Bible study at St. Thomas the Apostle features books from the New Testament
Thursday sessions will begin Sept. 7 and conclude May 31, 2018. The morning meeting, from 9:15 - 11:15 a.m., will consider the "Gospel of John." The evening session, from 7:30 - 9:00 p.m., will concentrate on the letters of St. Paul.
Friday's group will meet 9:15 - 11:15 a.m., from Sept. 8 through May 11, 2018, to study the "Gospel of Matthew."
"All discussions, casual in approach, require no previous Bible knowledge," said Chari Rosales, director of Adult Faith Formation at St. Thomas the Apostle. "All sessions also are interactive, melding prayer, conversation and discussion," she explained, adding, "Lively discussion also has arisen during some of our meetings.
"Everyone is invited so check your calendars and make a full-time commitment, drop in whenever you can, or just come and see what goes on," Rosales continued. "You also can bring a friend or make new ones throughout the season," she said.
Registration by Friday, Sept. 1, is encouraged to assure that adequate study materials and seating will be available for participants in all three sessions. A nominal fee will cover the cost of study materials.
To register for any or all the Scripture study series, contact Marge Coronado at (630) 355-8980, ext. 118 or mcoronado@stapostle.org.
Additional information about "Spread the Word" weekly Scripture study at St. Thomas is available by contacting Rosales at (630) 355-8980, ext. 138, or crosales@stapostle.org.
Thursday Morning Bible Study: "The Gospel of John"
"Believing in me you will find life" Christ promises in this Gospel. So, what about you? Do you choose to "walk with Christ"? What draws you to faith and life in the Spirit? Come and explore your call to be a beloved disciple of Jesus as presented in this Gospel.
Thursday Evening Bible Study: "Church-Building 101: Letters of St. Paul"
What does a Christian look like … sound like … act like? Do you want to be one?
Years ago, "St. Paul thought long and hard about questions like these, and shared his answers with communities he encountered," Rosales said. "Today, we live in a world increasingly questioning if a Christian life is relevant or even desirable. Whether you're an inquirer, a new Christian or a lifelong Catholic - there's something here for you. So, come and join the discussion," she invited.
Rosales will facilitate both sessions of Thursday's Bible study. An engaging and knowledgeable speaker who enlivens her subject matter with clarity, vivacity and a sense of humor, Rosales has long been active in church ministry. Her areas of specialty include 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 Morning Bible Study: "The Gospel of Matthew"
This "Good News" book that stands at the head of the New Testament is the link between the two testaments and the charter of the Kingdom of God. A small group experience, it will delve into what it means to be church and how to live in building up the kingdom of God.
Discussions will be led by Audrey Easton, a graduate of the Bible Institute of the Diocese of Joliet, and a team of facilitators.
St. Thomas the Apostle, a parish of the Diocese of Joliet, strives to bear the Good News of God's unconditional love to all generations through worship, faith formation, witness and service. Organized in 1984, the St. Thomas faith community numbers more than 3,450 households of more than 10,800 people. Complete news and information on parish events, guest speakers and special programs is available at www.stapostle.org. For general parish information please call (630) 355-8980.