There is a misperception that Catholics do no use or need their bibles. For many of us, our sole access to scripture is provided for us at Mass. It is true that Mass is deeply and directly tied to scripture in all its forms, words, and gestures. But our Catholic faith can only be enriched by a life of personal biblical study and devotion.

Mass can be seen as a ritual and a celebration. But what it truly is, at its  heart, is an entering into relationship with Christ. The latin root for the word adoration literally translates as mouth-to-mouth. We worship him in adoration as we come face to face with His True Presence in the Eucharist. We come into deepest union with Him. All of who we are is laid bare before Him, and all of who He is given up for us.

Christ in the Word - Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity.

He gives us all of Himself and nothing less. While Eucharist is the most intimate form of communion with Christ, we can also encounter Him truly in His Word. Holy inspired scripture is the Word of God, and Christ is present in scripture. We can know Him in his Words.

At St Joseph parish, we want to further encourage our parishioners to develop and deep and abiding love of the Bible. The Bible is a Catholic book! As Catholics, we should strive to know our Bible. By studying the Word, we can begin to more full understand the way that the Bible has been born out of the Tradition of the Catholic Church, and is one of the great gifts of the Church to the world. It is our heritage and our legacy. We should know it. 

Scripture in Accordance with Catholic Teaching

The Word is an ocean, deep and wide. What's more, scripture is LIVING. It is not just Christ's words on a page, but the Word of God, Christ Himself. He IS the Word of God. The Holy Spirit breathes upon us through the scriptures. So even a verse you studied years ago can come to new life and meaning.

It is important, however, to always remember that as Catholics, we always study the bible under the teaching authority of the Church. This is by no means a hinderance to our own personal relationship with the Word of God. Instead it is blessing and a source of protection. It is very easy to misunderstand scripture or take it out of context. The priests and the Catholic bible studies we use at the parish are taught in accordance with Church teaching.

If you have studied the bible before, there is always something new and beautiful to learn. If you have been parted from your bible for many years, come and be reacquainted. Maybe this is brand new to you. If so, then you are about to experience such a beautiful new aspect to your relationship with Christ. Its like a first date with a beloved spouse all over again. 

We invite you to step further into the study of the Word with our parish bible studies. Below you will find several current bible studies. All are welcome to attend. Bring a friend. Its a great way to invite someone to step gently through the doors of the church. Come join us to hear anew and to experience the presence of Christ in His Word.