Sharing faith in small groups:
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Visit the North American Forum for Small Christian Communities to learn how small communities can renew and strengthen discipleship HERE.
"The most important reason for gathering in small groups is to place God in a primary spot in their lives, make faith essential to their lives, hear the invitation of Jesus to change themselves, and transform the society around them. In other words to make disciples." |
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CLICK HERE for a page on this website with lots of
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These videos help to introduce Scripture itself:
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This 1.5 minute video can help to connect a teen to scripture:
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This 2.5 minutes can help introduce adults to the Gospel of Matthew, the lectionary focus of the 2022-23 Liturgical Year.
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These online resources can help with children:
"Getting to Know God: Three Ways to Teach with Scripture" from Catechist Journey
Parish catechists will appreciate this series on the Catholic approach to scripture background articles from Loyola Press.
More from Loyola Press:
Using the Bible in Family Prayer
Exploring the Good Word This Week as a Family
Praying the Scriptures with Lectio Divina
Biblical Literacy for Catechists
Joyce Donahue provides a refresher course on major figures in salvation history through this series.
Embracing the Way: The Old Testament
James Campbell looks at the insights of Pope Francis regarding the Old Testament.
Faithfully Adapting Scripture Stories for Children
Joe Paprocki reminds us that when adapting Scripture stories for children, it is imperative that we remain faithful to Sacred Scripture and not change the essence of the stories we are relating.
Using the Bible in Family Prayer
Exploring the Good Word This Week as a Family
Praying the Scriptures with Lectio Divina
Biblical Literacy for Catechists
Joyce Donahue provides a refresher course on major figures in salvation history through this series.
Embracing the Way: The Old Testament
James Campbell looks at the insights of Pope Francis regarding the Old Testament.
Faithfully Adapting Scripture Stories for Children
Joe Paprocki reminds us that when adapting Scripture stories for children, it is imperative that we remain faithful to Sacred Scripture and not change the essence of the stories we are relating.
These online resources can help adults with
scripture knowledge and reflection:
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The Sunday Website at Saint Louis University has "Praying Toward Sunday," "Spirituality of the Readings," "Get to Know the Readings," "Music of Sunday's Mass, and "General Intercessions" for every Sunday. Click on the logo:
Fr. George Smiga's website, Building on the Word, has Bible Study helps, Jewish-Christian resources, and more. Click on the logo:
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The Creighton University Daily Reflection page has faculty, administrators, and staff reflect on the readings of the day. Click on the logo:
Fr. Felix Just, S.J., has Catholic Resources for Bible, Liturgy, Art, and Theology. Click on the logo:
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The USCCB website has the whole bible, plus daily readings, and study materials.
New American Bible Daily Readings Study Materials 
Stephen J. Binz, scripture scholar, offers this pdf of a prayer service for Bible Enthronment in the home.
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Recommended Catholic Bible Studies
HEAD = 5, HEART = 5
Threshold Bible Study is a thematic Scripture study program, designed for both personal study and group discussion. The characters, places, and images that you will encounter in each of these topical studies will help you explore new dimensions of your faith and discover deeper insights for your spiritual life. Features a new scripture passage for each day of the week, commentary, and discussion questions
$11.95, Paperback only
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HEAD = 3, HEART = 7
Six Weeks with the Bible series is an inviting starting point for busy adults who want to study the Bible but don't know where to begin. Each guide is divided into six concise, 90-minute segments that introduce one book of the Bible. Edited by Scripture authority Kevin Perrotta, these Bible studies require no prior knowledge of Scripture, and all biblical text is printed in the guides. Features one or two scrpiture passages per week, fun icebreaker and discussion questions, and prayer.
$7.95, Paperback only
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HEAD = 7, HEART = 3
Alive in the Word
These three week adult bible studies feature color photos and maps, scholarly commentary, and short discussion questions. Excellent for groups who don't want to commit to multiple weeks of study but are interested in more learning than faith sharing. $3.49 eBook
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HEAD = 9, HEART = 1
Little Rock Scripture Study. These four to six week adult Bible Studies feature online video lectures, detailed commentary, and more learning than faith sharing. Great for those who like to watch a recorded brief lecture along with reading a study guide and commentary.
Online lectures are free for groups with the purchase of books! $12.99 eBook,
Free online lectures |
These Diocesan Library resources will help with preparation for a bible study session.
WE CAN MAIL BOOKS TO YOU!
This is just a start. There are shelves upon shelves of bible studies and scholarship.
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE LIBRARY MATERIALS
or call 330 744-8451 ext 297, or email library@youngstowndiocese.org.
or call 330 744-8451 ext 297, or email library@youngstowndiocese.org.
