* SCRIPTURE STUDY
ADULT CATECHESIS (CCC)

UPCOMING • WINTER-SPRING 2020
Our next
AFF Scripture
Group Study Program:

SALVATION HISTORY

• Do you want to better understand GOD's bigger plan for you as written in the Scriptures, and your place in His plan?
• Are you aware of "the Bible within the Bible"? Which books are they? What is their significance? 
• Have you ever wondered how the stories in the Bible apply to your life?

✧･˚ : *✧･ﾟ:*｡･ ♛ ･｡*:･ﾟ✧*˚ ･✧

WINTER-SPRING 2020 ​​​​​

Please check back for details
and registration information. 
 

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

 * CREATIVE WORKSHOPS 

     TBA (SPRING 2020)

 Catholic Online Encyclopedia

 USCCB Bible Commentary

SUGGESTIONS FOR
PERSONAL INTERIM SCRIPTURE STUDY

______________
”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/SALVATION HISTORY
 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 

 

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. 
 

INSPIRATIONAL READS              

⍟»— JUST PUBLISHED! —«⍟

☆*:..｡.  ☠  .｡.:*☆
MEMENTO MORI:

Memento Mori--
Latin for
"remember you will die"

-- refers to the practice of prayer and meditation on one's inevitable death and the afterlife.

_____________________

⍟ A prayer book to help you to meditate on your death and all the Last Things in order to live for heaven.
 

""A good death depends on a good life."
-- St. Robert Bellarmine

ENCOURAGED BY SCRIPTURE and the SAINTS, this ancient tradition can help you to manage the chaos of this world, grow closer to GOD, and focus on HEAVEN. 

Memento mori--Latin for "remember you will die"--refers to the practice of meditation on one's inevitable death and the afterlife. Encouraged by Scripture and the saints, this ancient tradition can help you to manage the chaos of this world, grow closer to God, and focus on heaven. 

Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP is a religious sister at the forefront of the movement to revive this practice in the Church. She has written several resources to help people to incorporate memento mori into their daily lives.
 

Her Memento Mori: A Lenten Devotional and the Memnto Mori Journal have
touched thousands of lives.    

Now she has compiled and written a beautiful year-round, general prayer book to help people to meditate on death and the afterlife, traditionally called "the Last Things," in order to prepare for heaven. 

Meditation on the Last Things is not a dark, depressing practice..."

Meditation on the Last Things--death, judgment, hell, and heaven--is not a dark and depressing practice. Rather, the practice is hopeful and lifechanging. It helps people to take stock of their lives, grow closer to God, and to live with renewed purpose and fervor.
May this practice open your heart to the work God wants to do in you and through you before your last day on earth, whenever that day might be. 

May God find us prepared!
 

☆*:..｡.  ☠  .｡.:*☆

Features & Benefits::

*  Prayer book written and compiled by a trusted religious sister 

* Includes the section Death: Prayers to Live and Die Well with prayers to Jesus, the Way of the Cross, prayers to live each day well, prayers for a good death, prayers for the dying, Marian prayers for assistance in life and death
*  Includes the section Judgment: Prayers to Prepare to Meet Jesus with penitential prayers, guide to the sacrament of penance and reconciliation, the Memento Mori Daily Examen, prayers for the dead
*  Includes the section Hell: Prayers to Combat the Powers of Darkness with formula for renewal of baptismal promises, Eucharistic prayers, the Rosary, spiritual warfare prayers
*  Includes the section Heaven: Prayers for Union with God with prayers of longing for heaven, prayers of praise to God, Marian prayers
*  Includes a selection of prayers in both Latin and English
*  Contains an explanation of indulgences

⍟ Prayer book has a nihil obstat and imprimatur

The practice of memento mori
is "hopeful and lifechanging.
It helps people to take stock of their lives, grow closer to God, and to live with renewed purpose and fervor."

☆*:..｡.  ☠  .｡.:*☆

About the Author

Sr. Theresa Aletheia Noble, FSP
has a skull on her desk as a memento mori, a reminder of her inevitable death. The ancient tradition of remembering death--encouraged by Scripture, early Church Fathers, and many saints--has changed her life and led to greater union with God.

You can learn more about her
and get free
memento mori wallpapers
for your phone and computers at
https://pursuedbytruth.com/

☆*:..｡.  ☠  .｡.:*☆
 

• Publisher: Pauline Books and Media (November 2, 2019)
• Imitation Leather: 384 pages
• Silver gilt page-edges
• Binding: Sewn 
• Product Dimensions: 4.7 x 0.7 x 6.4"

Learn more
about
Memento Mori: Prayers
On The Last Things

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.”
—Psalm 90:12

 

⍟»— NEW! NEW! NEW! —«⍟

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​​​​THE BIBLE
IS A
CATHOLIC BOOK

Jimmy Akin | Ignatius Press

We are the original "Bible Christians" 

In The Bible Is a Catholic Book, Jimmy shows how the Bible cannot exist apart from the Church. In its origins and its formulation, in the truths it contains, in its careful preservation over the centuries and in the prayerful study and elucidation of its mysteries.

"Scripture is inseparable from Catholicism".

Scripture is inseparable from Catholicism. This is fitting, since both come from God for our salvation.

If you’re a Catholic who sometimes gets intimidated by the Bible (especially scriptural challenges from Protestants), The Bible Is a Catholic Book will help you better understand and take pride in this gift that God gave the world through the Church.

We are the original “Bible Christians”!

And even non-Catholics will appreciate the clear and charitable way that Jimmy explains how the early Church gave us the Bible—and how the Church to this day reveres and obeys it.

* Publisher: Ignatius Press :   
 * Publication Date: September 2019
 * Binding: Trade Paperback
 * Length: 181 pp.  

__________________________
"The seed is the
Word of the Lord."
    -Luke 8:11
_________________________

BIBLES: New & Noteworthy 

Great Adventure Catholic Bible

  Ascension Press RSV-2CE

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

--------------------------

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
• Two satin ribbon markers
• Words of Christ in red letter.

Product Description:
​​​​​• Dark Blue Vegan Leather 
• Dimen.: 6.9 x 2 x 9.9"
• Weight: 2.75 lbs.
________________________
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 the $60 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 Winter 2020
AFF Scripture Study. -CC)

More Information at
Ascension Press

____________________________________
____________________________________

LITTLE ROCK CATHOLIC
STUDY BIBLE

L Liturgical Press. *NABRE
 

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 2018) 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.

________________________
Review by CC:
This is the most comprehensive complete  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

_______________________________

Little Rock Scripture Study Bible
sample page

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

____________________________________
____________________________________

OUR SUNDAY VISITOR

CATHOLIC NOTETAKING BIBLE

NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)

------- + -------
 

"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 

______________________
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.

✧*:･ﾟ✧･ﾟ･: *✧˚･:*  ♛  *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

___________________________________________________________

 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 the Holy Name of Jesus: January 3rd
                                                           

✧･ﾟ･: *✧˚･:*  ♛  *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧    

    JANUARY 

 is traditionally the month of
  THE MOST HOLY NAME of JESUS

In the Name of Jesus let every knee bow, of those that are in Heaven, on earth, and under the earth and let every tongue confess that
the Lord Jesus Christ
is in the glory of
God the Father.


The name of Jesus is the sweetest of all names,
and He who bears it is most worthy of all love.

"In the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in Heaven, on earth and under the earth."

-Phil. 2:10  

Christ's name is chosen in heaven, and the Angel Gabriel announces it when he informs the Blessed Virgin of the incarnation: "Behold thou shalt conceive in thy womb and shalt bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus".
It is a name that has marvelous implications, for it means "savior."
The very name bespeaks the magnitude of His mission, His infinite love, a love that will cause Him to offer Himself up for us.

History of the Feast

 

Reverence for the Holy Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, arose in the apostolic times.  St. Paul in his Letter to the Philippians wrote, “So that at Jesus’ name every knee must bend in the heavens, on the earth and under the earth, and every tongue proclaim to the glory of God the Father: Jesus Christ is Lord” (2:10-11).  Just as a name gives identity to a person and also reflects a person’s life, the name of Jesus reminds the hearer of who Jesus is and what He has done for us.
 Keep in mind that the name Jesus means “Yahweh saves” or “Yahweh is salvation.”

In invoking our Lord’s name with reverential faith, one is turning to Him and imploring His divine assistance.  The name of Jesus gives help in spiritual trials.

Jesus forgave sins, and through the invocation of His Holy Name, sins continue to be forgiven. 

The Most Holy Name of Jesus protects the person against Satan and his temptations.  Jesus on His own authority exorcized demons (Matt 8:28-34)). Through the invocation of His Holy Name, Satan is still conquered.

We also receive every grace and blessings through the Holy Name of Jesus.  Jesus said, “I give you my assurance, whatever you ask the Father, He will give you in my name.  Until now you have not asked for anything in my name.  Ask and you shall receive, that your joy may be full” (John 16:23-24). 

In summary, St. Paul said, “Whatever you do, in whether in speech or in action, do it in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17).

Both St. Bernardine of Sienna (1380-1444) and his student St. John of Capistrano (1386-1456) promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. 

Monograms of the Holy Name 

According to the minds of antiquity, a person's name was the expression of his nature, work, or mission. Early Christians accordingly used our Savior's Name to bring to mind His adorable Person; and in their art they gave it the following shortened or symbolic forms known as monograms: 

a) The Chi-Rho Symbol. The oldest monuments bearing this symbol date to the third century. There are the following authentic forms: (1) the separate letters; (2) the superimposed letters; (3) the monogram cross. 

After the triumph of Christianity, the Chi-Rho monogram spread into all countries and found manifold use. It no longer served as a mere abbreviation of the sacred Name, but stood as a symbol for Christ the King. 

b) The IHS Symbol. The familiar abbreviation IHS is a symbol of the Name Jesus which has retained its popularity down through the centuries. 

What is its derivation? IHC is the abbreviation of the Greek ΙΗΣΟUΣ, i.e., "Iesus" (the first three letters of the word). The older form for the Greek sigma, S, resembled our capital C.
In recent centuries the IHS has been falsely interpreted asJesus Hominum Salvator, or even Jesu humilis societas (and regarded as a colophon for the Society of Jesus). Another interpretation that is sometimes made is In Hoc Signo (vinces), and out of the added v (for vinces) three nails are formed.
More modern erroneous interpretations, chiefly amongst evangelicals,  include: In His Service, and In His Steps.

c) Ichthys. The early Church used another monogram for our Savior's name, the widely-used ICHTHYS. Christ's full title was (in Greek): Iesous Christos Theou Yos Soter, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior. The initial letters of these five words form the Greek word ICHTHYS, which means fish. For this reason Christ is often pictured as a fish. Thus both the abbreviation and the picture became for the early Christians a secret symbol for the Redeemer.
 

d) The Cross as a Symbol for the Divine Name. The similarity between the Chi-Rho symbol and the Cross is so apparent that it was not long before the design of the two became related. The Cross and the divine Name serve as symbols of redemption, and as a means of protection against the attacks of the demons. Thus it became customary to put the cruciform monogram on doors and houses. It is frequently found on doors and/or walls of houses, on tombs, and also on other everyday articles. It is likely the most popular symbol in modern Christian jewelry.

 

✧･ﾟ･: *✧˚･:*  ♛  *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

 Jesus, the Most Holy Name


 

___________________________________________      

​​


During these dark Winter months,
let us remember those who have gone before us. 
Let us give thanks for their lives, and offer prayers for our departed loved ones,  for those who were our benefactors--
and especially for those poor souls in Purgatory
who have no one else to pray for them.
 

_______________________________________________

♥  I pray especially for those to whom I owe a debt of gratitude and love:
parents, spouse, children, brothers and sisters.
I recommend to You especially ( N.) and also those souls
who have been forgotten by their friends and family members.
Admit them soon into eternal happiness. + Amen.

♥  O most merciful Jesus, Lover of souls,

     NOW on the new

                   FORMED BookClub

_________________________________________________

     Current Selection: 

                         Robert Cardinal Sarah | Ignatius Press

              ​​​​​​

   In his highly anticipated new book, Robert Cardinal Sarah explores
moral relativism and the
"cultural identity crisis" that has spread throughout many western societies.

Robert Cardinal Sarah calls The Day Is Now Far Spent his most important book. He analyzes the spiritual, moral, and political collapse of the Western world and concludes that "the decadence of our time has all the faces of mortal peril."

A cultural identity crisis, he writes, is at the root of the problems facing Western societies. "The West no longer knows who it is, because it no longer knows and does not want to know who made it, who established it, as it was and as it is. Many countries today ignore their own history. This self-suffocation naturally leads to a decadence that opens the path to new, barbaric civilizations."

While making clear the gravity of the present situation, the cardinal demonstrates that it is possible to avoid the hell of a world without God, a world without hope. He calls for a renewal of devotion to Christ through prayer and the practice of virtue. 

  "...a timely discussion on the effects of the spiritual and moral breakdown of the foundations of today's world."

Editorial Reviews: "To call this book a tour de force would be an understatement. It’s an astonishing work: clear, simple, visionary—and filled with hope." — Most Rev. Charles Chaput, O.F.M. Cap., Archbishop of Philadelphia "No other work, or churchman, addresses with such clarity the profound moral and spiritual crisis engulfing the world today, and the solutions for it. A monumental book that every Catholic, and Christian, needs to read!" — Raymond Arroyo, EWTN Host, The World Over "Cardinal Sarah is a latter-day Christian prophet, and this book is his most urgent wake-up call yet to a West sleepwalking toward a paganized dystopia." — Sohrab Ahmari, Author, From Fire, by Water: My Journey to the Catholic Faith "Cardinal Sarah's comprehensive view of the Church and society is as chilling as it is accurate. He offers great consolation to all by reminding us that 'God opens his hand' and gives us the greatest possible remedy: prayer." — Most Rev. Thomas Olmsted, Bishop of Phoenix, Arizona "I particularly urge my brother priests and bishops to read this book, taking to heart its appeal to us for spiritual and ecclesial reform and renewal, which must begin with us." — Most Rev. Alexander Sample, Archbishop of Portland, Oregon Description:  Paperback: 385 pages Publisher: Ignatius Press (September 22, 2019) ISBN-13: 978-1621643241 Product Dimensions: 6 x 1.2 x 8.9" Weight: 1.1 Lbs   ​ __________________________________________________________________    Click for a multi-page preview of The Day Is Now Far Spent                               ___________________________________________________________________

             Join Fr. Fission, Joseph Pearce, and Vivian Dudro 

                                                               for a weekly discussion of                

The Day Is Now Far Spent 
  Weekly recorded event available TUESDAYS at 3pm [Mountain Time]

   The Day Is Now Far Spent:  Episode 1 ☆ Chapters 1-3

       [Beginning: 22 October 2019]   

           FORMED BookClub 

  Weekly Video Discussion

ENROLL Here - FORMED BookClub - FREE Membership

   #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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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.



 

 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   
   
 

Bible Reading: Keypoints to remember

• The Bible is not written chronologically.
• It’s a library, not a single book.
• The books are ordered by type of book (historical, prophets, poetry, wisdom…)
• Everyone needs to be taught how to read the Bible

• The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) is the key to understanding how the Bible fits in and the Bible is the key to understanding the Church
• The CCC has 4 Pillars:

• The Creed condenses the Bible, it comes first because the others all spring from it

• Begin with a short prayer asking the Holy Spirit to aid your understanding 
• Focus on the overarching storyline 
• Underline the key pivotal points
• Read to get to know God – not to “conquer” the Bible
• Read it over and over to really understand it, the same way the Church does each liturgical year.

"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