What Would You Like To See In a Parish Bible Study?

[Fidelis]

I belong to a very large parish (something like 1800 registered families). For many years I led the Rite of Dismissal Bible reflections for the catechumens and candidates, which is basically a 30 minute break-out session on the Gospel reading for that Sunday. Whereas most people who lead these studies present them primarily from a more reflective (“What does this reading mean for you?”) approach, I have always taught more inductively – giving lots of background and context first, then going verse by verse, then finally, encouraging the participants to look for some overall point or lesson to take away from the reading as a whole. It basically amounts to about 80% taught, 20% sharing, with questions and comments encouraged throughout.

This has been something I’ve really enjoyed doing, both research and organization, then presenting and sharing. I do feel, however, that God is leading me to reach more parishioners in this way. Numerous alumni from the RCIA program approach me on a regular basis to tell me how much they miss our sessions and telling me how much they wish I would offer the same thing for others to attend outside of RCIA – for the general parish, I suppose.

Of course I would love to do this! As far as content and materials, I think I’ve pretty much got that down. What I struggle with is the logistics – and this is where I need your advice. If I get enough solid (name removed by moderator)ut, I can approach the parish staff for their approval and/or support.

If there were a facilitated Bible study on the Sunday readings offered at your parish:

**1. Would you consider attending a Bible study of the time (80% taught, 20% sharing)?

1. Should it be at the parish, or at another location?
2. Should it be right before the Mass? Right after Mass? During the week? If during the week, what time of day?
3. Since I’m only one person, what should the size of the group be? If limited in size, what do you do if you get a large amount of interest?
4. Should this be a year-round thing, or should it drop off during the summer when many people are on vacation?
5. How long should each session be? I’m leaning toward one hour if before/after Mass, or 90 minutes if at another time.**

I’m sure there are other considerations, but that’s it for now.

Any ideas? What would you do?

 

[water]

1. Would you consider attending a Bible study of the time (80% taught, 20% sharing)?

• This depends on different group. The group I attend to - most of them know the Bible (although I am not one of them ) - we read the Bible at home and come to the group to discuss - so, 85% sharing and 15% is for watching video.

1. Should it be at the parish, or at another location?

• it doesn’t matter but the parish is my first choice

1. Should it be right before the Mass? Right after Mass? During the week? If during the week, what time of day?

• during weekday - Tuesday is great - around 7:30pm. People get home from work, they need to eat, etc …

1. Since I’m only one person, what should the size of the group be? If limited in size, what do you do if you get a large amount of interest?

• group of 10 to 20 is nice.

1. Should this be a year-round thing, or should it drop off during the summer when many people are on vacation?

• it is nice to have sessions - each session is to focus on 1 Book - take about 2 months or so…After one session is over, take some weeks (or a whole month) off.

1. How long should each session be? I’m leaning toward one hour if before/after Mass, or 90 minutes if at another time.

• each class: about 90 min. (1 hour is too short for sharing and discussion - but it is ok if you are there to teach and to share less.)

 

[lak611]

I belong to a very large parish (something like 1800 registered families). For many years I led the Rite of Dismissal Bible reflections for the catechumens and candidates, which is basically a 30 minute break-out session on the Gospel reading for that Sunday. Whereas most people who lead these studies present them primarily from a more reflective (“What does this reading mean for you?”) approach, I have always taught more inductively – giving lots of background and context first, then going verse by verse, then finally, encouraging the participants to look for some overall point or lesson to take away from the reading as a whole. It basically amounts to about 80% taught, 20% sharing, with questions and comments encouraged throughout.

This has been something I’ve really enjoyed doing, both research and organization, then presenting and sharing. I do feel, however, that God is leading me to reach more parishioners in this way. Numerous alumni from the RCIA program approach me on a regular basis to tell me how much they miss our sessions and telling me how much they wish I would offer the same thing for others to attend outside of RCIA – for the general parish, I suppose.

Of course I would love to do this! As far as content and materials, I think I’ve pretty much got that down. What I struggle with is the logistics – and this is where I need your advice. If I get enough solid (name removed by moderator)ut, I can approach the parish staff for their approval and/or support.

If there were a facilitated Bible study on the Sunday readings offered at your parish:

**1. Would you consider attending a Bible study of the time (80% taught, 20% sharing)?

1. Should it be at the parish, or at another location?
2. Should it be right before the Mass? Right after Mass? During the week? If during the week, what time of day?
3. Since I’m only one person, what should the size of the group be? If limited in size, what do you do if you get a large amount of interest?
4. Should this be a year-round thing, or should it drop off during the summer when many people are on vacation?
5. How long should each session be? I’m leaning toward one hour if before/after Mass, or 90 minutes if at another time.**

I’m sure there are other considerations, but that’s it for now.

