Bible Study

The Bible Study Ministry at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church has as its goals (1) to deepen our understanding and appreciation of Scripture and (2) to grow closer to Christ so as to love God and our neighbor. The two goals are synonymous as St. Jerome has admonished us that, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ”.

We are inspired by the words from the Constitution on Divine Revelation from Vatican Council II, # 21:

In the sacred books the Father who is in heaven comes lovingly to meet his children, and talks to them. And such is the force and power of the Word of God that it can serve the Church as her support and vigor, and the children of the Church as strength for their faith, food for the soul, and a pure and lasting fount of spiritual life.

The Bible Study Ministry offers programs during the Fall, Winter, Spring, and Summer. The Fall, Winter, and Spring studies are often comprehensive, lasting 10 to 24 weeks, whereas the Summer studies tend to be briefer at 4-5 weeks and not as extensive.

Bible Study meets once a week for 60 to 70 minutes sessions. The format typically is small-group discussions on a particular chapter or theme from the Bible. All are welcome to participate or to come and just listen. There is no pressure to speak. Either way, one should expect to gain a new or fresh perspective on the Bible, learn from others and teach others, and to grow spiritually from the experience.

Resources:

www.usccb.org/bible/understanding-the-bible

Raymond Brown, Introduction to the New Testament, 1997.

Scott Hahn, Catholic Bible Dictionary, 2009.

Fall 2024 Classes and Schedules

“The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation” is an excellent way to introduce yourself to the Bible. This is the third time the 24-week class is offered at St. Michael’s. Our hope is the working man or woman will experience a calling to take the course. The course time will be determined at the October 6, 2024 meeting by those in attendance. We think a Wednesday or Thursday evening time from 5:30 to 7 pm could work out. You will decide.

Fall 2024

1. The Book of Revelation and the Mass. 14 weeks starting on September 18 and continuing on September 25, October 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30, November 6, 13, 20; no meetings in December, continuing on January 8, 15, 22, and 29. Meetings on Wednesday after the 9 am Mass in the Angel’s Room.

Books:

A. The Book of Revelation.

B. Scott Hahn, The Lamb’s Supper: The Mass as Heaven on Earth (1999). Available on Amazon for $13.99 or less.

C. Scott Hahn, Study Guide for The Lamb’s Supper (2010). Available on Amazon for $10.99 or less.

2. The Bible Timeline: The Story of Salvation. 24 weeks starting on October 6, 2024, with a 30-minute Introductory Session after the 10 am Sunday Mass in the Angel’s Room (behind the piano in Church). Times to be determined. Resources include a 270-page Workbook, Timeline Chart, and bookmark for $35.95 or the digital version for $6.95 available through Ascension Press (ascensionpress.com).

If you have any questions, please leave a message for Kevin Kindelan at 863-289-8900 or email at kindelan5@aol.com.

To register for classes, click the button below or call Michele at the Parish Office at 941-349-4174. She will obtain your name, the program(s) of interest to you, your phone number, and your email address.

Watch the bulletin for updates on the classes.

Click to Register