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The Collegeville Bible Commentary : Based on the New American Bible with Revised New Testament
general editors, Dianne Bergant, Robert J. Karris Commentary by leading scholars on each book in the bible plus a maps section. 
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Harper's Bible Commentary
general editor, James L. Mays ; associate editors, Joseph Blenkinsopp ... [et al.] with the Society of Biblical Literature. Features individual commentaries on each of the books of the Old and New Testaments. 
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The New Jerome Biblical Commentary
edited by Raymond E. Brown, Joseph A. Fitzmyer, Roland E. Murphy Contains notes on each book of the bible, plus topical and commentary articles that examine the cultural, historical, literary, and religious issues of the scriptures as interpreted by Roman Catholic scholars. 
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A New Heaven, A New Earth: The Bible and Catholicity. by Dianne Bergant Orbis, 2016. This groundbreaking book is an experiment in reading the Bible through the lens of catholicity: a consciousness of the wholeness that pervades all life. Each chapter examines an aspect of the natural world (determined by the biblical text itself) from the perspective of the principle(s) of evolution and ecojustice. A New Heaven, A New Earth thus leads to new ways of understanding and talking about the Bible, God, creation, and humankind. |
Great Men of the Bible: A Guide for Guys. by Martin Pable, OFM Cap Acta Publications, 2014. Learn what these “great men of the Bible” have to teach men today: Abraham, the flawed father of our faith; Jacob, a case study of the male journey; Joseph, a model of reconciliation; Moses, a spiritual-political leader; David, from greatness to failure and back again; Elijah, a prophet who wouldn’t give up; Jeremiah, a man unbeaten by depression and failure; John the Baptist, a man without ego; Joseph of Nazareth, a man for our times; Peter, more heart than rock; and Paul, a man who caught the fire. Questions for reflection and discussion follow each chapter |
From Mass to Mission: Homilies that Inspire. by Joseph A. Fata. Morris Publishing, 2015. Presents a collection of homilies from Fr. Joe Fata, Pastor of St. Luke Parish in Boardman, that are poetic yet provocative... charming yet challenging... inspiring yet unsettling. 
When God Was Flesh and Wild: Stories in Defense of the Earth. by Bob Haverluck. Liturgical Press, 2017. Artist, storyteller, and theologian Bob Haverluck offers a rollicking set of stories--together with provocative cartoons and original music--that provide poetic takes on Daniel's dream interpretation, Jesus's baptism, the events of Holy Week, and the apostle John on his island prison. The result is a more imaginative way to engage issues of conflict against the earth and her creatures in the light of God's abiding providence and the witness of Scripture. Humorous, harsh, and persistently hopeful, When God Was Flesh and Wild will be an unforgettable reading experience for any person of faith |
These bible study series for adults
are available in the Diocesan Library:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE LIBRARY MATERIALS
or call 330 744-8451 ext 297, or email library@youngstowndiocese.org.
are available in the Diocesan Library:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE LIBRARY MATERIALS
or call 330 744-8451 ext 297, or email library@youngstowndiocese.org.
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Threshold Bible Study is a thematic Scripture study program, designed for both personal study and group discussion. The characters, places, and images that you will encounter in each of these topical studies will help you explore new dimensions of your faith and discover deeper insights for your spiritual life.
Peacemaking and Nonviolence (Threshold Bible Study). by Stephen J. Binz, Twenty Third Publications, 2018. This six-session bible study for adults focuses on the teaching of the prophets and Jesus as a way out of violence, weapons, and war. Learn to read the prophets, the gospels, and letters of Paul and Peter through the lens of the cross. Includes discussion questions for groups and excellent Catholic commentary. Forgiveness: Threshold Bible Study. Binz, Stephen J. Twenty Third Publications, 2019. This six session bible study for adults focuses on forgiveness. Human experience and psychological research confirm the teachings of Scripture that practicing forgiveness is good for our health and happiness and that refusing to forgive can bind us in depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. We may not feel like forgiving, but God calls us to embody pardon and mercy in imitation of the divine forgiveness we have received. Learn the dynamics of forgiveness and how it can bring healing to your personal life, your family, and our church |
Six Weeks with the Bible series is an inviting starting point for busy adults who want to study the Bible but don't know where to begin. Each guide is divided into six concise, 90-minute segments that introduce one book of the Bible. Edited by Scripture authority Kevin Perrotta, these Bible studies require no prior knowledge of Scripture, and all biblical text is printed in the guides, which means no additional study aids are required. From Home to Home: Finding Meaning in Mobility.
by Justin Huyck Liturgical Press, 2018. This 3-session bible study for adults includes questions for group discussion. In a society where so many of us are on the move-relocating because of employment, to be near extended family, or even just to pursue a dream of living somewhere new-staying connected is a real challenge. The Scriptures invite us to discover God's presence in a new place and in the midst of a changing community. Passages from the Old and New Testaments offer lessons that are fresh and relevant today. 