Any ideas? What would you do?

I wouldn’t be interested in a Bible study just based on the Sunday Mass readings. The priest’s homily is based on that. The Bible study I attend at my parish is an actual study of a particular book of the Bible (for instance, we just finished Ephesians). We have also done thematic studies such as the Passion and Resurrection narratives from all four Gospels. I am interested in something more in-depth than just the Mass readings.

 

[twosweetgirls]

I think I’d really like to see Bible studies based on everything about the Catholic Church–the Mass particulars and where it is in Scripture; the devotion to Mary and its Scriptural support; Purgatory, baptism, etc. and all how it’s supported Biblically.

Group size, like Mannyfit suggested, about 10-20; facilitated either at someone’s home or the parish; in the midweek.

Great idea!

 

[lak611]

I think I’d really like to see Bible studies based on everything about the Catholic Church–the Mass particulars and where it is in Scripture; the devotion to Mary and its Scriptural support; Purgatory, baptism, etc. and all how it’s supported Biblically.

Group size, like Mannyfit suggested, about 10-20; facilitated either at someone’s home or the parish; in the midweek.

Great idea!

I guess the key thing to consider is who exactly your audience is. What you are suggesting would be great for a new Catholic or a poorly catechized one. On the other hand, I have been attending a Bible study for 6 years now, and most of the people in the group have been around that long too. The new people we get usually have read the Bible a lot on their own. Perhaps two classes should be held. One for beginners and one for people who already read the Bible regularly.

 

[Nita]

I wouldn’t be interested in a Bible study just based on the Sunday Mass readings. The priest’s homily is based on that. The Bible study I attend at my parish is an actual study of a particular book of the Bible (for instance, we just finished Ephesians). We have also done thematic studies such as the Passion and Resurrection narratives from all four Gospels. I am interested in something more in-depth than just the Mass readings.

Like lak611, I also prefer studies that go through a book of the Bible. I like studies that have homework questions which are then discussed when the group gets together. A lecture or video following the discussion would be good.

I think 15 would be the maximum number for a discussion group; might even be a little too big. If more sign up, you have to recruit another discussion leader. Groups can combine for the lecture or video.

Nita

 

[lak611]

Like lak611, I also prefer studies that go through a book of the Bible. I like studies that have homework questions which are then discussed when the group gets together. A lecture or video following the discussion would be good.

That’s what our’s is like.

I think 15 would be the maximum number for a discussion group; might even be a little too big. If more sign up, you have to recruit another discussion leader. Groups can combine for the lecture or video.Nita

Ours is about 15 people.

 

[Dr_M]

1. Would you consider attending a Bible study of the time (80% taught, 20% sharing)?

For me, since I learn that way, that’d be something I’d consider doing. However it’s all dependent on the audience. They know the Scripture, maybe cut less on the teaching, more on the sharing, here and there), or if they know little, that sounds about right.

1. Should it be at the parish, or at another location?

location doesn’t matter

1. Should it be right before the Mass? Right after Mass? During the week? If during the week, what time of day?

weekday in the evening.

1. Since I’m only one person, what should the size of the group be? If limited in size, what do you do if you get a large amount of interest?

15-20 people max, pref. 15.

1. Should this be a year-round thing, or should it drop off during the summer when many people are on vacation?

year round

1. How long should each session be? I’m leaning toward one hour if before/after Mass, or 90 minutes if at another time.

90 min is a good time.

 

[Fidelis]

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut everyone. What I have in mind is a Lectionary based beginner’s Bible study, only gradually branching out into more advanced subjects (You’d be amazed how much one could learn just from the Sunday readings! ). Right now, where I am, this (a beginner’s study) is where there seems to be the greatest need.

Thanks again, and keep those suggestions coming!

 

[lak611]

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut everyone. What I have in mind is a Lectionary based beginner’s Bible study, only gradually branching out into more advanced subjects (You’d be amazed how much one could learn just from the Sunday readings! ). Right now, where I am, this (a beginner’s study) is where there seems to be the greatest need.

Thanks again, and keep those suggestions coming!

Check out this website. It sounds like what you are looking to do, although it may be a little more advanced. scborromeo.org/bible.htm

 

[Fidelis]

Check out this website. It sounds like what you are looking to do, although it may be a little more advanced. scborromeo.org/bible.htm

Thanks for offering the link. This is actually one of the resources I use to prepare my weekly Bible studies.

If anyone here has never visited that site, I highly recommend it!