Noticeboard

NOTICES
for SUNDAY 18 OCTOBER 2026

Pope Leo
Please keep the Holy Father in your prayers as he recovers from surgery. May the Lord may give him strength and peace as he continues his ministry.

World Mission Sunday
Today, we have the annual special collection for the 100th World Mission Sunday. This year’s theme, chosen by Pope Leo, is One in Christ, United in Mission. Our prayers and donations will support missionaries and communities in need, including Missio Scotland’s projects in Albania and Ukraine. Please pray for missionaries throughout the world and give what you can. Donations can also be made online at missioscotland.com/donate

Entry to the Catechumenate
This morning at the 10.30 Mass, those who are embarking on the RCIA programme, the journey to being baptised or receive into the Catholic Church at Easter, undergo the Rite of Entry to the Catechumenate. Each will receive a copy of Mark’s Gospel (the Gospel to be read in the coming liturgical year beginning on the First Sunday of Advent) and the promise of support and prayers from the parish community. Please keep the new Catechumens in your prayers.

Music at 10.30am Mass Today
Before Mass: Johann Pachelbel (1653-1706) Ciacona in Dm
Mass Setting: Urszula Rogala (b.1983) Missa Spei
Communion: Plainsong, Domine Dominus noster (Psalm 8); François Couperin (1668-1733) Élévation; Stefan Klaverdal (b.1975) The Tree of Life
Recessional: Georgi Mushel (1909-89) Toccata

Voluntary Choir
The Voluntary Choir will next sing at the annual Remembrance Day Mass on Sunday 8 November at 10.30am. There are two rehearsals, on Thursdays 29 October and 5 November at 7.00 to 8.30pm. All are welcome whatever your level of expertise or confidence – there is plenty of support and encouragement.

Archives
Thank you to those who responded to the recent appeal for help with our parish archives. A meeting of those interested will be held shortly to decide how to proceed. 

Projections of Spanish Jesuit Scholasticism on Scottish Thought
As part of the celebrations of the 500th anniversary of the ‘School of Salamanca’, a seminar will be held at the Edinburgh Jesuit Centre on Friday 6 November at 4pm. The speakers are Francisco T. Baciero Ruiz and Fermín del Pino-Díaz, two of the authors of the book: Projections of Spanish Jesuit Scholasticism on British Thought: New Horizons in Politics, Law, and Rights (Brill, 2022), and Robert A. Maryks, editor of the series Jesuit Studies. The event will begin at 4pm with a welcome by Santiago Miralles Huete, Consul General of Spain in Edinburgh, and Cristina Gonzalez-Longo of University of Strathclyde and convenor of the Scottish Catholic History Association. This event is free and open to all. Register on Eventbrite here.

Mass at St Thomas of Aquin’s High School

Mass is celebrated every Friday in term time at 8.10am at St Thomas of Aquin’s High School. Parishioners are always welcome. But please be aware that a large number of pupils and staff attend and the chapel is very full – this is not to put you off, just to warn that this is a busy Mass!

Who is Jesus?
If you want to explore Jesus, God, life, love and much more you are welcome to attend this free course which takes place each Tuesday at 7.30pm at St Albert's Catholic Chaplaincy, 23 George Square, Edinburgh. Contact Fr Andrew Brookes OP at andrew.brookes@english.op.org

Celebrate with the Sisters of Mercy
The Sisters of Mercy of Alma are celebrating 10 years in our archdiocese. Join them on Tuesday 20 October at 6.30pm–8.00pm at the Gillis Centre for a short documentary about the sisters and their community life, Q&A, pizza and conversation Register at bit.ly/dinnerdoc

RCIA – The Journey to Becoming Catholic
The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) – the journey for adults who wish to become Catholics – has just begun. To find out more, pick up the leaflet in the narthex or look online at edinburghjesuit.org.uk/rcia-1  There is still time to join this year’s course. Contact Andrew Cassidy, Pastoral Associate, at ejcpastoral@jesuit.org.uk

2027 Missals
Those who ordered 2027 Sunday Missals can now collect them from the bookshop. If you didn’t pre-order, there are a few extra copies available. £9.95 Contactless payment available.

