Reflection –
Matthew’s account of Jesus’ ministry begins today. Matthew recognises that Jesus’ location, known in his time as Galilee, but to Isaiah as Zebulun and Naphtali, fulfils the old prophecy about a people in darkness seeing a great light. Jesus announces the Good News that the kingdom of heaven is at hand and calls everyone to repentance (literally, a change of mind), and calls his first disciples. An energetic beginning. How energetic is our response?
Note: For a beautiful reflection on this painting please click here. Christian Art is a website that offers a pathway to grow closer to God through the beauty of art and the Gospel, founded by Father Patrick van der Vorst, a Roman Catholic priest for the Diocese of Westminster, London.
Mass readings.
3rd Sunday of the Year – Year A – 24th & 25th January 2026
1st Reading: Isaiah 9:1b-4
Responsorial Psalm. The Lord is my light and my salvation
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13,17
Gospel Acclamation: Alleluia,Alleluia…Jesus proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom and healed every affliction among the people …. Alleluia!
Gospel: Matthew 4:12-23
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PARISH UPDATES:
Catholic Families for Life – The latest Catholic Families for Life Newsletter from the National Commission for Marriage, Family and Life is now available at www.marriagefamilyandlife.org.uk
Valentine’s Day afternoon retreat – This Valentine’s Day (Saturday 14 February) couples are invited to join the Archdiocese’s afternoon retreat reflecting on the Gift of Marriage. It takes place 2pm-5pm at St Kentigern’s Church, 26-28 Parkgrove Avenue, Edinburgh, EH4 7QR and is led by renowned Scottish Catholic playwright Stephen Callaghan and wife Rachel. Details and registration at bit.ly/archretreat26
Catechists for Special Needs – SPRED (Special Religious Development) groups need more catechists! Your role will be share the Lord with adults with special needs at fortnightly term-time meetings. Catechists are trained by the Archdiocese and meet fortnightly for preparatory sessions. Interested? Contact Sr Mary Benedicta Maier RSM, SPRED Coordinator, at srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk to serve.
SPRED: Sacramental Prep & Faith Formation for Children and Adults with Special Needs – Children and adults with special needs are invited to participate more fully in the life of the Church by being welcomed into a SPRED (Special Religious Development) group. If you are interested in your child or adult son or daughter participating, Sr Mary Benedicta Maier RSM, SPRED Co-ordinator, would love to hear from you at srmary.benedicta@staned.org.uk.
Catholic Conversations for Women – All women are welcome to this event with the Religious Sisters of Mercy of Alma on Saturday 31 January, 3:45pm-4:45pm in St Andrew’s Parish rooms (77 Belford Rd, Edinburgh, EH4 3DS) for refreshments and faith-focused discussion on preparing for Lent. A Holy Hour will follow with Adoration & Vespers from 5:10pm. Register at edinburgh@almamercy.org or call 0131 343 3380.
Youth Helpers for the Annual Lourdes Pilgrimage – Applications are now open for Youth Helpers (Age 16-30) for this years Lourdes Pilgrimage. Forms are at the back of the Church detailing requirements with the application process closing 15th February. There is support funding of £500 available with the balance to be raised by the applicant. If you have any questions, please ask Angela Allan.
The 60th Anniversary Celebration of our church on 15th March is fast approaching! We are planning to have a celebration after mass at Gibson Craig Halls (5 min. walk) with a free buffet for the parishioners. Please let us know as soon as possible if you are free and you would like to attend by writing down your name on the sheet at the back of the church. If you would like to be involved in the entertainment please let Norma know at normamitchell5237@gmail.com
Christmas Gifts for Prisoners note of Thanks – “Thank you so much for your support for the fortieth Christmas gift collection. 247 children received presents many of which were Delivered at six Christmas parties that took place in the visit room organised by the prison & Barnardo’s. Remaining gifts have been retained by the visitors centre and will continue to be given out throughout the year so the number of children will increase. We achieved our aim. Which is the same every year, that every child that passes through the doors of the prison visitors centre receives a Christmas gift.”
New Website – Don’t forget to visit the new parish website – feedback to Kevin or George
Our Lady’s Offertory Collections.
Last Sunday’s collection: £211.
Month total collections (Bank & Cash) £569
Special Collection (Justice & Peace) £197
Mass Bookings.
We are reminded that the booking of mass for our special intentions, wedding anniversaries, Birthday thanksgiving, Death anniversaries of our loved ones and general prayers is highly recommended. The mass stipends (Donations) are part of our contribution towards the good of the church and support of our priest.
MASS TIMINGS
MASS INTENTIONS
MASS DONOR
Wednesday, January 28th 10.00am
John Donagher (RIP)
Tony Allen
Friday January 30th 10.00am
Martin Melly (RIP)
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Sunday, February 1st 11.30am
Helen & Ann Nicholls
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Blessings to you, your families and those who are dear to you in Jesus’ name, Amen.
On them a light has dawned
Matthew 4:12-17
When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth he went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali, so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled: ‘The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles — the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.’ From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’
