IN-PERSON OPPORTUNITY
Number of places available (23/10/2023): 14
Invitation
Beginning Sunday 3rd Nov, a groups of adults, supported by John Weldon and Fr. Gregory as facilitators, will gather weekly in the Clonfert Family Centre, Ballinasloe, H53NX59, for an hour.
During their time together they will read, ponder, discuss and pray with passages from the first ten chapters of St Luke’s Gospel.
The group invites interested adults to join them, and if you are uncertain as to whether you should participate, you are most welcome on a come-and-see basis, and to stay in so far as you experience meetings as friendly, life-giving and helpful.
Introduction
There is a long tradition in Greater Ballinasloe Area of women and men taking time periodically to gather with friends, old and new, to chat and to pray with passages of sacred scripture.
In more recent years, the CREIDEAMH Network, with support from the Elphin diocese, has sought to support this tradition by providing study bibles and other resources.
On this occasion the focus will fall on the first ten chapters of St. Luke’s Gospel.
Please note this is not an adult religious education course. While participants are likely to learn a lot through their engagement, the primary goal of this initiative is to help each participant know and respond in love to Jesus Christ, and to hear His word to us, both individually and collectively, at this time.
We hope the following details will prove helpful to everyone who would like to know more / reserve a place.
Objectives
- To support participants to read and ponder Luke’s Gospel as a life-giving resource in the Spirit
- To help participants toward a more wholesome understanding of Luke’s Gospel as an aid to encounter with God
- To stimulate learning and faith-enquiry in a gentle, light-hearted and non-threatening way
- To support short periods of scripture-based prayer (led and directed by facilitators)
- To foster the bonds of friendship between Catholics and other people of goodwill who participate.
Elements
6 one-hour sessions.
Resources
Each participant will receive a Study Bible for the duration of the initiative.
Expectation
Experience has taught us that this and similar initiatives work best when participants are open to giving an hour between sessions to reading, pondering and reflecting on the passage or passages of scripture that will be discussed.
We also request that all participants respect the uniqueness of one anothers’ faith journeys, life experiences and experiences of Church and Church community.
Outline of Sessions
Session 1
- Word of welcome and introductions
- Review of objectives
- Introduction to this initiative and St Luke’s Gospel
- Shared Reading (and reflection) of Lk 1:26-38 (The Annunciation)
- Exploration as to how this passage is ‘a word for today’ (supported by facilitators)
- Brief time of prayer
Session 2 – 6
- Welcome and review of learning from previous session
- Shared reflection arising reading designated passages of St Luke’s Gospel during the week
- Shared reading and discussion of a designated passage
- Exploration as to how the passage is ‘a word for today’
- Prayer time
Cost
A donation of €20 toward costs would be appreciated from those who can afford to contribute. This will assist Network Officers recoup costs and contribute toward light and heat.
Group Facilitators etc. very kindly give their time free-of-charge.
First Session
6.30 – 7.30 pm
Sunday 3rd November
Clonfert Family Centre
Brackernagh
Ballinasloe
H53 NX59
To reserve a place please contact John Weldon on 087 9068032/admin@creideamh.ie
Further Enquiries
Please ring, text or email Justin on 087 6171526 / justin@elphindiocese.ie
Our THANKS TO THE ELPHIN DIOCESE FOR SHARING THE Resources THAT WILL BE USED DURING THESE SESSIONS.
Updated: 23rd October 2024.