Just to let you know that, due to pressure of other engagements, the Archbishop decided not to go ahead with the planned Vespers on the Sundays of Advent at the Cathedral. He will however be leading the ceremony of the opening of the Door of Mercy on 13^th December.

The Young Adults Group will meet again this Tuesday in Café Camino. This week’s exciting and stimulating speaker is our very own Fr. Nick – who will be leading the discussion on “The Sacraments: Lifeblood of the Christian”. The meeting begins at 7pm.

The Parish Council has decided that the church and hall are in a bit of a need of a spring clean. Despite it being very much winter we would like volunteers to help with some basic cleaning of the church and hall on Saturday 28^th November from 2pm-4pm, and Sunday 29^th November from 2pm-4pm. Many hands make light work, they say, so if you can come on either of those days, your help would be much appreciated. There’s a sign-up sheet at the back of the church.

Fr. Dominic Rolls, a priest of the Diocese of Arundel and Brighton (and an old friend of mine from University) who is recovering from cancer will be arriving on the end of the week. Fr. Dominic is on loan from his Diocese for a period of three years and will be staying at the Cathedral and helping us with Confessions and Masses while he recuperates. I know that you will make him very welcome.

One of the best ways to prepare for Christmas is, of course, to make a good confession – especially if you have not been for some time. In order to help everyone go to confession before Christmas we will be hearing confessions in the Cathedral all day on the Saturdays of Advent (5th, 12th and 19th December) from 10.30am- 6pm. There will be confessions in English throughout the day and in Polish from 2pm-6pm.

Christmas is almost upon us and next Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent! During Advent we will be preparing for the great feast in a number of important ways – all of which are explained in the leaflet which you will have been handed today. I am asking you to read the leaflet and prayerfully consider how you and your family will get ready spiritually for Christmas this year. After many years as a priest I am more convinced than ever that if we are generous in Advent and prepare well – then we have a much happier family Christmas. So please take the leaflet and please think about coming to the special Advent Masses.

This week we welcome in a special way the children of P4 who are being confirmed and making their First Holy Communion this year. They are here with their parents for the Rite of the Presentation of the Gospel. We keep them especially in our prayers as they make this important step.

If you are unable to take your turn, please swap with another team member . Eucharist Ministers: only 1st and 2nd named, if 2 priests saying Mass.

Couples planning to get married should contact the parish office at Cathedral House at least six months’ prior to their proposed wedding. For Baptisms contact the parish office for further information.

The collection last week, Sunday 15th November, was £423.51. Many thanks.

RCIA meetings for those thinking of becoming Catholic, or who would simply like to know more about the Catholic Faith, take place every Tuesday evening from 7.30pm to 9.00pm in the parish rooms at 63 York Place. The meetings are open to all non-Catholics who are interested.

St David’s Primary School, Dalkeith have a vacancy for a teacher, starting 6th January. For details as to how to apply search www.myjobscotland.gov.uk