Bookshop
Our bookshop is open after Sunday Masses and stocks books and booklets on scripture, spirituality and prayer, theology, liturgy and church history. We also have devotional items such as rosaries, prayer cards, crucifixes, statues, etc. And a selection of second-hand books all for sale at £3. Do take a look. Contactless payment available.

Be still and know that I am God: Exploring Mindfulness, Psychology & Christian Life
Friday 20 to Monday 23 November at the Christian Heritage Centre, Stonyhurst College, Clitheroe, Lancashire. This weekend explores our humanity through your own life story, in the context of the Gospel story and the Christian spiritual life, using mindfulness skills and contemplative Christian prayer. Led by Dr Steve Noone, retired clinical psychologist; Liz Lord, tutor at University of Oxford MSt in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy; and Fr Roger Dawson, Jesuit priest and clinical psychologist.  £405 (£310 for those sharing a twin room). Book at christianheritagecentre.com/events/be-still-and-know-that-i-am-god

Mass for the Faithful Departed
Archbishop Cushley will offer Holy Mass for the repose of all the faithful departed who have died in the Archdiocese in the last year, especially those buried at Mount Vernon Cemetery in Edinburgh. This will take place on All Souls’ Day, Monday 2 November, at 10:00am in the Cemetery Chapel at Mount Vernon Cemetery, 49 Mount Vernon Rd, Edinburgh, EH16 6JG.

Edinburgh Day for Life
SPUC Edinburgh West is holding its first Day for Life on Saturday 31 October, 9.30am–3.30pm, at the Gillis Centre, 100 Strathearn Road, Edinburgh EH9 1BB. Include talks from Dr Calum MacKellar, Margaret Akers and Chris McEleny. Register for this free event at bit.ly/dayforlife

St Moluag’s Coracle
St Moluag’s Coracle is a Scottish Catholic online magazine featuring articles on faith, history, philosophy and current affairs. The magazine is free to read and welcomes contributions from Catholics across Scotland. Find out more and subscribe at stmoluagscoracle.com

Calendar
Sun 18 Oct – RCIA Rite of Entrance into the Catechumenate 10.30am
Sun 18 Oct – Seven Music Ministry masterclass 4-6pm
Tue 20 Oct – Parish Finance Council 7pm
Thr 29 Oct – Voluntary Choir rehearsal 7pm
Sun 1 Nov – Feast of All Saints
Sun 1 Nov – YAM First Sunday Circle with Fr Kpanie Addy sj 8pm
Mon 2 Nov – All Souls Day
Thr 5 Nov – Voluntary Choir rehearsal 7pm
Sun 8 Nov – Remembrance Sunday Mass 10.30am
Sun 8 Nov – Retreat in Daily Life 12 begins – Opening meeting 5.30pm
Fri 13 Nov – CLC Mass & Supper 7pm
Sat 14 Nov – SCIAF Annual Mass for Deceased 12.30pm
Mon 16 Nov – Edinburgh University Singers Concert 7.30pm
Fri 20 Nov – Edinburgh University Chamber Choir Concert 7.30pm
Sun 22 Nov – Feast of Christ the King Young Adult Mass with Archbishop Leo Cushley 7pm
Sun 29 Nov – First Sunday of Advent Carol Service (with SCIAF) 4.00pm
Tue 1 Dec – GodTalk 4: The Book of Job 7pm
Fri 4 Dec – First Friday Mass & Adoration 7pm
Sun 6 Dec – Second Sunday of Advent
Sun 6 Dec – YAM First Sunday Circle with Fr Jamie McMorrin 8pm
Sun 12 Dec – RCIA Retreat Day 2.00-4.30pm
Sun 13 Dec – Third Sunday of Advent
Sunday 20 Dec – Fourth Sunday of Advent
Thr 24 Dec – Christmas Eve Children’s Christmas Mass 4pm; Msss of Christmas Night (“Midnight Mass”) 8pm
Fri 25 Dec – Christmas Day Mass at 8am and 10.30am

