18/05/2026
A parishioner writes about Heart Speaks Unto Heart:
I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to share in one of the groups of the Belmont parish, meeting weekly to follow the programme presented to us by Archbishop Mark.
I cannot say I didnât know what to expect, as I was part of the planning group which put together the format for the meetings. However, I truly didnât know what to expect in terms of numbers, and how we would respond to what was shared by the Archbishop, the Scripture readings, and the pastoral questions on which we were asked to reflect.
The time to reflect together on Scripture â lectio divina â has been a great way to start our sharing on what we have heard from Archbishop Mark (a short video on a different topic each week). It has helped us be open to God, and the promptings of his Spirit. The conversations in the Spirit which follow are truly that: not a discussion or debate.
Each of us â usually a group up to about six persons â makes our own, short contribution, which is our point of view, or thought. We then pause, before taking turns to reflect on what we have heard from others. Together we have reflected on issues including youth, sharing our faith, and service.
It has not been easy â either to think of what I actually believe or understand about these things, and to speak it out. However, the time to listen to others has been surprisingly refreshing. We are not trying to solve all the Churchâs problems (or even our parish issues!) so we are free to simply âbeâ, and attend to each other, and what the other has to say. Observing, acknowledging and learning from each other.
It truly is a spiritual experience. At least I have found it so. We have shared disappointments, hurts, hopes, lack of understanding, as well as insights and observations. All of these, so- called ânegativesâ as well as the âpositivesâ, are noted and condensed to create a sort of patchwork picture, a spiritual impression of whatâs been said.
These condensed notes, the âfruitsâ of our meetings, will be shared at our gathering on Saturday 23rd May at Belmont, and form the basis of a deanery-wide pastoral insight, which we can take back to our parishes in order to do whatever we feel called to do, to grow as communities of missionary disciples, as Archbishop Mark has asked us to, in our synodal journey â which is just âwalking togetherâ â put like that, it sounds quite inviting!
