On Bible Studies and Parish Bible Week
It is encouraging to observe how many dioceses place great importance on the training of Bible Study Coordinators and Evangelisers through the Biblical Apostolate. These pastoral agents are not merely trained; they are also commissioned and sent forth to participate in the Church’s mission of evangelisation.
This practice reflects the missionary mandate of Christ, who instructed His disciples:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20).
The Church’s mission is fundamentally missionary in nature. Every baptised Catholic is called to participate in this mission according to his or her vocation and state in life.
Therefore, when parishes sponsor individuals for biblical formation and training only for them to remain underutilised because of insecurity, unhealthy competition, parish politics, jealousy, or personal interests, it becomes a great disservice not only to the parish but also to the diocese and the wider Church.
The gifts and talents of trained pastoral agents should be recognised, encouraged, and properly utilised for the building up of the Body of Christ.
As St. Paul teaches:
“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” (1 Corinthians 12:7).
Under normal circumstances, Bible Study Coordinators and Evangelisers are expected to:
- Offer Sound Catholic Biblical Formation in the Parish and Rectorate
Their responsibility is not merely to teach the Bible but to present Sacred Scripture within the living Tradition of the Church and in harmony with the Magisterium.
As the Second Vatican Council teaches:
“Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture form one sacred deposit of the word of God” (Dei Verbum, 10).
Consequently, biblical formation should always be authentically Catholic, faithful to the teachings of the Church, and spiritually enriching.
- Organise and Lead Bible Study Groups and Bible Societies in the Parish
Bible study groups provide an opportunity for parishioners to deepen their understanding of God’s Word, strengthen their faith, and grow in Christian fellowship.
The early Christians devoted themselves to learning and spiritual growth:
“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42).
A vibrant parish should therefore encourage the formation and sustenance of Bible study groups for children, youth, and adults.
- Deliver Simple Biblical Talks and Faith Formation Programmes
Bible Study Coordinators and Evangelisers should be available to offer biblical reflections and faith formation sessions for parish societies, youth groups, marriage schools, small Christian communities, and other parish organisations.
Such presentations should be simple, practical, and faithful to Catholic doctrine, helping the faithful understand how God’s Word applies to everyday life.
- Encourage and Animate the Study of Sacred Scripture Among All Parishioners
Special efforts should be made to promote the study of Scripture among children, youth, men, women, and the elderly.
The Word of God belongs to the entire People of God and should never be seen as the preserve of a few specialists.
The more Catholics encounter Christ in Sacred Scripture, the stronger their faith becomes.
- Promote Evangelisation Through Modern Means of Communication
In our contemporary world, evangelisation must extend beyond the walls of the church building.
Trained evangelisers can help parishes utilise social media, television, radio, podcasts, websites, and other digital platforms to proclaim the Gospel and share authentic Catholic teaching.
Pope Francis repeatedly reminds the Church of the importance of engaging the digital world as a field for evangelisation.
Modern technology, when used responsibly, can become a powerful instrument for spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ.
The Importance of Parish Bible Week
Parish Bible Week should not be viewed merely as another activity on the parish calendar. Rather, it should be a privileged moment for renewing the faithful’s love for Sacred Scripture.
During Bible Week, parishioners should be encouraged to:
- Read and study the Bible regularly.
- Participate actively in Bible study groups.
- Practise Lectio Divina (prayerful reflection on Scripture).
- Memorise important passages of Scripture.
- Deepen their understanding of Catholic biblical interpretation.
- Apply the Word of God to their daily lives.
The Psalmist beautifully declares:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Likewise, the author of the Letter to the Hebrews reminds us:
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).
A parish that loves Sacred Scripture becomes a parish that grows in faith, holiness, evangelisation, and missionary discipleship.
May every parish become a community where the Word of God is faithfully proclaimed, carefully studied, prayerfully reflected upon, and courageously lived.
For as our Lord Himself teaches:
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!” (Luke 11:28).
TO BE CONTINUED
By: Rev. Fr. Albert Kyei Danso
Chaplain, Holy Family Ghanaian Catholic Community Church,
Italy.
