Saint Mary Magdalene, Bingham

Introduction

Saint Mary Magdalene, Bingham, in Edinburgh opened in 1967 after its foundation in 1961, for the post-war housing estates of Magdalene and Bingham. Saint Mary Magdalene, Bingham follows the mid-twentieth-century modern liturgical tradition through clean lines, a modest scale and a functional design directed toward simplicity, clarity and community worship. Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint John's Portobello joined as sister parishes in November 2013.

History

The new parish of Saint Mary Magdalene, Bingham had Milton Road West as its northern boundary and the railway bridge over Duddingston Park South as its southern boundary.

Music and liturgy

From September to June a Children’s Mass is held once a month, alternating the Do This in Memory programme’s Primary 4 First Holy Communion with Primary 3 First Reconciliation, and these Masses replace Children’s Liturgy of the Word. Music groups, an organist and cantors provide music and lead singing at Vigil and Sunday Masses and major celebrations. Readers proclaim the scriptures and the bidding prayers at the liturgies. A Requiem Mass usually includes five hymns: entrance, psalm or hymn, offertory, communion and recessional.

A club founded in 1991 is open to all over-60s, most members in their 70s, 80s and 90s, and its meetings include prayer, fellowship, bingo, guest speakers and music. Seats are not reserved, families often sit near the front for Children’s Liturgy, and there is space for prams and wheelchairs.

Parish life

A family member or close friend may give a eulogy after Holy Communion and before the Final Commendation. The family may place flowers on the coffin or in the sanctuary.

The Parish Media Team creates podcasts, interviews, testimonies, videos and other media about parish life. Each winter, meal teams from both parishes join other Edinburgh churches to provide meals at Bethany Christian Trust’s night shelter for rough sleepers. The parish has a relationship with STEKA Children’s Home in Blantyre, Malawi, including visits and fundraising for skills centres. The joint Inclusivity Group of Saint John’s and Saint Mary Magdalene’s meets once a month for talks and discussion on inclusion, including gender, women in the Church, LGBTQ+ experience, disability, mental health and marginalisation.

Regular events

Girls and boys in Primary 4 and above may serve at Vigil and Sunday Masses and other major celebrations. Welcomers offer support and practical advice at the main entrances at weekend Masses and major events. Bus 4 stops at the door, about 20 minutes from the city centre; buses 21 and 49 stop a 2-minute walk away, and car parking is available.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Couples marrying in the parish must give at least six months’ notice and take a marriage preparation course. Most children celebrate First Reconciliation in Lent in Primary 3, then prepare for First Holy Communion around May or June in Primary 4 through the Do This in Memory programme. Confirmation is celebrated at Primary 7 for most children. Sacramental preparation is usually shared by Saint John’s and Saint Mary Magdalene’s with Saint John’s Primary School, and children who do not attend that school are also welcomed.

Some sacramental preparation takes place in the primary school, and the priests share that work with the children and their parents. Baptisms are not normally celebrated during Lent or Advent.

Twice each year, in Lent and Advent, a communal celebration of Reconciliation is held at the start of weekend Masses. Priests visit people who are unwell or unable to attend Mass, bringing Holy Communion and, if wished, Reconciliation and anointing. Eucharistic Ministers distribute Holy Communion, take Communion to the sick and housebound, lead Eucharistic services when required, and meet twice a year for formation.

Caritas Volunteers, for Holy Rood High School pupils, complete 20 hours of service rooted in Catholic Social Teaching. A bereavement team for both sister parishes holds Bereavement Masses every three months and an annual candlelit Memorial Mass in November.