Vincent de Paul. Information on the above post together with contact details can be downloaded here.
Synod of Bishops 2021-2023
Scottish Laity Network
The Synodal Church -
Synodality in Practice
9.30-12.30pm In the second talk of the series, on Saturday 4th September Brian Grogan SJ a well known author spiritual director, will facilitate a practical exploration of a synodal way of listening and discerning. Register here.
For more info. slaitynetwork@gmail.com
For a copy of the entire series of talks go here.
Scottish Laity Network
The Synodal Church -
Synodality and Women
In the third talk of the series, on Thursday 9th September at 7pm, Phyllis Zagano who is an internationally acclaimed scholar who has lectured throughout the United States and in Canada, Europe and Australia. Her groundbreaking work on women in the diaconate led to her appointment to the Pontifical Commission for the Study of the Diaconate of Women in 2016. Register here.
Season of Creation 1 Sept - 4 Oct
Christians worldwide are coming together to focus on this year's theme, A Home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God.
Renewing the WHAT? Watch the very short video by clicking on the picture to find out! The season will be launched by an
ecumenical online prayer service on 1 Sept @ 12 noon which you can watch live on
YouTube or
Facebook.
Read more about this year's season on the
Laudato Si' and
archdiocesan websites.