BISHOP MARK DAVIES

The Right Reverend Mark Davies, the 11th Bishop of Shrewsbury

The Right Reverend Mark Davies was born in Manchester on 12^th May 1959 and baptised at St Richard’s Church, Longsight.

Bishop Davies was educated at St Richard’s Infant School and St Robert’s Primary School in Manchester and at Broadstone Hall County Primary School and St Anne’s High School in Stockport before beginning his training for the priesthood at Ushaw College, Durham.

Ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Thomas Holland of Salford on 11^th February 1984 he served as an assistant priest at Our Lady of Grace, Prestwich, and St Mary’s, Swinton, before he was appointed private secretary to Archbishop Patrick Kelly (then Bishop of Salford) in 1988.  From December 1992 until September 2003 the then Father Davies was parish priest of St. John Bosco, Manchester, and was also appointed Dean of North Manchester in 1999.

In January 2003 Bishop Terence Brain of Salford appointed the then Monsignor Davies as Vicar General of the Salford Diocese. As Vicar General he served as the parish priest of St Teresa Little Lever between 2003 and 2006, St Joseph Longsight between 2006 and 2007 and Holy Family, Wigan, between 2007 and 2009.

In December 2009 Pope Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor Davies as the Coadjutor Bishop of Shrewsbury. He was ordained Bishop on 22^nd February 2010 at St Anthony’s, Wythenshawe, Manchester.  On 1^st October 2010 Bishop Davies became the 11th Bishop of Shrewsbury in succession to Bishop Brian Noble.

Bishop Mark has always been a great supporter of Youth Ministry, in particular Youth2000, so it is with great joy that the vision for the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team came to fruition.

SANDY – DIRECTOR

‘I’m Sandy, I’m the Director of the Shrewsbury Youth Mission Team. My time with SYMT so far has been amazing, filled with so much joy and so many happy people. I joined the SYMT from a schools background where I worked as a school chaplain. I have also worked for many years with the Salesians of Don Bosco, so naturally St John Bosco is very close to my heart. I can’t wait to see all that God has in store for us in the future.⁠
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I love the great outdoors and walking. I also like sitting back with a good book; this year I’m aiming to read one book every month. Spending time with family and friends is important to me too. ⁠

One of my favourite scripture verses is Pilippians 4:13:

‘I can do all things through him who strengthens me.’

I chose this bible passage because it reminds me that everything we do is because of God and it is through the love of God that I get my strength every day.

MICHAEL – TEAM MEMBER

I am Michael. It is a pleasure to be part of SYMT. I joined the team from a background of youth ministry with Just Youth in Manchester as well as many years of youth ministry in South Africa and Nigeria. Working with young people and being part of retreats have always been something that I hold close to my heart. I have a strong influence from the Taize community in France and the wonderful work that they do especially their music.

I love singing and listening to classical and pop music in general. I also love a good movie time. Christmas happens to be my favourite time of the year as I love a cheerful season.

One of my favourite bible verses is John 21:17

“Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you”

This passage reminds me that all my heart lies open to God and I am open to wherever God wants to lead me to. This open heart would help me to love everything, and everyone made by God.

ASHLEIGH- TEAM MEMBER

Hi there! My name is Ashleigh and I’ve been with SYMT since September 2022 and I’ve loved it all so far! I enjoy going to all the parishes and schools, interacting with young people and joining them on their faith journey 🙂

I have a degree in Psychology and a Certificate in Youth Ministry as well! Before moving to England, I led the youth group for my parish in Dubai where I lived. I love a movie or games night with my family or sitting with them in the garden if the weather is nice!

Choosing a favourite Bible verse is always very difficult but I really like Isaiah 41:10

“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”

It reminds me that even though it might be really difficult, I don’t need to worry about anything because God is with me and will give me the strength to go through anything! 🙂

CLARE – PROGRAMME COORDINATOR

Hi, I’m Clare! I’ve worked as part of SYMT since 2018. Working as part of the Shrewsbury Youth Mission is such a privilege as I get to meet so many young people and help them get to know Jesus. I love working in our Schools and Parishes and no two days are ever the same!

Before working for the Diocese I was a Primary School Teacher. I also volunteered in my local parish I have volunteered with different youth groups and helped to prepare our young people for Confirmation as well as many other ministries including music.

One of my favourite Bible verses is: ‘And remember I am with you, always, to the end of the age.’ (Matthew 28:20)