Office of Evangelization and Parish Development

Evangelization

• Christmas Carol Festival

• Evangelization Workout

• Parish Evangelization Resources

• Parish Partnership Program

• Vibrant Parish Life Newsletter

Lay Ecclesial Ministry

• ILEM

Office of Worship

Retreat Houses & House of Prayer

Spiritual Formation

Evangelization Workout

Evangelization Workouts
by John Boucher

How can we get in shape and keep fit for the evangelizing mission of Jesus Christ and the Church? We need to exercise or "work-out" on a regular basis! Come here to find occasional new individual, small group, large group or parish calisthenics to stretch our capacity to reach out to others with the Good News of Jesus in every life.

Workout #3:
God Would Like a Word with YOU!

In preparation for the 2008 World Synod of Bishops on "The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church," Pope Benedict XVI stressed that "the Synod wishes to promote an inspired rediscovery of the Word of God as a living, piercing and active force in the heart of the Church..." cf. Hebrews 4:12 (Vatican City, March 25, 2007). How can we rediscover that living, piercing, active power of the Word of God in our everyday lives? How can we help others realize that "God would like a word with them?"

Individual Prayer and Activity (10-15 min)

In silence, reflect for a few moments about the Bible in your life. Check one box under each statement that expresses your view of the Bible and how God speaks through it. Possible responses run from "Strongly agree" to "Strongly disagree," with an option to check "Undecided."

1. Bible readings during Mass help me to cope with daily life and strife.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

2. Songs and hymns based on Bible passages help me to pray and experience the presence and guidance of Jesus.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

3. As I read the Bible, I notice that the Catholic Mass is rooted in passages from the Old and New Testaments.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

4. I try to read a passage from the Bible or one of the Mass readings daily at home or at work.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

5. Before I start reading a passage I first pray and ask the Holy Spirit to help me understand what it is saying to me or about me, to us or about us.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

6. I am comfortable using the Bible as part of my personal prayer.
□ Strongly agree □ Agree □ Disagree □ Strongly disagree □ Undecided
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

7. When I read the Bible, I feel called by God to do something to help others.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

8. While reading the Bible I get insights about our modern culture - writing, movies, music, arts, politics, justice, and life.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

9. Reading and studying the Bible helps me to understand our spiritual ancestors and how they struggled to hear and respond to God.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

10. I like to read a few pages of a commentary on the Bible at least weekly.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

12. After reading a Bible passage, I like to write in a notebook those words, phrases, or images that comfort me, challenge me, or leave me with questions.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

13. When I come across verses and phrases that I do not understand in the Bible, I contact a Catholic friend or someone on my parish staff to help me.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

14. I would enjoy being part of a small Bible-centered study or faith sharing group that meets regularly.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

15. I want to take a course at my parish or a center for adult Catholic learning to help me understand the Bible better.
Strongly agree Agree Disagree Strongly disagree Undecided

Sharing in small groups (3 or 4 people - 20 mins.)

---

1. What three statements above about the Bible did I most strongly agree with? Why?
2. What three statements above did I most strongly disagree with? Why?
3. How many "Undecided" responses did I have? What questions about the Bible has this exercise raised for me?
4. Who can I turn to locally to help me to read, pray, and study the Bible more fully within the Catholic tradition?
5. How can reading, praying, and studying the Bible help me to share my faith with others or to reach out to inactive Catholics and the unchurched?

Take-Home Challenges

---

A. Read a chapter or part of a chapter of the Bible each day over the next few years. For instance, start with the New Testament Gospels (Mark, Luke, Matthew, John), then the Acts of the Apostles, followed by the Old Testament Book of Psalms, then Exodus, etc. For a "Simple Bible Reading Guide" for Catholics go to www.presentationministries.com/brochures/BibleReadingGuideIndex.asp

B. Use the statements about the Bible (above) to interview three (or more) other Catholics. At the end ask, "What questions about the Bible has this exercise raised for you?" Invite them to join or start a Catholic Bible study group with you to seek some answers. Contact your parish or diocesan offices for help to select from recommended groups or materials, or go to www.dioceseoftrenton.org/spiritual/scc_scripture.asp.

C. To better understand a Catholic perspective on the Bible, refer to the United States Catholic Catechism for Adults pp. 23-32, 464, 473-478, and 527-528. The book is available at: www.usccbpublishing.org/productdetails.cfm?sku=5-450.

Copyright © 2007, John J. Boucher. Used by permission. Email: jbouch@dioceseoftrenton.org