Homily for 2nd Sunday of Advent

In the 2nd reading, St Paul says that what was written in the past in Scripture (our Old Testament) was written “that we might have hope”. The stories and the prophecies are there so we might have hope – and persevere. We can add: Advent is here so we might have hope. When Christ is born, when there is a baby in the crib, it’s faith that’s asked of us: this baby is Emmanuel. But in Advent it’s hope. And all life is Advent. The whole Christian life is one of hopeful waiting, and so is the whole Church’s life: “as we await the blessed hope and the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Every Mass, every Eucharist is a cry for the Kingdom to come. Continue reading

Charity Auction for the Abbey’s South Range Appeal

Our appeal to rebuild the medieval monastery’s South Range has launched a new charity auction on our fundraising website https://appealpluscardenabbey.org.uk Continue reading

Youth Pilgrimage to Poland 2020

A Youth Pilgrimage to Poland is being organised from 28^th July to 13^th August 2020 by the St Andrew’s Community. The pilgrimage is for youth aged 12-17. Registration ASAP via youth@standrewX.org or phone 07754 891808 Continue reading

General Election 2019

A letter from the Catholic Bishops of Scotland

This General Election presents us with an opportunity to elect an individual representative who reflects as closely as possible our beliefs. It allows us to revisit Catholic Social Teaching and to connect our voting to our Catholic faith, it can be a chance to proclaim the inherent dignity and value of every human being, made in the image and likeness of God, and to promote the common good.

“Joy to the World”: Marian Reflections for Advent

“Joy to the World”: Marian Reflections for Advent is a series of talks, discussions, and meditations on God’s plan for salvation, seen through the eyes of Mary of Nazareth at St. Columba’s, Culloden during December. Everyone Welcome! Continue reading

St. Columba’s, Culloden: Christmas Carol Service

St. Columba’s, Culloden will be holding a Christmas Carol Service on Thursday 19 December, 19:00-20:00. The service will include favourite Christmas carols, with community singing, together with seasonal Scripture readings. We will have the children of St. Joseph’s RC School joining us, together with a special appearance by The Three (Highland) Priests! Continue reading

Unwrapping Advent – Finding the Coming Christ in the Mass

“Unwrapping Advent – finding the coming Christ in the Mass” is the title of St Joseph’s, Woodside Advent Talk Series, given by Fr Emmet O’Dowd (Catholic Chaplain to the ARI). Continue reading

Diocesan Pilgrimage 2020

A Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Marian Shrine of Walshingham and Saintly sites of the North East of England, led by Bishop Hugh, OSB, will take place from 1-8 July 2020. Continue reading

Statement of the Bishops of the European Union (COMECE): Fall of the Berlin Wall

On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, EU Bishops call upon all Europeans to work together towards a free and united Europe “through a renewed process of dialogue […] for a common peaceful future”.The statement was adopted by the Assembly of COMECE, which is composed of the Bishop-Delegates of the Episcopates of the EU. H.E. Mgr. Overbeck (Germany), Vice President of COMECE commented on the statement: “it is a call on the European people to cooperate in solidarity”.

To view the letter visit: 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall: EU Bishops call for a renewed process of dialogue

For more information about COMECE visit their website: comece.eu

Homily for Mass in Commemoration of the Canonisation of St John Ogilvie

On this day in 1976, in St Peter’s, Rome, John Ogilvie was canonized. There’s a full account in the Scottish Catholic Directory of 1978, pp. 432-437. Andrew Mann read the 1st reading and Colin Stewart, here tonight as Dean, was there too, a new student in the Scots College. Last Sunday, 13 October 2019, in Rome, another John was canonized, John Henry Newman – the first canonization of a Brit since our local hero, 43 years ago. It was good to be there. Tonight, rather than speak about either John directly, let me say something about the Catholic practice of canonization. What’s it about? Continue reading