St. Catherine of Alexandra

Parish life

Baptisms are celebrated during Sunday morning Mass at St Catherine's. The South Edinburgh Cluster runs Alpha groups where people share faith stories and learn from each other.

Regular events

The cluster celebrates Baptism on three weekends each year. The cluster usually celebrates Confirmation during May, when the Archbishop confers the Sacrament. The cluster usually celebrates First Holy Communion during May and June.

Sacraments and pastoral care

Parishioners with a planned hospital admission can ask a priest in the sacristy before or after Mass to receive the Sacrament of the Sick before going into hospital. Patients admitted to hospital can ask the nurse in charge to arrange a visit from one of the priests on the hospital chaplaincy team.

Children in the cluster usually make their First Reconciliation during Lent, normally in Primary 3. Couples living within the parish boundaries of St Catherine’s, St Gregory’s or St John Vianney’s are asked to contact the Cluster Office six months before their proposed wedding date.

People are invited to take part in the next Baptism Preparation Course, for which details are provided. Children and their families are expected to complete a preparation programme for Confirmation.

Parish catechists prepare young people by working with parents and with the parish primary schools Saint John Vianney's and Saint Catherine's. RCIA is for anybody thinking about becoming a Catholic.