Cork Scripture Group was established in 2010 by a voluntary group who wanted to share our love of the Sacred Scriptures and help others in our community to grow in their appreciation and understanding of the Word of God.  Participants are usually drawn from Cork, both city and county.

 

Our first initiative was an Introduction to the Bible Course which consisted of 4 modules run over two years. We ran three of these courses, two in Cork city and one in West Cork and participants received a Diocesan Certificate of Recognition, co-signed by the bishops of Cork and Ross and Cloyne, on their completion. Each year since then we host two Bible Study programmes on different aspects of biblical literature.  These are run on a modular basis each spring and autumn, with each module typically consisting of four or five presentations, one evening a week, by local biblical scholars as well as members of our own committee.  We also host two half-day Bible Workshops annually, which we invite a nationally recognized scripture scholar to facilitate discussion on a particular aspect of our Sacred Scriptures. 

 

In addition to these structured programmes, we also seek to support individuals and groups in Cork who are involved in or interested in Bible Study and are happy to share resources and meet with local communities who wish to run parish-based programmes, like ‘Unfolding the Word.’  Last year, in response to Pope Francis’ launch of the Sunday of the Word of God, we promoted it by distributing a ceremony for the enthronement of the Bible at mass.

 

For the past two years, we have collaborated with members of the local Church of Ireland community and the Methodist Church in Cork in organizing Cork Ecumenical Bible Week.

 

The Covid-19 pandemic proved a new challenge for Cork Scripture Group as we wanted to continue to connect with our Scripture community.  Therefore, we offered weekly biblical reflections over the course of the lockdown and have moved our modules to home Bible study modules until we can meet again in person.

 

All the programmes and supports offered by the Cork Scripture Support Group are run on a non-profit, self-financing basis with participants’ contributions serving to meet the costs incurred for the venues used, as well as the cost of invited speakers.  Subventions are also available, so that modules are accessible to all who are interested.