We had a great celebration of Saint Andrew’s Night in the hall on Friday 30th November.   We were treated to a skilful display of Highland Dancing by Caitlin, Claire and Roisin, three young dancers from the Phelan School of Dancing in Edinburgh; and young Andrew Knowles, who was confirmed here this summer, thrilled the crowd as he marched through the hall playing ‘Highland Cathedral’ and ‘Flower of Scotland’.

A traditional supper of mince was served and there was cloutie dumpling, too (thanks to Louise and Michelle), and those so inclined were able to sample some wonderful ale hand-crafted by our own Steve Innocente!

There was also plenty of ceilidh dancing in which all joined in, from toddler to pensioner, and the final entertainment of the evening was the sight of the Parish Priest in a kilt!

The event raised £500 for the work of the Jesuit missions in Zimbabwe.

Thanks to Anne and all those who helped to organise such a sensational evening!

The winners in the four categories were:
Mountains – Ana Maria Armbrecht
Sea – Sandra Archer
Sky – Eleanor Docherty
Creatures – Sally Wilson

- and the overall winner was Ana Maria Armbrecht.

The professional photographer who judged the competition was very impressed by the high standard of the entries.

Thanks to all who took part, and thanks also to the One World Shop for donating prizes of chocolate and coffee.

Francisca began work at the Scottish Records Office in 1978 and worked there for nine years.  She was later based in Atholl Crescent, working for the Scottish courts for five years before moving on to the National Museum of Scotland in Chambers Street.  Finally, she served twelve years at the General Register Office for Scotland on the North Bridge.

Francisca is pictured with her medal at the door of the church she has faithfully attended all this time.

Arriving at the Whiteadder Reservoir, we gathered at the water’s edge for the first reading, psalm and second reading, and had time to absorb and reflect on these readings and even discuss them as we ascended the hill.

Then, congregating in the ruin of an old house, overlooking the reservoir, we heard the gospel, homily, and made prayers of intercession before proceeding with the liturgy of the Eucharist.

After the Mass, we broke out our packed lunches and shared the food around before heading back down the hill.

On our return journey we made a stop at Nunraw Abbey, visited the chapel, and enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the gardens in the late afternoon sun before making our way back to Edinburgh.

Special thanks to Neil MacGregor for all the work he put into organising what was a beautiful and enjoyable day.

(And thanks to Ana Maria Armbrecht for the pictures).

Fr Jack Mahoney SJ, a former Superior of the Jesuit community here, has returned to Edinburgh to assist in the parish.

Fr George Bwanali SJ, from Zimbabwe, is studying for a Masters in Inclusive and Special Education at the University of Edinburgh.

Philip Harrison SJ, from Bristol, is studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education at the
University of Edinburgh.

Fr Gregory Jacobs SJ, from Australia, is studying for a Masters in Science and Religion at the
University of Edinburgh.

Fr Michael Coutts SJ

Fr Michael was with us for the month of July.  He works in the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes in Toronto, Canada, and also celebrates a regular televised Mass on Canadian TV.

Fr Tim Byron SJ

Fr Tim was until last year the chaplain at St Ignatius’ College, Enfield, in north London.  He has just returned from his Tertianship (the “last stage” of Jesuit formation) in the Philippines and is with us for the summer until he moves to his next assignment.

Fr Tim’s blog, Schola Affectus

Follow Fr Tim on Facebook

Fr Nick Austin SJ

Fr Nick is with us for the month of August.   He teaches theology at Heythrop College, University of London, and has previously taught at Edinburgh Living Theology.

Fr Nick’s page on the Heythrop College web site

See a video interview of Fr Nick telling his vocation story

Read more about Fr Nick on the British Jesuits’ web site

Fr Tony Horan SJ

Fr Tony has until recently run courses in spirituality at the Mount Street Jesuit Centre in London.  He will shortly be moving to the parish of Corpus Christi in Boscombe on the south coast of England.  Tony is with us for two weeks in August.

Read Fr Tony on the subject of Discernment in Jesuits & Friends magazine

The deadline is nearing!

The parish Ecology Group is running a photo competition, for photos that celebrate the natural world.

Categories: “The Natural Landscape” and “Animals”.

Photos to be exhibited and prizes awarded.

Final submission date 25^th August.

Maximum size 24” x 16”, 3 photos per entrant.

Add your name, age and contact details and place on table outside the sacristy, marked Ecology Group Photo Comp.

Our prayers for dry conditions were answered – about twenty minutes after the Mass had finished!

We went on to enjoy a picnic lunch by the lochside at Tibby Shiels, including a visit to the statue of James Hogg, the “Ettrick Shepherd”.  After lunch we got to skim a few stones on the Megget Reservoir and stopped at Dalhousie Castle on the way home, where we saw their wonderful collection of birds of prey – including a Golden Eagle – at close quarters.

Thanks to all those who provided their cars for this adventure, and especially to Neil McGregor who put so much thought into planning the route and guiding us through the many points of interest.

[Photo: Rachel Aldridge]