Celebrate with the Sisters of Mercy of Alma
The Sisters of Mercy of Alma, Michigan, are celebrating 10 years in our Archdiocese. Join them on Tuesday 20 October, 6.30pm–8pm at The Gillis Centre EH9 1BB for a short documentary about the sisters and their community life, Q&A, pizza and conversation Register at bit.ly/dinnerdoc

Pope’s Prayer Network
Each month, the Pope shares prayer intentions which address major human and ecclesial challenges. For October 2026, Pope Leo invites us to pray with him “That mental health ministry be established throughout the Church to reduce stigma and support those suffering.”

Consultation on Diocesan Structures
The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland has announced the latest phase of its consultation on the future structure of dioceses in Scotland. Informed by feedback, possible configurations were considered by the bishops. The following options are now being presented for further reflection and consultation:
1. Argyll & the Isles and Paisley merge
2. Argyll & the Isles and Glasgow merge
3. Paisley and Galloway merge
4. Galloway and Motherwell merge
5. St. Andrews & Edinburgh and Dunkeld merge
6. Motherwell, Paisley and Galloway merge
7. Maintain the current diocesan structures but with greater sharing and collaboration.
These are possibilities for further discernment, not decisions or an agreed map for the future. The bishops recognise that dioceses are communities of faith with their own histories, relationships and traditions. Any change must therefore be approached with prayer, sensitivity and care for the people and communities involved. Synodal discernment also asks each of us to look beyond our own self-interests and to consider what will best serve the Catholic Church in Scotland as a whole. Everyone in every parish is encouraged to make their voice heard when opportunities for consultation are announced locally by their diocesan bishop. More at: archedinburgh.org/news/

Pro-Life Candlelight Procession
SPUC Scotland’s annual Candlelight Procession takes place in Glasgow on Thursday 29 October to pray for the protection of unborn life. The evening begins with the Rosary at the Mercat Building, Glasgow Cross, at 6.30pm, followed by the Candlelight Procession at 7pm and Mass at St Andrew’s Cathedral at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

P1 School Admissions in Edinburgh
The annual open day for primaries across the City of Edinburgh is Wednesday 4 November. This is an opportunity to visit the school you would like your child to attend. If you would like your child to attend a Catholic primary school, you should ensure they have been baptised prior to enrolment as a baptismal certificate may be required.

Please remember in your prayers those of our parish who are sick or housebound including Mary Cherry, Sandra Fleming, Benedicte Gasparde, Anne Giles, Kathleen Kudesia, John McManus and Betty Saria.

Financial Support for Sacred Heart Church
We rely on the generous financial support of those who worship in this church to keep the building and our mission in Edinburgh afloat. There are four ways you can contribute your Sunday Collection or donation:
1 By setting up a standing order with your bank (this can be done online if you have a banking app or online banking). Standing order forms are available in the narthex – just hand this to your bank.
2 By making a contactless donation on the new machine in the narthex.
3 By making an online donation.
4 By making a cash donation in the collection.
If you are a UK taxpayer, please also sign a Gift Aid form – this enables us to claim from the government an additional 25p for every £1 you donate at no extra expense to yourself. Gift Aid forms are available in the narthex. The new contactless machine also allows you to Gift Aid.

Edinburgh Jesuit Centre Mailing List
Each Friday afternoon, we send out a short email reminder of concerts, talks, retreats and other events at Sacred Heart Church.  Join the mailing list by emailing ejcpastoral@jesuit.org.uk  You can unsubscribe at any time.

Events in the Archdiocese
Click here for a full list of forthcoming events in the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh.