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At Tarsus Scripture School we understand the role of the Bible in our life of faith from within the tradition of Catholic Biblical scholarship promoted at the Second Vatican Council. We study the Bible as the Word of God in human words and so seek to pay attention to the contexts in which the books were written and to discern how those contexts might speak to ours, bringing us to an authentic encounter with the living God “who has entrusted us with a treasure which makes us more human and helps us to lead a new life. There is nothing more precious we can give to others.” (Pope Francis – The Joy of the Gospel no.264)
Kieran J. O'Mahony
An Augustinian friar living and working in the heart of old Dublin (John’s Lane priory). Kieran's own website (www.tarsus.ie) offers commentary on the Sunday readings, YouTube videos and up-to-date podcasts. Visitors to the site can sign up at no charge for the weekly emails. The author of some fifteen books, he is currently writing a book on salvation in the Fourth Gospel.
Biblical Interests: The Letters of St. Paul and the Fourth Gospel
Jessie Rogers
A native of South Africa, Jessie came to Ireland in 2007 and is currently the Director of the Centre for Mission & Ministry at St Patrick's Pontifical University Maynooth. In addition to her work with Tarsus Scripture School, Jessie is also heavily involved with Godly Play, a form of spiritual accompaniment for children.
Biblical Interests: Wisdom literature, spirituality, and the theology of childhood
Seán Goan
Seán is a retired teacher who has also lectured part-time in Scripture in a number of centres in Dublin. He has worked widely in the areas of Catholic education and adult faith formation. As well as his work with Tarsus Scripture School, Seán currently conducts biblical retreats and days of reflection.
Biblical Interests: The Gospels, in particular the Gospel of John
Our History
Orlagh Bible Week (1997–2015)
Our beginnings trace back to 1997 where Sr. Carmel McCarthy, Kieran O'Mahony, and Seán Goan led courses in the Orlagh Retreat Centre under the title "Orlagh Bible Week." In those days, we were limited to about 36 people or so as that was all that would fit in the room! When Carmel retired, Jessie Rogers joined the team.
Sr. Carmel McCarthy
1943-2022
Summer Scripture School (2015–2020)
We moved to Clonliffe College in 2015 following the closure of the Orlagh Retreat Centre, and we became the “Scripture Summer School.” We flourished for many years in Clonliffe with the support of the Office for Evangelisation and Ecumenism, and under the umbrella of the Archdiocese of Dublin.
Tarsus Scripture School (2020–Present)
With the closure of Clonliffe in 2020 and against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, a final change took place and Tarsus Scripture School was founded with the support of St Patrick's Pontifical University, becoming part of the Centre for Mission & Ministries in 2022. The "Scripture Summer School" course continued under this new iteration, taking place online in 2020 through recorded presentations and live webinars where it flourished with enormous interest, finally returning to in-person (with livestreaming) in 2023. In addition to our summer course, we now also offer an Easter and Advent online course.
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