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* Shaped by the Sacred Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, * Where life is centred on Christ present and worshipped in the Eucharist. * From Sunday Eucharist people are empowered to bring their faith, hope and love to others.
When the Magdalene and Bingham housing schemes were built in the late fifties they were served by St John's Portobello. This parish was very large and was divided into two in 1961. The new parish, which was later to be called St Mary Magdalene's, was divided from St John's by the Milton Road and from St Teresa'a (Craigmillar) by the railway bridge to the south. This parish was thus to serve the two housing schemes and a considerable number of bungalows in the area. When the parish was first started there was no house, no church but it did have its first priest - Father Lawrence Glancy. A parish house was purchased in 1965 and was used for meetings some services and housed a small oratory until the church was build and ready in 1968. Over the years the population has changed and now only has 360 parishioners but it is still an active community. Last October we marked the 40th anniversary with a concelebrated Mass followed by a party We were delighted that His Grace the Archbishop was able to come and so many of the priests involved in the parish were present. Canon Rae, parish priest of St John's, from which parish ours evolved, gave the homily. We were particularly pleased that Father Glancey, our first Parish Priest,was also present.
MUSIC MINISTRY: The choir and organist provide music for the liturgy. PASSKEEPERS: On Sundays the passkeepers welcome the parishioners as they enter the church. They also offer support throughout the services. PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL: Meets regularly, in the evening, in the parish house. It is a general parish meeting to which all are invited. All areas of pastoral and spiritual are addressed READERS: Read the scriptures at Mass each Sunday. SCHOOLS: Primary - St John's. Currently St John's school has an acting headteacher since Mr Brack left to take up another post in 2004. It is hoped that a new head will be appointed before the new session in August 669 1363 Secondary - Holy Rood High School Head Teacher Ms Lesley Carrol 661 5871 FLOWERS: Flowers are used to adorn the church. GIFT AID: Those who wish to contribute to the upkeep of the parish through the Gift Aid Scheme that enables the parish to reclaim tax on donations should contact 200 CLUB: This is a useful source of income for the parish. Half the funds provide prizes and the other goes to parish funds.
Details of courses and opportunities for spiritual growth are given in the weekly newsletter. One parishioner is currently following the course for the LIMEX Certificate. ADULT FAITH FORMATION: Parents are encouraged to take full part in the initiation of their children.. John Lindsay, the Adult Faith Development Officer addressed the parish on the last Sunday in June
Friendship Support Welcome Sense of belonging Tolerance
BAPTISM Preparation by priest. Father Hennessy normally visits the home and the parents come to see him in the presbytery. They are given the book containing the Rite and this is used to explain the meaning of the sacrament and its ceremonies with emphasis on parents responsibilities. It is decided whether Baptism is celebrated within or outwith Mass RCIC:Rite of Christian Initiation of Children Father Hennessy meets several times with the parents. Father Hennessy, assisted by two very dedicated mothers in the parish, (Anne Jabir and Laura Tweedie) prepare a programme of various activities for the children leading up to the time of First Holy Communion and Confirmation . Liturgically the parish use as a guide-book "Celebrating Catholic Rites and Rituals" (Chateau/Miller) MARRIAGE: The couple concerned are referred to the courses for engaged couples at Gillis Centre. The persons preparing for marriage also receive a few talks on Catholic Doctrine re marriage as well as a visit to Mrs E Davis to discuss informally the more practical aspects of marriage. RECONCILIATION: Saturday morning after Mass Father Hennessy is available for individual confessions or any time or day on request. Twice a year - Lent and Advent - there is a service of penance and reconciliation. A visiting priest celebrates the sacrament wit Father Hennessy. HOUSEBOUND: Initially contact should be made with the parish priest who will arrange for a Eucharistic Minister to bring the Eucharist to the housebound person. Father Hennessy also visits the sick. PARISH ORGANISATIONS ALTAR SERVERS: Both boys and girls are trained as altar severs and after their training is complete they serve at Mass on Sundays CHILDREN'S LITURGY: A team of helpers prepare and conduct the Liturgy of the Word for children every Sunday. On the first Sunday of the month the children read the lessons and lead the bidding prayers as well as taking part in the offertory procession. HOLY ROOD DEANERY PASTORAL COUNCIL: Meets three times a year offering the opportunity to meet with other local parishes and share and support each other in pastoral strategies EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS; Help to distribute the Eucharist and minister to the housebound. For FINANCE: Each week the collection is counted and banked. Annual accounts are prepared.
CONFESSIONS After 10am Mass on Saturday - by request EMERGENCY CONTACTS in Fr Hennessy's absence: St John's Portobello 669 5447 St Teresa's Craigmillar 661 2185
   e-mail: jean@stmarymagdalenes.com | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||