With the Blessed Virgin Mary towards the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: At the request of the Holy Father, the Secretariat responsible for the Universal Synod has invited the Church around the world to hold a moment of Marian Prayer on 31 May (the Feast of the Visitation and the last day of the Marian Month of May) to place the work of the Synod, especially the work of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will take place in Rome this October, under the protection of Mary, Mother of the Church. On 31^st May, Bishop Brian McGee will lead a service of prayer at Carfin Grotto at 7.00 pm. The faithful throughout Scotland are also asked to join their prayers to those of the universal Church on that day.

Bishop’s Golden Jubilee Trophy: This year is the 22^nd Diocesan Golf Outing, we are looking forward to a great day out! I am grateful to Andrew Westwood who has once again made arrangements for Kintore Golf Club to be the venue for 2023. Date: Friday, 23^rd June 2023. Venue: Kintore Golf Club AB51 0UR. Tee Times, from 11.30 am. Cost: £40 to include one round of golf and two course supper. Bacon rolls and tea/coffee will be available as you arrive if required at a further cost. As well as the trophy there will be various other prizes. We need sponsors for the prizes, therefore I ask if your parish, or anyone you know, would consider either providing a prize or a donation towards a prize even if you cannot send a team. The format will be Stableford using full handicaps with the best two scores at each hole counting towards the team score.  Parishes are encouraged to enter more than one team if they so wish. For those who say they do not have three golfers: please try and make a team with your neighbouring parish or ask your golfing parishioner to bring a friend. Teams can be all male, all female or mixed male / female.  Remember we encourage clergy members to be part of their parish team, or if you are not a golfer,  come along and enjoy the day cheering on your team, some clergy do and their support is greatly appreciated.  A deposit of £10 per head (£30 per team) is required before 12^th May. Please send in details of your team on the enclosed form.  It would help catering arrangements if you would also let us know of any non-player accompanying your team who will be joining.

Diocese of Aberdeen Pilgrimage to Pluscarden Abbey, Sunday 25 June 2023, Theme:  Altar Servers: At the conclusion of the Mass, which will be led by Bishop Hugh Gilbert, there will be a Marian procession to the garden in front of St. Benedict’s Retreat, weather permitting that is.  We look forward to the participation of a good number of parishes in the day’s liturgy, particularly in the singing and readings of the Mass, also during the procession into the garden. The programme for the day will be as follows. 1.00pm:Exposition in the Lady Chapel until 2.30pM. 1.00pm  -  Individual confessions in the parlours at St. Benedict’s Retreat until 2.30pm. 3.00pm. Principal Mass of the day followed by a Marian procession to the garden facing. St. Benedict’s Retreat, accompanied by hymns and devotions. An invitation is extended to everyone, but particularly any altar servers and young people who would like to join in the Mass and the procession which follows.

The Aberdeen African Choir warmly invites all to their concert at the Cathedral on 3rd of June 2023 at 4pm. Proceeds from donations and raffle draw will be used to support the Cathedral and Choir. Entry is free.