Sacred Scripture, the Bible, the word of God, the Holy Book is at the heart of everything the Church says and does. It is permeates our prayer and worship, how we understand the world, how we are called to live and how we relate to each another.
2020 marks the 10th anniversary of Verbum Domini – the Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Benedict XVI on ‘The Word of the Lord’ and will also be 1,600th anniversary of the death of St Jerome. As such the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales have designated 2020 a year of focus on the Bible and ‘The God Who Speaks’.
During the year, we will be celebrating, living and sharing God‘s word in an exciting and new way. We will have the opportunity to enrich current practice and to develop and explore new ways of responding to ‘The God who Speaks’.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart”. (Hebrews 4:12)
God continues to speak through His word and can transform our hearts and communities. To help this transformation there will be three themes of celebrating, living and sharing God’s word.
As news, events, activities and resources become available, we will update this section of our website. Check back often to make good use of this Year of the Word.
In anticipation of this dedicated year in the life of our Church, the Bishops invite anyone who is interested to take part in a preparation survey to help plan this special year. Visit ‘The Survey’ above to take part.
‘The God Who Speaks’ website
Archbishop’s Pastoral Letter on the Year of the Word