Live streamed Masses
Click on this link to find out about the celebration of Mass in various churches across the whole of Scotland.
Cluster News 4/5 July
Our buildings are closed.
Our church is open.
Our church is open.
You are welcome.
Dear Parishioner,
We hope that this finds you and your families well. Welcome to this week's Cluster News. If you would like to share any news or comments, let us know. southedclust@btinternet.com
.
Let's continue to pray for one another and especially those who are experiencing any difficulties during this challenging time. With our prayers, best wishes and blessings,
Fr Mike and Fr Alex.
Prayer resources for adults
Children's resources
For parishioners without internet access
Phone service 0131 357 6463
Our dedicated phone number allows people to listen to our Prayer Resources and the latest version becomes available on Sunday. Please dial the complete number. After a short introductory welcome and a pause, you will hear everything that is on the Prayer Resources video. The charge is the equivalent of a local call.
Prayer Foundation:
Prayer in Lockdown
The Prayer Foundation are inviting everyone to a prayer service on Zoom on Sunday 26 July
from 2.00 - 3.15pm.
Six people have agreed to speak ( for a max of 5 minutes) about their experience of Lockdown, followed by 5 minutes silent reflection. Details for joining this service will be provided at a later date.
Our Prayer Foundation invite us all to be united in prayer on Tuesdays at 2.45pm and Wednesdays at 7pm.
Please join us in prayer clare.roller@icloud.com
More labourers for the vineyard!
Each week you see readers, musicians and prayer composers contribute their skills to put together our liturgy. The lockdown has made us more creative in providing prayer responses and some have learned new video skills.
We would like you to consider becoming a part of this growing number of people who want to actively participate in our liturgy. We are thinking specifically of readers from across the cluster and of all ages. Training will be given if you need help with the technology.
We are also looking for people to compose our Prayers of Intercession. At present there are eight people involved in this. It would help greatly if we could recruit another three of four to ease the load. You would not be expected to produce these immediately nor all by yourself. You would have a “prayer buddy” who would work with you until you felt confident to work independently.
We would like you to consider becoming a part of this growing number of people who want to actively participate in our liturgy. We are thinking specifically of readers from across the cluster and of all ages. Training will be given if you need help with the technology.
We are also looking for people to compose our Prayers of Intercession. At present there are eight people involved in this. It would help greatly if we could recruit another three of four to ease the load. You would not be expected to produce these immediately nor all by yourself. You would have a “prayer buddy” who would work with you until you felt confident to work independently.
We invite you to consider how you might best do that in our cluster. Who ME? southedclust@btinternet.com
Bethany Trust volunteers
Our Cluster volunteers for Bethany will be on duty on the evening of the 12th of July. Two days later on the 15th of July the hotel where the homeless have been staying and being provided with meals for several months will be closing.
This means that there is uncertainty about the way forward for Bethany in terms of possible venues for the Night Shelter.
We will obviously keep in close contact with the management of Bethany Christian Trust over the summer months.
This means that there is uncertainty about the way forward for Bethany in terms of possible venues for the Night Shelter.
We will obviously keep in close contact with the management of Bethany Christian Trust over the summer months.
We will also do as much as we can to support the project for the homeless continuing.
For parishioners who wish to help with the cost of food for the homeless please contribute through the Cluster Bank account.
The name of the account is
J.WATSON (BETHANY)
Sort code:- 80-46-47.
Account No. 12633665
J.WATSON (BETHANY)
Sort code:- 80-46-47.
Account No. 12633665
If you would be interested in becoming a volunteer or want to know more about Bethany please contact Joe Murray on 07725 582599.
Church buildings open for private prayer
The Scottish Bishops have given comprehensive guidelines about the safety measures that need to be in place for this to happen. You can find their guidance here: https://www.bcos.org.uk/COVID19
It has not been the practice for very many years for our three Church buildings to be open other than for Public Worship during the week and at weekends. The main reason for this was one of security. Sadly, they have a history of being vandalised.
We are of a mind at present not to open the Church buildings for private prayer but will keep the matter under review.
Here are some of the city churches that have restricted opening times for private prayer only. Please check the arrangements on their websites before planning your visit, as they can vary from one parish to the next and times may change.