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Little Rock Scripture Study series makes video, audio, and book presentations available for personal and group study.
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These bible resources for teens
are available in the Diocesan Library:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE LIBRARY MATERIALS
or call 330 744-8451 ext 297, or email library@youngstowndiocese.org.
are available in the Diocesan Library:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE LIBRARY MATERIALS
or call 330 744-8451 ext 297, or email library@youngstowndiocese.org.
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Echo the story : a bible study for catholic teens
(video, journal book, and leader's guide) Michael Novelli. A12-week Bible overview for youth using storytelling, creative reflection, and dialogue. Through this story-based approach, students find meaning and identity in the biblical narrative. 
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Six Weeks with the Bible for Catholic Teens
from Loyola Press introduces high school students to different books of the Bible to help youth discern what Scripture means for their lives today. The series provides students with a clear explanation of Biblical text, group discussion questions to encourage faith sharing, opportunities for prayer, and a means to enter into conversation with God. The flexible design of the series makes it ideal for youth groups, and the books can be used for youth nights, retreats, or Bible sharing during Lent and Advent. 
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The Living Word: Sunday Gospel Reflections and Actions for Teens
from Liturgy Training Publications includes prepared sessions and preparation materials for youth ministers, teachers, and catechists; opening prayer rituals; reflections to help teens understand the Gospel from their own experience and concerns; and connections to Catholic teachings. 
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Ready-to-Go Game Shows (That Teach Serious Stuff) : Bible Edition
by Michael Theisen.Provides instructions for various interactive games based on popular game shows, which require minimal setup and few required materials and increase players' knowledge of the Bible. 
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These bible resources and lots more for children
are available in the Diocesan Library:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE LIBRARY MATERIALS
or call 330 744-8451 ext 297, or email library@youngstowndiocese.org.
are available in the Diocesan Library:
CLICK HERE TO RESERVE LIBRARY MATERIALS
or call 330 744-8451 ext 297, or email library@youngstowndiocese.org.
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Building Faith Brick by Brick: An Imaginative Way to Explore the Bible with Children
by Emily Slichter Given Offers a culturally relevant, hands-on way to explore faith stories with a broad range of ages. 
Big Book of Holiday and Bible Celebrations: 30 Ready-to-Use Bible Lessons for Ages 6-12.
from Gospel Light Provides children's ministry leaders and teachers with 30 ready-to-use lessons that can be used throughout the church year. Includes season lessons on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, etc, and 16 lessons about Bible-times celebrations. 
Bible Stories to Color and Tell Ages 6-8
illustrated by Len Ebert More than 100 reproducible bible coloring pages plus more than 100 activities that help kids retell bible stories from both the Old Testament and New Testament. Activities include story slides, 3-D scenes, bible time lines, board games, moveable characters, story maps, and more. 
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Loyola Kids Book of Bible Stories: 60 Scripture Stories Every Catholic Child Should Know
by Amy Welborn. Based on the Church year and in the order in which scripture is proclaimed during Mass. From the Creation to St. Paul, this illustrated book turns reading the Bible into an experience that draws children and families closer to each other and the word of God. 
My Favorite Bible Activity Book
by Jenny Erickson Old Testament learning activities, including mazes, crossword puzzles, connect the dots for children in Grades K to 3. Follows a monthly format. 
Who Laid the Cornerstone of the World?
by Ann Pilling ; illustrated by Helen Cann Presents eleven stories from the Bible, retold and beautifully illustrated: Creation, Adam & Eve, Noah's Ark, The Tower of Babel, Job and His Comforters, The Fiery Furnace, Jonah, The Lost Sheep, The Good Samaritan, The Grain of Wheat, The Heavenly City. 
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Leading Young Catholics into Scripture : Fun and Creative Ways to Bring the Bible to Life
by Mary Kathleen Glavich. Packed with hundreds of exciting ideas to get children not just hearing and seeing, but doing. Includes dramatization, scriptural art, and prayer activities. 
Catholic Children's Bible Jonah and the Big Fish
by Valerie Ellery. "Big Book," measuring 14 in. x 21 in., is designed to be easy to read and hold in front of a group of children. At the end of the book there are a Glossary and Guiding Comprehension Questions. 
Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise,
by Tomie dePaola Inspired by Old Testament scripture, and folk art of the Otomi people, Tomie dePaola makes this book a delight to share. 
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