* SCRIPTURE STUDY | CCC ADULT CATECHESIS  

UPCOMING • WINTER 2019
Our next
AFF Scripture
Group Study Program
will be on
SALVATION HISTORY

Study Groups will begin
WINTER 2019 ​​​​​

Please check back for details
and registration information. 
Everyone Welcome!

Questions about our programs?
Please contact:
Catherine Cetera
AFF Program Director
 - or -
Colleen Konopatzke
Office Manager
(406) 892.5142.

 * CREATIVE WORKSHOPS 

     TBA (Fall/Winter 2019)

 Catholic Online Encyclopedia

 USCCB Bible Commentary

SUGGESTIONS FOR
PERSONAL INTERIM SCRIPTURE STUDY

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”The study of the Sacred Scriptures must be a door opened to every believer.”  
—Pope Francis
Apostolic Exhortation Evangeli Gaudium 175
November 24, 2013
 

 OLD TESTAMENT Bible Study  Preparation

 

* Based on the 
DIDACHE SERIES
textbook by
James Socias & Scott Hahn

[Publisher: Midwest Theological Forum. $55]

The Jewish People and their Sacred Scriptures in the Bible 

 

FEASTS of FAITH

 

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These are some of the questions Mike Aquilina, St. Paul Center’s Executive Vice President, Carl Sommer and Rod Bennett, will address in this five part series as they examine the faith, and particularly the liturgy, from the vantage point of the early Christians. Tackle those questions and more in ---

 

GOOD READS & RESOURCES 

TO ASSIST ADULTS
AS WE CONTINUE TO GROW IN OUR FAITH. 

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To purchase books online: rather than to provide innumerable links for books featured on this page, please conduct your own search using Title, Author, and/or Publisher for your preferred online retailer's website.
If you require assistance please contact us. 
 

INFORMATIVE READ               

Father Raftis' 

BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH
Selection
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​​​​​​#1 on Amazon

New Release Christian Books

THE SACRED THAT SURROUNDS US: How Everything In a Catholic Church Points to Heaven

by Andrea Zachman | Ascension Press

You'll never see a Catholic Church the same way... 

Did you know that everything about the confessional in a Catholic Church, even its size, was designed in a highly specific way by St. Charles Borromeo to answer objections to the sacrament by the Reformation? Did you know there is both a theological and a practical reason why the credence table is placed where it is?

Each item in a Catholic church is there to point to a larger truth.

Every sacred vessel and item is packed with symbolism and meaning, aimed at making each visit to a Catholic church a powerful reminder of God s presence and the truths of our Faith.

The Sacred That Surrounds Us helps reveal Catholic churches as shrines of devotion. Sacred Tradition and Sacred Scripture are made tangible with this book, which explains with clarity the symbolism and history behind the sacred items we see in every Catholic church.

In ancient and medieval times, the faithful knew the meaning of all the sacred items in a church. Today s Catholics can now re-discover the sacred that surrounds them in church.

In modern churches, it can be difficult to realize the immense religious and cultural heritage we as Catholics are heirs to. It can be difficult to enter into the mysteries we are partaking in during the mass.

But every Catholic church, from the small, modern parish to the ancient basilica, has similar sacred objects and vessels.

The Sacred That Surrounds Us helps Catholics make every visit to a Catholic church a pilgrimage of faith.

In The Sacred That Surrounds Us, Catholics read:

• At least one historical fact about the sacred item or church feature being discussed. It answers the question, why is this here? When in Church history did we start using this, and why? 

• At least one symbolic reality about the sacred item or church feature. It answers the question, what deeper reality is this pointing towards? What insight can we gain by meditating on this item?

• A beautiful, high-resolution picture of the item or feature being discussed. A quote from the Church Fathers about this item, or a relevant quote from the Bible

 * Publisher: Ascension Press :   
 * Publication Date: March 2019
 * Book Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6"
 * Length: 125pp. Trade Paperback 

"I found this attractive, slender volume to be a good quick reference source.  As anticipated, it's not as thorough or detailed as other lengthier books dealing with the same subject matter. Nonetheless, I can easily recommend it. The authour writes in a friendly, almost conversational style which makes the book easy to read and the information very digestible. Well illustrated.Comfortable print size".     -CC 

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"The seed is the
Word of the Lord."
    -Luke 8:11
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BIBLES: New & Noteworthy 

Great Adventure Catholic Bible

  Ascension Press RSV-2CE $59.95

From Jeff Cavins, author of the
Great Adventure Bible series.
Very recently published and currently the #1-Best-selling Catholic Bible.

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Don't just read the words of the Bible ... understand them.

The Great Adventure Catholic Bible makes the complexity of reading the Bible simple.

The narrative approach in this Bible gives the big picture of salvation history and shows how everything ties together. This is the only Bible that incorporates The Great Adventure's color-coded Bible Timeline learning system, a system that has made The Great Adventure Bible study resources the most popular and influential in the English speaking world. The color-coded tools make it easy to read and easy to remember.

• Color-coding for easy reference. Uses the popular Bible Timeline system that's used by hundreds of thousands of Catholics to learn the Bible
• Articles to help you understand the overarching story and important covenants that tie the entire Bible together
• Key event callouts to help you quickly identify important points in the Bible that ordinarily take readers a long time to find and categorize in their head
• Detailed charts giving a visual overview of important characters, key events, maps, major covenants, and historical context
• Newly Designed Full-Color Maps to help visualize Bible story locations
• Words of Christ in red letter.

Product Description:
​​​​​• Dark Blue Vegan Leather 
• Dimen.: 6.9 x 2 x 9.9"
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
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Review by CC:
Due to its focus on Salvation History & Covenants, I consider this a “specialty” Bible.
Unfortunately, very few footnotes, no book introductions, and lacking in commentary.
Additionally I was disappointed by the glued binding. At this price-point I expect sewn binding. 
Not a good general “Study” Bible. 

(Nonetheless, because it deals extensively with Salvation Hx, I will be using this particular Bible for the soon-to-be-offered Fall 2019
AFF Scripture Study. -CC)

More Information at
Ascension Press

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LITTLE ROCK CATHOLIC
STUDY BIBLE

L Liturgical Press. *NABRE.
$39.99-$79.99

Open the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible and feel at home with the Word of God. Through accessibly written information and engaging visuals that highlight and clarify significant areas of Scripture, readers will easily gain an understanding of these ancient texts that can be carried into today's world. Using the authorized translation in the New American Bible Revised Edition, this lasting volume is ideal for both personal use and group Bible study.

The valuable information in the Little Rock Catholic Study Bible is offered in small notes and inserts that accompany the Bible texts as well as in expanded essays, articles, and graphics. Key symbols help readers quickly identify the type of information they need, such as explanations, definitions, dates, character and author profiles, archaeological insights, personal prayer starters, and insights connecting Scripture and its use in today's church. Colorful maps, timelines, photographs, and charts further enhance the study experience. Longer articles are dedicated to explaining study Bible fundamentals, the Catholic Church's use of the Bible, and the people and places of the biblical world.

General Editor: Catherine Upchurch (retired 2019) serves as the director of Little Rock Scripture Study. Her work in adult faith formation involves writing, editing, lecturing, leading retreats and days of reflection. She is the editor of A Year of Sundays and an associate editor of The Bible Today, a journal of biblical spirituality.

*NABRE, the official translation of The Church, the version read during Mass.

Product Description:
•Binding: Paper, Hardcover/Clothbound, or Deluxe Vegan Leather w/gold gilt edges.
•Pages: 2668
•Dimen.: 6.6x2.5x9.2"
•Weight: 3.2 lbs.

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Review by CC:
This is the most comprehensive Catholic  Study Bible I’ve seen currently in-print.
Vast footnotes, articles, individual book introductions, historical and biographical studies, Vatican documents, numerous charts, tables, maps, and so much more. Purchase the sturdy hardcover or deluxe bound versions, and you’ll have a true study Bible for life.  -CC

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Little Rock Scripture Study Bible
sample page

For more information
and to view more sample pages
visit
LITURGICAL PRESS

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OUR SUNDAY VISITOR

CATHOLIC NOTETAKING BIBLE

NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

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"Perfect for Scripture Study
Note-taking"
     -CC

About this Bible

The Church “forcefully and specifically exhorts all the Christian faithful … to learn ‘the surpassing knowledge of Jesus Christ,’ by frequent reading of the divine Scriptures.” —Catechism of the Catholic Church, 133

Dive into the Word of God with this stunning Bible. The wide margins give you room to take notes, journal, record prayers, or even doodle, allowing you to dig deeply into the meaning of passages and their impact on your faith. This Bible will become a cherished keepsake as you revisit your notes and highlights from previous years, seeing how Scripture continues to shape you as you invite the Word to take root more firmly in your heart.

Perfect as a gift for confirmation, RCIA, graduation, and weddings — or for yourself.

Product Details:
Cover: Dark Grey Vegan Leather
Publisher: Our Sunday Visitor

I 

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Also by OUR SUNDAY VISITOR
& Blessed Is She 

CATHOLIC JOURNALING BIBLE

The BIBLE WE ALL HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!

The first of its kind
for Catholic women interested in BIBLE JOURNALING-ILLUMINATION


Discover a beautiful, personal way to engage with Scripture through journaling, taking notes, recording prayers, doodling, drawing, creative expression. 

The first ever, full Catholic Journaling Bible (NABRE) includes wide margins with lines.
It's elegant design includes hand-lettered quotes and space for personal reflection.

 ADULT FAITH FORMATION (AFF)          

THE catechetical mission of the Church is for the faithful of all ages to grow in both human and Christian maturity, enriching the whole of life with the leaven of the Gospel. Every disciple of the Lord Jesus shares in this mission.  To do their part, adult Catholics must be mature in faith and well equipped to share the Gospel.

The Adult Faith Formation (AFF) ministry serves to engage the particular needs and interests of adults in our community.
It will, over the course of time, offer a comprehensive, systematic presentation and exploration of the core elements of Catholic faith and practice.
To achieve this, the AFF ministry incorporates all the faith dimensions of an adult’s life including the experience of family life, relationships, public service, and concern for the common good. It does so in a way that is accessible to adults and relates to their life experiences— integrating actual life experience, and the diverse learning styles of adults; through the study of Scripture, and the teaching of the Church's traditions.

Adult Faith Formation is an ongoing process.

AFF employs prayer, liturgy, group Scripture study, catechetical-based programs, creative workshops, and fellowship to deepen one’s relationship with God, and to nurture ourselves and one another. 

“My child, do not forget my teachings,
and let your heart keep my commandments.
For they shall add to thee length of days, and years of life, and peace.”
  -Proverbs 3:1-2



 

"The Emperor of Heaven,
the Lord of men and angels,
has sent you His epistles for
your life's advantage---
and yet you neglect to read
them eagerly. 
Study them, I beg you, 
and meditate daily
on the words of your Creator.

Learn the heart of God
in the words of God,

that you may sigh more eagerly
for things eternal, that your soul
may be kindled with greater longings
for heavenly joys."

- Pope St. Gregory I
[Letters. 5.46. (EnchBibl 31)]

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Feast of Our Lady of The Rosary: October 7th

   OCTOBER 

 is traditionally dedicated to
THE MOST HOLY ROSARY

The development of the Rosary can be traced to the High Middle Ages. The month of October is dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary. This is primarily due to the liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary being celebrated annually on October 7. It was instituted to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary in gratitude for the protection that she gives the Church in answer to the praying of the Rosary by the faithful.

The feast was introduced by Pope St. Pius V (1504-1572) in the year 1571 to commemorate the miraculous victory of the Christian forces in the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. The pope attributed more to the power of the Rosary than that of weapons such as cannons, or the valor of the soldiers who fought there.

Legend tells us that the Rosary as a form of prayer was given to St. Dominic (1170-1221) by Mary, the Mother of Our Lord, who entrusted it to him as an aid in the conflicts with the Albigensians. The Dominican pope, St. Pius V, did much to further the spread of the Rosary
and it thereafter became one of the most popular devotions in Christendom.

​​​​In 1569 Pope St. Pius V, officially approved the Rosary in its present form with the Papal Bull, Consueverunt Romani Pontifices. 

During the Middle Ages, in various medieval monasteries, it became a substitute for the Divine Office for the lay monks and devout lay persons who were illiterate. Instead of the Divine Office's 150 psalms, they would pray 150 "Our Fathers" counting them on a ring of beads known as the crown or "corona."  With the growth of popularity of Marian devotion in the twelfth century, the "Psalter of the Blessed Virgin Mary" developed, now substituting 150 "Hail Marys" in place of the "Our Fathers."

The 150 "Hail Marys" were subsequently subdivided into fifteen decades by the young Dominican friar, Henry Kalkar (1328-1408), with each decade referring to an event in the life of Jesus and Mary. The Dominican, Alanus de Rupe (1428-1478) further divided the episodes of the history of salvation into the joyful, sorrowful and glorious mysteries. He also attributed the origin of the Rosary, then known as the "Psalter of the Blessed Virgin" to St. Dominic and thus spurred the Dominican Order to make the Apostolate of the Rosary their special concern. The Dominicans have, since then, promulgated the Rosary with notable results.

The Rosary was given by Mary to.St. Dominic 
 

The practice of dedicating the entire month of October to the Holy Rosary developed toward the end of the last century. Pope Leo XIII (papacy: 1878-1903) strongly promoted the increase of devotion to the Blessed Mother by encouraging the constant use of the Rosary.

Beginning on September 1, 1883, with Supremo Apostolatus Officio, he wrote a total of eleven encyclicals on the Rosary, ending with Diuturni Temporis in 1898.

In the recent past, Pope Paul VI ( papacy: 1963-1978) devoted the last section of his Apostolic Exhortation Marialis Cultus to the Angelus and the Rosary (MC 40-55).
In this document, he wrote that "the Rosary retains an unaltered value and intact freshness."
(MC, 41)

The Rosary is primarily a Scriptural Prayer. 

This can be summarized by the traditional phrase used by Pope Pius XII (papacy: 1939-1958) that the Rosary is "a compendium of the entire Gospel" (AAS 38 [1946] p. 419). The Rosary draws its mysteries from the New Testament and is centered on the great events of the Incarnation and Redemption.

​​​St. Pope John Paul II called the Rosary his favorite prayer, in which we meditate with Mary upon the mysteries which she as a mother meditated on in her heart (Lk. 2:19) (Osservatore Romano, 44; 30 Oct. 1979).

In this glorious month of October, let us consider this beautiful prayer of the Rosary as a means that we too can use in order to draw closer to Jesus and Mary by meditating on the great mysteries of our salvation.

The liturgical feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
is celebrated annually on October 7th.

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The ROSARY Confraternity Center | How to pray The ROSARY

THE OLDEST
surviving prayer card is of St. Christopher

          Prayer Cards  _______________

In the centuries old Catholic tradition, holy cards or prayer cards are small, devotional cards for use by the faithful.

     The oldest known surviving Catholic prayer card 

                                                          is of St. Christopher and dates back to1423. 

Prayer is a vital part of our lives as Catholics.  Prayer cards help guide us in prayer to God.

These cards are a lovely way to teach both children and adults to pray

                Prayer cards have an infinite amount of uses

                          making them wonderful gifts and keepsakes.                  

   ______________________________________________________

   #1 The BIBLE

   #2 The Imitation of Christ
          by Thomas à Kempis, CRSA

The Imitation of Christ, which first appeared in the late fifteenth century, has without exaggeration been called the most widely read work of devotion ever written. It encourages us to live a life devoid of worldly vanities and, in the words of St. Paul, to put on Christ, that is, to imitate Christ, in order to find peace and fulfillment.

Written by a German monk for his fellow clergy CRSA  (Canonici Regulares Ordinis or Canon Regulars), The Imitation of Christ has appeared in nearly two thousand editions and translations since it was first set in then-newly-invented movable type. Making its message out of hundreds of passages from Scripture, it succeeds in creating a powerful and attractive picture of the spiritual life for readers of any age or era.         

 

with
Questions and Topics for Discussion

"

" Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; 
 let us conduct ourselves becomingly as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. 
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. " 

- St. Paul
ROMANS 13:12-14 (RSV)
 

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Learn more about Thomas à Kempis

read the CATHOLIC.org ONLINE ENCYCLOPEDIA biography 

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 USCCB APPROVED Translations of the SACRED SCRIPTURES
 for  Private Use and Study by Catholics 

1983 - Present

The 1983 Code of Canon Law entrusts to the Apostolic See and the episcopal conferences the authority to approve translations of the Sacred Scriptures in the Latin Catholic Church (c. 825, §1).  Prior to 1983, Scriptural translations could be approved by the Apostolic See or by a local ordinary within a diocese.   

What follows is a complete list of the translations of the Sacred Scriptures that have received the approval of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops since 1983.      


•    Books of the New Testament, Alba House
•    Contemporary English Version - New Testament, First Edition, American Bible Society
•    Contemporary English Version - Book of Psalms, American Bible Society
•    Contemporary English Version - Book of Proverbs, American Bible Society
•    The Grail Psalter (Inclusive Language Version), G.I.A. Publications
•    New American Bible, Revised Edition (NABRE)
•    New Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition, National Council of Churches 
•    The Psalms, Alba House
•    The Psalms (New International Version) - St. Joseph Catholic Edition, Catholic Book Publishing Company
•    The Psalms - St. Joseph New Catholic Version, Catholic Book Publishing Company
•    Revised Psalms of the New American Bible (1991)
•    So You May Believe, A Translation of the Four Gospels, Alba House
•    Translation for Early Youth, A Translation of the New Testament for Children, Contemporary English Version, American Bible Society



Don't see your particular Bible listed?