St. Columba’s, Newington
http://www.stcolumbasrcedinburgh.org.uk/news-events/
Ss Ninian and Triduana, Restalrig
https://stninianandtriduanarcedinburgh.com/
St John the Evangelist, Portobello
https://www.stjohnsportobello.co.uk/mass-and-sacraments/private-prayer-during-covid-19
St Mary's RC Cathedral, Central Edinburgh
Hymn of the Week:
This week Gerry Mulvenna tells us about his personal choice of hymn: We are Companions on the Journey
here.
The closing hymn of our liturgy was chosen by Annette Sibbald and is called "How great thou art".
Cluster Walking Group
The CWG started in 2011 and to date we have arranged over 90 walks. I try and vary the scene between hill, coastal and river walks. Since I cannot organise group walks at present I have recently arranged informal local walks with one or two members from the Cluster - always keeping social distancing. It is important that we all keep healthy as we wait for the day when things get back to normal. For more information contact:
George McDermid 0131 666 2236.
Damage to the Earth:
a Christian Response
Humanity is doing terrible harm to the Earth in many ways including to the climate. This is
already having major impacts, which will become much worse in the lifetimes of our children and subsequent generations. Yet there is still time to avoid the worst, and even to build a better world.
David Coleman, chaplain to Ecocongregation, will speak about this crisis and open discussion on how we can respond. It's on 16th July at 7.30pm.
We will also hear from: the SEECAT churches about how they are already responding to
these issues; and some other related initiatives.
To register please go to: https://tinyurl.com/SEECAT-Earth After registering you will be sent the zoom link to be able join us.
Do you know a lottery winner?
The winner of The 200 draw is Julie Wilson who until recently resided at the Inch but where is she now?? If you know her please ask her to contact me: Ann.callaghan130@talktalk.net
Mobile 07792 447436.
Views from the Pews
Suzanne Blair writes:
We truly are a very fortunate and blessed parish and I for one will always be eternally grateful that Father Mike
was sent to St Catherine's!
I remember we had been without our own parish priest for a while. I was working as a pupil support in Primary 1 in St Catherine’s at the time.
One day the classroom door opened and a man with a lovely smile, cut through the classroom ( you could in those days) on his way to the head teachers office. He introduced himself as the new parish priest at St Catherine’s. I remember thinking ... brilliant, it felt good to have our own parish priest again. Little did I know we had actually been given a special gift from God.
Father Mike has been in my life for both the hardest of times and the best of times and everywhere in between. His wise words have saved me on many occasion and his amazing sense of humour has filled me with laughter too.
His homilies and “little stories” are an absolute treat to listen to they inspire me every Sunday setting me up for the week ahead! Sometimes they can be very challenging but always have a human touch.
Relaying the scriptures and helping us relate to them in our daily lives is a very special gift of which Fr Mike has in abundance.
One of the things I love and appreciate the most is, you have always spoken to us, and not at us. I’ve always felt you're amongst us walking on our journey of faith, never judging.
As a friend .... you are always there and giving freely of your already busy time.
You are always held in high esteem and with great affection in our family! Happy Ordination Fr Mike!
I remember we had been without our own parish priest for a while. I was working as a pupil support in Primary 1 in St Catherine’s at the time.
One day the classroom door opened and a man with a lovely smile, cut through the classroom ( you could in those days) on his way to the head teachers office. He introduced himself as the new parish priest at St Catherine’s. I remember thinking ... brilliant, it felt good to have our own parish priest again. Little did I know we had actually been given a special gift from God.
Father Mike has been in my life for both the hardest of times and the best of times and everywhere in between. His wise words have saved me on many occasion and his amazing sense of humour has filled me with laughter too.
His homilies and “little stories” are an absolute treat to listen to they inspire me every Sunday setting me up for the week ahead! Sometimes they can be very challenging but always have a human touch.
Relaying the scriptures and helping us relate to them in our daily lives is a very special gift of which Fr Mike has in abundance.
One of the things I love and appreciate the most is, you have always spoken to us, and not at us. I’ve always felt you're amongst us walking on our journey of faith, never judging.
As a friend .... you are always there and giving freely of your already busy time.
You are always held in high esteem and with great affection in our family! Happy Ordination Fr Mike!
Happy Birthday and congratulations on the anniversary of your Ordination Fr Alex!
I hope you have managed to celebrate these occasions in some way especially now that lockdown has eased a little.
I always enjoy hearing your sermons when you come to St Catherine’s or when I am at one of our other cluster parishes. I enjoy your homilies as you have a great talent of relaying the scripture message in a sincere but very down to earth and enjoyable way.
