Parishes have Bible study

The B.C. Catholic welcomes questions on faith and morals and will attempt to find answers from experts within the Archdiocese of Vancouver.

Question: I was christened as a baby but have had no other spiritual upbringing. Lately I’ve been trying to read the Bible but I’m having a hard time interpreting the words. Is there anywhere I can receive counsel or Bible study in New Westminster?

It sounds as though you have been baptised but have never received the two other sacraments of initiation: confirmation and Holy Communion. The RCIA would be one place to become more involved in your faith and in the mission of Christ while at the same time seeking further formation on Church teaching and participating in study of the Word of God found in the Bible.

This last is usually done after the homily during Sunday Mass: the priest will dismiss the catechumens (those not baptised) and any others in the RCIA process who wish to reflect on the Scripture in preparation for completing their initiation into God’s family in the Catholic Church.

These sessions are not Bible study but a personal reflection on what God is saying to you through the Scripture; the priest has already reflected on the Church’s teaching about the Scripture during the homily.

When you phone the parish, ask about any other adult faith formation groups or Bible study groups.

—Maureen Wicken, Office of Religious Education