In addition to the translations listed above, any translation of the Sacred Scriptures that has received proper ecclesiastical approval ‒ namely, by the Apostolic See, a local ordinary prior to 1983, or an episcopal conference following 1983 ‒ may be used by the Catholic faithful for private prayer and study.  



A few examples of the most popular, widely-used translations:

• Douay-Rheims (1582/1609/1899)
• RSV-2CE (2005)  Revised Standard Version-Second Catholic Edition
• NABRE (2011)  New American Bible, Revised Edition
• Today's English Version (1992) (This is the Catholic edition of the popular Good News Bible ---considered more a paraphrase than a true translation.)
• The Jerusalem Bible (1966)*
• CCD (1941) Confraternity of Christian Doctrine - New Testament  

• The New Jerusalem Bible (1990) A revision of The Jerusalem Bible directly from the original languages. It contains **inclusive language, similar to that rejected in the Revised NAB (NABRE) by the Holy See for use in the liturgy.

** Inclusive Language: A simplified definition of gender-inclusive language is that of a translation which seeks to avoid masculine-specific terminology when the original authour referred to members of both sexes.



 ** Inclusive Language

Learn more about the topic of language-inclusivity, the practical principles, and the canonical responsibility involved in approving translations, in the following document from 
Pastoral Letters and Statements of the United States Catholic Bishops, volume vi: 1989-1997 (Washington, D.C.: United States Catholic Conference, 1998), pp. 207-214. [Approved by the NCCB]

Criteria for the Evaluation of Inclusive Language Translations of Scriptural Texts Proposed for Liturgical Use.

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Catholic vs. Protestant Bibles: whats the difference?

Bible translations developed for use by Catholics are "complete" Bibles.

In other words, these Bibles contain the entire canonical text as identified by Pope Damasus I, the Synod of Rome (382), the local Councils of Hippo (393), and Carthage (397). It is the complete canon contained in St. Jerome's Latin Vulgate translation (420), and as decreed infallibly by the Ecumenical Council of Trent (1570).


This canonical text contains the same 27 New Testament books which Protestant versions contain, but Catholic Bibles have 46 Old Testament books, instead of only the 39 found in Protestant versions. (See OT Books Comparison Chart below)

These 7 books, and parts of 2 others, are called Deuterocanonical (2nd canon) by Catholics,
and The Apocrypha (false writings) by Protestants. These books were eliminated from Protestant versions at the time of the Reformation (16th century).

The Deuterocanonical Scriptures are Tobias (Tobit), Judith, Baruch,
Ecclesiasticus (Sirach), Wisdom, 1st and 2nd Maccabees, portions of Esther and of Daniel.


 

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    OLD TESTAMENT Books Comparison Chart _____________________
 

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It is preferable that any Bible you choose have an imprimatur notice on the back of the title page. The imprimatur/nihil obstat indicates that the book is free from errors in Catholic doctrine.

Source:  USCCB.

 

WHY are PROTESTANT BIBLES smaller?

Watch this concise video
as respected apologist Trent Horn explains
what the deuteurocanonical books are
and offers solid reasons for why they are part of the Bible.  

from Catholic Answers on   
     .         

Explore the St. Paul Center's Journey Through Scripture
Bible Study Program

 NOW on       

  
The Bible and the Virgin Mary 12-part series
 

Journey Through Scripture is the St. Paul Center's Bible study program designed to help ordinary Catholics grow in their knowledge of the Scriptures while deepening their understanding of the riches of our faith.  Disgtinctively Catholic, Journey Through Scripture reads the Bible from the heart of the Church, engaging both the OLD and NEW Testaments and how they work together.
Its grounded in history, yet actively engages topics faced by today's Catholic. More than just an ordinary Bible study, it's Biblical catechesis.

The Bible and the Virgin Mary is a dynamic twelve-part video series that beautifully explains the Catholic truths about Our Lady, showing how she has been a part of God's plan ito bring salvation to the world since the beginning of time.  In addition to explanation of dogma, answers to common objections, and demonstration of Mary's presence is the OLD and NEW Testaments, the study discusses Church-approved Marian apparitions that play an important role in Catholic Tradiition
Its sure to help Catholics and noon-Catholics alike grow in an understanding and appreciation of the Mother of God.



 

"Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit, that my thoughts may all be holy. Act in me, O Holy Spirit, that my work, too, may be holy. Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit, that I love but what is holy. Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit, to defend all that is holy. Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Amen."

                 --St. Augustine