Patrick Sneyd – Page 3

Exploring the Bible

Since 2012, a group of parishioners has been meeting each week, to explore the Bible and to ask ourselves, how it might relate to our lives today. Before the Pandemic, we met in Shalom, beside St Mark’s church, each Monday. Some people come weekly, others less frequently. All are welcome!

When the Pandemic hit, we had a gap of a few weeks. However, we discovered that we missed our connection and the chance it gave us to prepare for Mass each Sunday. By introducing us to the readings beforehand, we had the

opportunity to read and reflect on what each reading might mean for us today.

Although none of us was very good with technology, we learned how to set up and connect to a Zoom meeting. In this way we were able to see each other and continue the reflection that we had in Shalom.

Each week a group of between six and eight of us meet on Zoom to share our thoughts, insights and questions on the readings for the following Sunday’s mass. We invite you to join us!

No previous knowledge of the Bible is required. What each of us brings to the

meeting is a desire to explore the faith that has guided our lives and to learn to understand and appreciate it more fully.

We don’t have easy answers to the hard questions of life, but we do share our faith and hope in Jesus and in the power of God’s Word. We also help each other toward a better understanding of what it means to be a believer in today’s world.

PLEASE EMAIL TO THE PARISH SECRETARY TO RECEIVE A ZOOM LINK for Monday evening meetings: saintmarksparishchurch@gmail.com�

Peace,

Valerie Warren on behalf of the ‘Exploring the Bible‘ group

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Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

Archbishop Dermot Farrell has informed us that Government guidelines will allow for “special religious ceremonies”, including First Holy Communion and Confirmation from 5th July onwards.

Over the next few weeks, the Parish Team and Area Pastoral Council will be meeting to look at how best we can begin to proceed with these celebrations.

The Government’s/Archbishop’s advice is that while these ceremonies will be permitted from July, it would be best practice to wait till early Autumn (September) to maximise the numbers of people vaccinated and allow for the fact that many people/families will be hoping to take holidays during the Summer.

We need to measure that advice against the resources we have in our parishes to complete 2 years of Communions/Confirmations in small groups across our 3 parishes.�

In short, we will be in a position to give you clearer guidance on when we will begin these celebrations by Friday, June 19th.

Please check our parish websites/Facebook page from that date for further information. Many thanks for your continued understanding and support as we continue to work together towards celebrating these milestones of Faith in your children’s lives.

Blessings,

Parish Team.

Author Archive: Patrick Sneyd

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE SACRAMENTS