Does the Catholic Church have Bible school?

[UnityofTrinity]

Protestant churches often have extensive social circle and nice Bible classes or programs. Does the Catholic Church have these programs? Can I get together with my Catholic brothers and sisters and study the Bible with the priest?

 

[Corki]

Most Catholic parishes have Bible Study groups. Smaller parishes may not have their own but partner with parishes nearby. They may be led by a priest but are more often led by a lay facilitator. There are a number of very good Catholic Bible study programs available - more every year.

Our diocese also has a larger scale Scripture study series with professional Scripture scholars leading the study at central locations in the diocese.

Just call your local parish and ask - or look in the bulletin.

 

[MarkThompson]

Protestant churches often have extensive social circle and nice Bible classes or programs. Does the Catholic Church have these programs? Can I get together with my Catholic brothers and sisters and study the Bible with the priest?

Most if not practically all parishes have lots of programs, which can range from self-run Bible studies to lectures by priests and theologians. However, they’re generally run at the parish level, so it’s impossible to give a general answer about what programs might be available in your area. The best way to find out would probably be to look at the websites of parishes near you, or (since sometimes websites aren’t very good), stop by and pick up a copy of the bulletin or ask at the parish office.

 

[puzzleannie]

Protestant churches often have extensive social circle and nice Bible classes or programs. Does the Catholic Church have these programs? Can I get together with my Catholic brothers and sisters and study the Bible with the priest?

yes every Catholic diocese has adult bible studies, if not at every parish all the time, at enough choice of times and places that most adults should be able to find a good group to meet with. Ask the adult education director at your parish or call the office of catechetics of your diocese or check the websites. No, it is not common that these studies would be led by the priest who is probably already working a 60 hour week, but by someone, deacon, sister, or lay person educated for that role.

In this parish, for instance, in the past year you could have done the Great Bible Adventure with our Deacon Tues. Nite, that was repeated again in a daytime slot with trained lay facilitators. Our Father’s Plan with the Wed. night group led by a professor. Plus Disciples in Mission-12 weeks with the bible, this year it was Luke’s gospel, next year it will be Matthew’s gospel, your choice of a dozen days and times. the sisters preside over those groups, English and Spanish and all the facilitators have been trained by the diocese. Plus Lent and Advent mini-retreats on Thursday nights with bible topics. Those preparing to enter the Catholic Church participate in Breaking Open the Word, teaching and reflection based on the Sunday readings focused on the Gospels, led by y.t. assisted by the deacon and deacon candidates.

That is just bible-based studies here, each of the surrounding parishes also offered various adult studies during the year. There is also basic faith formation class for adults, offered at 7 different day and time slots, English and Spanish, and those classes have a strong scriptural basis and teach as stated Christian doctrine. Plus the classes for adults preparing for initiation sacraments, for parents of children preparing for sacraments, for catechists, and for participants in other parish ministries.

In addition to the formal bible studies we also have small faith groups that meet regularly for prayer and reflection on the Sunday scripture readings.