Can we rightfully advertise "Catholic Bible Study" for an informal neighborhood meeting?

[scriabin]

A local neighbor is putting flyers on peoples’ doors inviting them to a Bible Study at their house. It’s just an informal discussion/invitation to Christ a la the “house-church” movement.

He’s reaching out to the unchurched—especially to unchurched nominal Catholics in the vicinity. He’s not trained formally but it’s perfectly valid to start a ‘Bible Study’ group for Protestants this way.

I think I could do a more than adequate job defending the Faith against this man’s gospel but I wouldn’t feel right about posting flyers on houses inviting people to my home for a ‘Catholic Bible Study’ because I’m not trained as a Catholic catechist.

Is this exclusively the local parish’s job?

 

[puzzleannie]

You cannot advertise a Catholic prayer group or bible study in your home, and imply you are doing so under the auspices of the parish or diocese without the permission of your pastor. he is responsible for all Catholic teaching in his parish and deserves to know what is going on, because he will be blamed if something goes wrong. You are probably more qualified than you know, and in fact, if you are indeed called to do this, the Holy Spirit will qualify you for the work. Consult your pastor, discuss your ideas–and the reason for it, so he is aware of what this other person is going–and no doubt, with his help you will be able to fill a real need.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

A local neighbor is putting flyers on peoples’ doors inviting them to a Bible Study at their house. It’s just an informal discussion/invitation to Christ a la the “house-church” movement.

He’s reaching out to the unchurched—especially to unchurched nominal Catholics in the vicinity. He’s not trained formally but it’s perfectly valid to start a ‘Bible Study’ group for Protestants this way.

I think I could do a more than adequate job defending the Faith against this man’s gospel but I wouldn’t feel right about posting flyers on houses inviting people to my home for a ‘Catholic Bible Study’ because I’m not trained as a Catholic catechist.

Is this exclusively the local parish’s job?

Of course, three cheers for him!!! Every neighborhood should have an informal Catholic grounded Bible study lead or attended by Catholics that can defend their faith and properly explain the Scriptures. I have done many of them over the years. A good one is to meet at a local restaurant for a Catechism study. It’s amazing the people who stop by the table and ask questions.

 

[Br.Rich_SFO]

Of course, three cheers for him!!! Every neighborhood should have an informal Catholic grounded Bible study lead or attended by Catholics that can defend their faith and properly explain the Scriptures. I have done many of them over the years. A good one is to meet at a local restaurant for a Catechism study. It’s amazing the people who stop by the table and ask questions.

I just noticed puzzleannie’s post. I agree you can’t associates it with your parish unless you have your pastors permission. However Canon Law allows any Catholics to associate with others for the purpose of study, prayer, etc. You do not need your pastors permission to get together and do this, you would need his permission only to use the parish name on the handouts and posters.