Bible Studies Offer Valuable Opportunity to Grow in Faith With Fellow Catholics
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nowledge and faith go handThe Bible study sessions generin-hand when cultivating a ally have a discussion component spiritual life, and participation in and a video presentation. Brad usua Bible study is an excellent way ally plans on two hours for a meetto dive deeper into the roots of Caing, but sometimes the group will tholicism. Our parish has offered a finish early. In the past, Bible studies variety of Bible studies since 2012, have been offered at two different when Brad Kendrick and his wife, times, with one group meeting at 1 Caitlin, were looking for a way to p.m. and another group meeting at explore their faith on a deeper level. 6:30 p.m., while some parishioners “My wife and I started the separticipated online instead. ries after she had converted to CaBrad is moving on from his positholicism,” Brad says. “We went to tion as the facilitator and is looking one of Jeff Cavins’ offerings in Ma- Brad and Caitlin Kendrick started the for someone to step up and take his comb, and then it kind of went from Bible studies after Caitlin entered into place. While it isn’t a big responsithe Catholic faith. there. It’s a huge blessing to see the bility, it really contributes a lot to growth in all of the people involved.” the life of the parish. For the past 10 years, Brad has chosen a Bi“Essentially you pray and decide what study ble study series from either Ascension Press or to go with,” Brad says. “After deciding, make sure FORMED. Sometimes, there has been one long the scheduling works, set up the calendar, and study spanning August to April with breaks for the make sure it doesn’t conflict with other activities holidays. At other times, the year has been broken in the parish.” up into two smaller studies. The Great Adventures Leading the meetings themselves is simple series has been a particular favorite, walking the since much of it is group discussion and the facilparticipants through the narrative of Scripture — itator can make arrangements to have others help some studies focus on the big picture, while others lead. Whether as a participant or a leader, a Bible delve deeper into specific books of the Bible. Brad study is a great way to nourish your faith. has found that the group discussion adds depth “Everybody is called to continually build our and new insight to the studies. knowledge of our faith and a great way to do that “I constantly tell people that even if we’ve done is through organized study, in a group setting, in this one before, next time you go to that book of a format laid out for you,” Brad says. “The group the Bible it will touch you differently,” Brad says. discussion is just as beneficial as the study itself.” If you’re interested in facilitating the next Bible study, please call the parish office at 217-222-2898.
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