There was a serious shortage of Catholic Bible study groups in her community. In fact, Mary had never heard of Catholic Bible studies, though she had many friends who wanted one.

Mary started reading the Scriptures several months ago and dreamt of a Bible study in her parish - a class where Catholics could study the Good Book together. The Bible is thick and confusing, and it would be a great help to have a more structured way to approach it.

She visited a popular Bible study in the community, but was rebuffed when making an observation about the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist, as taught in John 6. The group became uncomfortably quiet and the leader informed her this was an “ecumenical” Bible study and that no doctrinal or denominational bias was allowed. She realized the group leader actually meant to say the study was Protestant and based on sola scriptura (by Scripture alone). Catholics were welcome, as long as Catholic beliefs were left at the door. Mary discovered that many in the group were ex-Catholics and its newest members had recently left her parish after attending the “ecumenical” Bible study.

There was a curious shortage of Catholic Bible study groups in her community. In fact, Mary had never heard of Catholic Bible studies, though she had many friends who wanted one. The pope encouraged Catholics to study the Bible, as had her pastor, Fr. Benedict. Wanting to discuss the idea of a study with him, Mary worried about adding one more burden to Fr. Benedict’s already packed schedule.

The pastor was looking tired. One priest for such a large parish seemed inadequate, especially with all the demands upon his time. Nevertheless, one Sunday after Mass, Mary stepped up to him and broached the subject. “Father, many of us are a bit intimidated by the Bible and would love a class to teach us. What do you think about starting a Catholic Bible study?”

The pastor hesitated for a moment, then sighed, “That’s an excellent idea Mary. I’ve thought about it, but I can’t add a new commitment to my schedule right now. Still, I’m certainly willing to assist you and give moral support.”

With the pastor’s permission, Mary embarked on a mission. She put an inquiry in the church announcements, called interested friends and combed through publishers’ catalogs and Catholic periodicals looking for study materials. She visited the Catholic bookstore with a list of questions. Then she attended the Adult Education meeting to express her vision. They had some reservations, but Mary’s enthusiasm was contagious. The commission requested she come back the following month with some concrete plans.

That’s when Mary’s real work began. What materials should the group use? Who would teach the class? Should the study be a “lecture” or a small group discussion? How should they advertise? Where would they meet and how often? Could anyone with experience advise them?

With her plans made and her face aglow, Mary made her presentation to Fr. Benedict and the Adult Education commission. She’d done her homework and was able to overcome the few objections the council raised. She provided examples of Bible studies in other parishes that have become an essential part of the community’s life. Through her work and perseverance, materials were chosen and leaders lined up. The council voted almost unanimously and, with the pastor’s blessing, the Catholic Bible study was under way.

Practical Advice

An evangelistically oriented parishioner suggested a Bible study two years ago to our priest. He was agreeable, but wanted a blueprint. We previewed study programs and decided to develop our own. I now prepare Catholic Bible Study Sheets and make them available on my web site at www.Catholic-Convert.com. They’re useful for personal, family, small group or parish Bible studies. The only books necessary for them are the Bible and the Catechism.

As a result, our Bible study is finishing its second year with 75 to 150 people attending each class. We meet on alternate Friday evenings. Childcare is essential for families, and starting the evening with a Mass and potluck dinner has worked well. I teach the Gospel of John with a lot of emphasis on Old Testament background, the teaching of the Fathers, geography, archeology, original languages, theology and daily experience. Here are some pointers I’d give anyone thinking of starting his or her own parish Bible study:

Leadership

Ask around at your parish and local Catholic organizations. Maybe your pastor would like to teach the class. If not, try looking for an associate, a deacon, a local seminarian, a person with a biblical background, a convert or a team to share leadership. In our case, I’d taught the Bible in Evangelical churches before my conversion and was thrilled to find a new forum for teaching Scripture. This is becoming a common scenario across the country.

Materials

My Catholic Bible Study Sheets have proved helpful to many, along with the list of suggested books on my web site. Our Sunday Visitor’s Popular Bible Study by Fr. Alfred McBride, has some good material. Preview several programs, use mine, or devise your own. With the demand increasing, new materials will be emerging rapidly.

Format

Expect the format to evolve, until it matches the needs and desires of the group. In our study, we provide a short introduction to each chapter and then break into cell groups of 6-10 people for discussion using the Study Sheets. This is an excellent format for large or small groups. In the lecture portion of our class, I’m always quick to use color overheads and lots of visual aids - anything that will catch people’s interest.

Promotion

We promoted our Bible study through local parish bulletins, Catholic newspapers, fliers, parish announcements, mailers and word of mouth. I send class reminders to those who signed up for the mailing list. Our parish covered the cost of the materials and postage, while donations have helped cover some of the other expenses.

Expectations

Our Catholic Bible study has helped foster an enthusiasm for the Scriptures, a more knowledgeable parish and new members and converts to the Catholic Church. It has developed a sense of community and fellowship, a deepening of the faith and a more personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Our goal has been achieved: Catholics are learning to study the Bible and to understand, love and defend their ancient Faith.

The Experts

“In order to recognize who Christ truly is, Christians, especially in the course of this year, should turn with renewed interest to the Bible” (John Paul II, As the Third Millennium Draws Near).

“Read the Scripture within ‘the living Tradition of the whole Church.’ According to a saying of the Fathers, Sacred Scripture is written principally in the Church’s heart rather than in documents and records, for the Church carries in her Tradition the living memorial of God’s Word, and it is the Holy Spirit who gives her the spiritual interpretation of the Scripture (CCC 113).

“In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a human word, ‘but as what it really is, the word of God.’ ‘In the sacred books, the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks with them’” (CCC 104).

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings which are able to instruct you for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:14-17).