St. Thomas the Apostle launches new Scripture study series
"Spread the Word," a weekly Scripture study, will meet Thursdays and Fridays beginning in September at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.
Thursday sessions, meeting from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. or from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sept. 8 through May 25, will consider "1 & 2 Samuel." People are welcome to alternate the morning and evening sessions.
Friday morning sessions will study "The Acts of the Apostles," from 9:15 to 11:15 a.m. Sept. 9 through May 10.
"Both series are interactive and will be a mix of study, prayer and discussion," said Chari Rosales, director of adult faith formation at St. Thomas, "No previous Bible knowledge is necessary, and together we will explore the books of Samuel and Acts.
"Everyone is encouraged to check your calendars and to make a full-time commitment, drop in whenever you can, or just come and see what goes on. Bring a friend or make new ones throughout the season."
Registration is encouraged by Thursday, Sept. 1. There is a $15 fee for materials, but financial assistance is available.
Rosales said of Thursday Bible study on 1 & 2 Samuel, "Most people recognize the names of Samuel, Saul and David; these are the towering names of kings in the history of God's chosen people. But towering over them all is God - and the question, 'Who is King over Israel?' Our discussions will look into timeless stories of faithfulness and betrayal - obedience and all manner of mayhem - and love and war."
Rosales, an engaging and knowledgeable speaker who enlivens her subject matter with clarity, vivacity and a sense of humor, will facilitate the Thursday sessions. Long active in church ministry, Rosales specializes in Scripture study, liturgy, and religious history.
She has studied at Loyola University Chicago, Dominican University in River Forest, and the Universite de Fribourg in Switzerland.
Friday Bible Study on "The Acts of the Apostles" looks at the New Testament book, written by St. Luke about 70 to 75 A.D. The book describes the faith and way of life of early Christians, and the origin and spread of Christian communities in the early decades following Christ's crucifixion and resurrection.
Luke's major concern is with the action of God in history, especially through the preaching of the apostles and how the church adapted in order to carry out its mission to other places and cultures.
The discussion of Acts will be led by Audrey Easton, a graduate of the Bible Institute of the Diocese of Joliet, and a team of facilitators.
To register for either Scripture study series, contact Marge Coronado at (630) 355-8980, Ext. 118, or mcoronado@stapostle.org. For details, contact Rosales at (630) 355-8980, Ext. 138, or crosales@stapostle.org.