I love your commitment and passion for our Maintenance to missionary journey.
We are a very lucky cluster to have you and look forward to many more years to celebrate mass and grow as a cluster with you in it. I’m sure when things are back to normal we will all celebrate properly together. God bless you!
I hope you have managed to celebrate these occasions in some way especially now that lockdown has eased a little.
I always enjoy hearing your sermons when you come to St Catherine’s or when I am at one of our other cluster parishes. I enjoy your homilies as you have a great talent of relaying the scripture message in a sincere but very down to earth and enjoyable way.
I love your commitment and passion for our Maintenance to missionary journey.
We are a very lucky cluster to have you and look forward to many more years to celebrate mass and grow as a cluster with you in it. I’m sure when things are back to normal we will all celebrate properly together. God bless you!
The protection of unborn babies
with cleft lip, cleft palate and club foot
Please write to your MP today and ask them to support the Bill. More information here.
Faith in Action
Help for those struggling financiallyWe know that there must be people who are struggling on reduced wages or benefits at this time. Help is available if you are in this situation (or know someone who is). Please contact us confidentially and we can forward that information to those who can help.
The relevant food bank for the cluster is:
47 Southhouse Broadway EH17 8AS
Phone number 664 9353Email edinburghfoodbank@blythswood.org
Opening times:
Mon & Thu 11am-2.30pm
You can donate online by visiting their website: https://edinburghse.foodbank.org.uk/
The cluster contact name is Rosie.
Items needed this week
- Tinned fruit, mince
- Corned beef, beans
- Tinned carrots
- Shampoo, toothpaste, shower gel
- Tinned custard
- Rice
- Fruit
- Jars of baby food
- Chocolate, Sweets, Mars/Twix bars
- Crisps, Snacks, Biscuits
- SMA baby milk number 1 and 2
Covid-19 Bereavement Support
PETAL (People Experiencing Trauma and Loss) is offering time-limited bereavement support to anyone bereaved by Covid-19, as well as their usual services for those bereaved through murder and suicide.
Click here
for details
How to prevent doorstep scams
Police Scotland run a yearly Shut Out Scammers campaign in order to raise awareness and provide guidance to prevent doorstep crime. Click here
for a video with key tips. For further details on the Trading Standards Scotland website click here. Please share this information.
Make the call campaign 0800 0731 999
Scotland’s firefighters are calling on communities to help stop preventable deaths in house fires. The SFRS offer everyone in Scotland a free home fire safety visit. All it takes is a free phone call. For details click here.
Finance
How you can donate to the clusterSome of you have been asking about donations to the cluster since lockdown.
For more information contact Fred, one of our cluster accountants, who will be happy help you with this. fredmcconnell@btinternet.com
You are held in prayer
Parishioners who are unwell
Maureen Christie and family
Josie and Baby Ronin
Gerry Mulvenna
Nancy Murray
Ranier Carpo
Roney Fernandes
Christopher Browne
Xaverina Rodrigues
Derek Morgan
June Jamieson and her son Alex
Anne and Helen
Annette Sibbald
Please remember in your prayers those who are sick:
Mary McDaidMaureen Christie and family
Josie and Baby Ronin
Gerry Mulvenna
Nancy Murray
Ranier Carpo
Roney Fernandes
Christopher Browne
Xaverina Rodrigues
Derek Morgan
June Jamieson and her son Alex
Anne and Helen
Annette Sibbald
Iain Cusick
Cecilia Glancy
I am the Resurrection and the Life
We remember in love:
Allan CuthillTony Gallo
Alexander Ferrie
Fr Tommy Greenan
Sr Mary
Ena McCann
John Michael Murray
Winifred Murray
Vincent Brady
Anniversaries
Ramsey Sibbald
Fr Gerry Prior
Martin Cairney. James Mushet.
Theresa Meehan.
Lyndsay O’Hara.
Harry Salvona.
May they rest in peace.
Further resources
Journey of Discernment
This series of talks which is asking "What is the future of the Church after a time of pandemic?" ends in an Assembly by Zoom on Sat 11 July. Augusto Zampini speaks on The Vision and Hope of the Vatican COVID-19 Commission, followed by an opportunity for conversations on the way forward. For details please email slaitynetwork@gmail.com
Archdiocesan information
The latest information from the Archdiocese can be found here:
https://archedinburgh.org/update-coronavirus/
The latest information from the Archdiocese can be found here:
https://archedinburgh.org/update-coronavirus/