Justice and Peace Group
This joint group for St John’s and St Mary Magdalene’s works to promote education, justice, and the alleviation of poverty, famine, and disease—both in developing countries and here in Scotland.
The group seeks to achieve these aims through fundraising, prayer, and awareness-raising within our parish communities.
For more information, please contact: Jim Roarty (669 5447).
Bethany Overnight Welcome Centre Meal Teams
Each winter, Bethany Christian Trust provides a night shelter for rough sleepers, offering a safe space and a hot meal.
Our Meals Teams, drawn from both parishes, join a rota with other churches across Edinburgh to provide these evening meals.
Coordinator: Jim Roarty (669 5447).
STEKA (Step Kids Awareness)
We have a strong relationship with STEKA Children’s Home in Blantyre, Malawi Parishioners have visited Malawi and supported fundraising for skills centres, helping young people develop practical life skills.
For more information: stekakids.com
Contact: Gift Thomson (669 5447).
St John’s and Legho Parish, Tanzania
Since 1984, St John’s has shared a special partnership with Legho Village beneath Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania—a relationship built on mutual respect and faith, rather than financial support.
Over the years, we have contributed to essential repairs and medical care through our Christmas collection, and parishioners have exchanged visits to deepen this bond.
A Legho Renewal Group now works to strengthen links, including connections between young people in both communities.
Contact: Tracy Burgess (669 5447).
Twende Pamoja Partnership
The Twende Pamoja Partnership (Swahili: “Let us walk together”) continues to flourish, inspired by the late Mike Knox.
Within the parish, Pamoja Fashion supports this work by recycling and upcycling quality clothes and accessories. A Fashion Sale is held on the first Saturday of each month in the parish hall.
Coordinator: Elizabeth McClory (669 5447).
Learn more: www.twendepamoja.org.uk
Thursday Club
The Thursday Club meets every Thursday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the church hall. Founded in 1991, it is open to all over-60s, with most members in their 70s and 80s and 90s.
Meetings include prayer, fellowship, and entertainment such as bingo, guest speakers, and music. A monthly Bring and Buy sale raises funds for charity.
Transport is available for housebound members, and volunteers are always welcome.
Contact: Gena Gallagher (669 5447).
Monthly Charity Coffee Morning
Held on the first Monday of each month in the parish hall after morning Mass, this coffee morning raises funds for a variety of good causes (eg Mary’s Meals).
Coordinator: Maria Igoe (669 5447).
Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVdP)
The Joint Conference for St John’s and St Mary Magdalene’s meets twice a month on Sundays—once in the Parish House and in St Mary Magdalene’s Hall.
The SVdP works through prayer and practical support to assist the vulnerable and carry out charitable works within our community.
For enquiries, please contact:
Mary Iannarelli – 669 5447
Bereavement Team
Our Bereavement Team, serving both sister parishes, is here to offer support and comfort to individuals and families following the loss of a loved one.
The team organizes three-monthly Bereavement Masses and the annual November candlelit Memorial Mass, providing opportunities for prayer and remembrance.
For assistance or more information, please contact:
Colette Dempsey – 669 5447
Legion of Mary
The Our Lady, Star of the Sea Praesidium has served our parish since 1979. Members meet weekly for prayer, planning, and discussion, with the aim of growing in personal holiness through service.
Tasks include visiting the housebound, supporting elderly or disabled parishioners to attend Healing Masses, welcoming new parishioners, and assisting in parish activities.
Coordinator: Maria Igoe (669 5447).
Eco Group
Our parish Eco Group, registered with Eco Congregation Scotland, aims to explore how we can live out Pope Francis’ call in Laudato Si’ to care for creation.
The group is currently seeking to resume its activities post-pandemic.
Learn more: Eco Congregation Scotland
Contact: Donald Scott (669 5447).
Inclusivity Group
The joint Inclusivity Group of St John’s and St Mary Magdalene’s meets once a month to facilitate an open and respectful space for conversation, learning, and reflection. Through talks, shared experiences, and discussions, the group seeks to build awareness and understanding around issues of inclusion and belonging, such as gender identity, the role of women in the Church, LGBTQ+ rights and lived experiences, sexuality, disability and accessibility, mental health, and the experiences of those who may feel marginalised or unheard. Rooted in Christian faith and values, the group encourages thoughtful dialogue, compassionate listening, and a commitment to creating church communities where everyone is welcomed, valued, and able to participate fully.
Parish Schools
Primary
St John’s RC School
18, Duddingston Road,
Edinburgh, EH15 1NE.
Telephone: 0131 669 1363.
Website: https://stjohnsportobello.com
Head Teacher: Mrs Jackie Kelly (admin@st-johns.edin.sch.uk)
Secondary
Holy Rood RC School,
55 Duddingston Road West,
Edinburgh, EH15 1ST.
Telephone: 0131 661 5871.
Website: www.holyroodrchighschool.co.uk
Head Teacher: Mrs Joan Daly
Fr Jock and Fr Shaiju liaise with both schools, offering support to both staff and pupils in a variety of ways.
Some Sacramental preparation for the children takes place within the primary school and both our priests are very much a part of this preparatory work with the children and meeting with the parents.