Children & Community

The people of St Ninian’s Cathedral, in recognising our need of each other, seek to share our resources with the local and the wider community. Several groups and organisations use the buildings every day for their various activities. The Cathedral, Chapter House and other facilities are also available to hire for social and private events.

We believe that our faith calls us to engage with the needs of the local community and to demonstrate our care in meaningful ways. To this end we have recently embarked on a renewal project called “Cathedral in the community”.

Love one another as I have loved you (John 15, 12)

Casting the Net

Casting the Net is a Diocesan-wide programme for Mission & Growth which seeks to grow faith communities. The Cathedral is actively engaged in playing its part to ensure the growth of the congregation from within the local community as well as from the towns and villages of surrounding area from which members are drawn. To achieve the objectives Nine Marks of a Healthy Mission-Shaped Church, as principles to guide initiatives for mission and growth, have been agreed. The strategy is further underpinned by five Policy & Action Implementation Groups.

For further details visit the Diocesan website www.standrews.anglican.org/castingthenet

Youth Club

The Cathedral Youth Club is open to young people between the ages of 12 and 18 years. The Club meets on alternate Sundays at 6.30pm during term time (the time may change depending on different activities).

Although not all of the young people are members of the congregation, most are happy to join in with the life of the Christian community by helping with Community Lunches or other activities connected with the local community.

There is also the opportunity to be part of a worshiping congregation through singing, serving, welcoming, reading and intercessing.

Activities include games (inside and out), skating, swimming, bowling, cooking/baking and camping.

The group pride themselves on being a warm, welcoming and fun bunch and are always pleased to see new members.

Barnabas Group

The Barnabas Group meets on Wednesday evenings from 5:45-7:00pm, in the Cathedral's Elsie Louden Room. This is a Group which aims to replenish and renew us mid week. During each meeting we explore and discuss passages from the Bible and their relevance to us today. There will also be time for fellowship and prayer.

For more information please contact Rev'd Ann Mazur through the Cathedral office.

The 153 Club (Sunday School)

The 153 Club welcomes all children, aged 3 to 12 years old (this is flexible), every Sunday during term time, in the Elsie Louden room. We meet from 11am until the children go into the Church to assist the clergy in giving Peace to the congregation. Newcomers and visitors are always welcome to join us and we encourage parents to stay during their child’s first visit. Please contact Rev'd Ann Mazur or bring them along on Sunday to meet us.

Some pictures, drawn by the Sunday School

We use material, which is based on a three year cycle of scripture readings from the Common Lectionary. This means that we follow closely the readings and the teaching that is happening in the morning worship.

The children play an active part in the life of the Cathedral, helping at social gatherings, leading intercessions, reading, singing and in any way they feel able. They perform a Christmas play and take part in the Christingle Service. We also have an Advent party, a pancake party and run an activity morning on Easter Saturday. At the end of the school year we have a summer outing and a closing service where every child is given a book.

For more information please contact the Cathedral office.

Mothers’ Union

The Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation which promotes the well-being of families worldwide. The Mothers’ Union is well established at St Ninian’s. To see our programme click here.

To read more about the Mother’s Union worldwide click the icon to visit their website .

The Gold Club

The Gold Club is a new initiative as part of our Casting the Net programme. The Club is open to all retired members of the congregation and meets in the Chapter House between 2-4pm on the first Tuesday of each month for tea, entertainment and chat. £1 per session. All very welcome, bring a friend.

For details of specific dates see the News & Events section of the Cathedral website News and Events.

Spirituality

The Spirituality Group works for the whole Diocese and offers a number of opportunities to individuals and congregations. We run a series of Quiet Days during the year; these are open to everyone and are advertised in the Cathedral magazine. We also run retreats for individuals and congregations and can put you in touch with retreats etc. run by other people. We offer Faith Accompaniment on a one-to-one basis; this is a way of deepening your faith at whatever stage you are at.

If you would like to know more about any of these opportunities please contact Celia Matthews, 24 Barossa Place, Perth PH1 5HH; Tel : 01738 623578; e-mail : cmatthews@toucansurf.com

Eco Matters

A group from the congregation has been focusing on the environmental "footprint" of the Cathedral and trying to discover what can be done to improve it. Steps have already been taken to reduce, reuse and recycle the waste at St Ninian's and the property committee has been particularly conscious of the issue of energy efficiency during the recent renovation work. Raising awareness of environmental issues is an important part of the group's activity and in 2008 there was a congregational survey about current practices and concerns which has helped us to prioritise activities for the future. We have been greatly encouraged by other churches around Perth to work towards becoming an Eco-congregation and are glad to be part of the local Eco-network.

As a result of efforts by members of the congregation and after a rigorous assessment by Eco-Congregation Scotland in early 2009 the Cathedral is now the proud holder of an Eco-Congregation Award. The picture shows Provost Hunter Farquharson and local councillors Heather and Alexander Stewart congratulating Hazel Hayward and Pamela Robertson, two members of the Committee, on their achievement.

The Eco-Congregation Programme

Eco-Congregation Scotland is an ecumenical programme designed to help congregations understand environmental issues and make appropriate practical and spiritual responses. It is part of the wider Eco-Congregation Programme in Britain and Ireland and is supported through a partnership between Keep Scotland Beautiful and the Society, Religion and Technology Project (SRT) of the Church of Scotland. Eco-Congregation has the full backing of ACTS (Action of Churches Together in Scotland) and all the major Scottish denominations. Visit their website www.ecocongregation.org/scotland

St. Ninian's Magazine

The magazine is published ten times a year. It contains a 'Who's Who?' of the Cathedral, details of all services for the month, a letter from the Provost, Mothers’ Union and details from the register, as well as other contributions from members of the congregation and Cathedral groups.

To email the editor use the Cathedral email address.

Traidcraft

Little Cherubs Toddler Group

This group meets in the Chapter House every Wednesday from 9.30 – 11.30am during school term time. Any children from 0 – 5 years old are welcome to attend with their mums, dads, grandparents or carers. There is a wide variety of activities, including music, dressing-up and story time with a charge of £1 per family to cover refreshments. The group is run by St Ninian’s Mothers’ Union and operates under the Episcopal Church child protection policy. For further information please contact the Cathedral office.

Country Dance Club

The dance club meets in the Chapter House on the first Friday of the month from September to April. Come alone or bring a friend or two. Cost £1, paid on the day, to include afternoon tea.

Yoga

There are yoga groups which meet during the week in the Chapter House. For details of these please contact the Cathedral Office.

Or visit the website www.specialyogascotland.co.uk

The Gateway Centre

The Gateway Centre, originally St. Ninian's Episcopal Primary School, is immediately adjacent to the Cathedral. This is used by Perth and Kinross Association of Voluntary Service (PKAVS) to provide care and support to many vulnerable members of the community. The facilities include four day clubs, learning resource centre, information and advice plus befriending and advocacy services.

Many local voluntary organisations use the building on a daily basis; some have offices here. Members of St. Ninian’s Cathedral play a vital part in the life of The Gateway Centre, through support, assistance and volunteering.

The glass doorway between The Gateway and the Cathedral cloisters illustrate the strong links forged by our common goal: to recognise and serve those who need our love and support.