Year of the Word
Ten Ways to Make it Happen
1. Get the daily dose
Sometimes it just takes a gentle nudge for folks to find the Scriptures. If you’re not already including the daily and/or Sunday readings in your bulletin and/or on your Web site, an easy source is www.usccb.org. (See No. 5 for a bonus if you’re already printing the Scripture readings.)
2. Take six weeks for Luke
For adults and teens who want to study the Bible but don’t know where to begin, “Luke: The Good News of God’s Mercy,” written by Kevin Perrotta and produced by Loyola Press, provides an inviting starting point. Each guide is divided into six concise, 90-minute segments that explore Luke’s Gospel. All biblical text is printed in the guides, which means no additional study aids are required. The diocesan Religious Education and Formation Office provides training for facilitators. Parishes may order books direct from Loyola Press at a 40 percent discount by calling 1-800-621-1008 and mentioning the Austin Diocese. The series is available in English, Spanish and for teens. Contact Dr. Geri Telepak, (512) 726-0413 for details on how to train facilitators. Download promotional flyer in English (MS Word) and Spanish (MS Word).
3. Prime the proclaimers
Those who proclaim the Word for our worship should be women and men of prayer who are passionately in love with God’s Word. Training sessions and commissioning ceremonies are available through the diocesan Worship Office. Contact Roz Gutierrez, (512) 697-2053.
4. It’s a great T-shirt
Who says Catholics don’t know the Scriptures? Use the Year of the Word as your theme for the parish mission, workshops, fundraisers, crafts fairs, any event that’s happening this year. Use the diocesan logo, or create your own!
5. Reflect on it
The Friday e-pistle will deliver a reflection question that can be reprinted in your parish bulletin, on the Web site, and in other parish communications. The question can also be a starting point for gatherings (see No. 6 for other ideas.) Contact: If you’re not getting the e-pistle, enter your email address into the newsletter subscription box to the left or email Shelley Metcalf with your contact information.
6. Meeting with Scripture
Use the Scriptures at the start of every meeting. It can be as simple as reading the Scripture for the upcoming Sunday and asking people to consider the reflection question (see above). We’re also making available a small booklet called “Meeting with Scripture.” It offers a list of Scripture from which to choose and a format to follow. Take 10 minutes to talk about the Word of God before dealing with the parking lot. It could be the most practical 10 minutes of the meeting! Click here to download “Meeting with Scripture.”
7. A Bible for every home
Make it a goal that every family has a Bible. If your parish has a bookstore or gift shop, this can be a great display. Or find someone willing to donate money for the Bibles. Or make it a present from the parish. Or have a Bible walk instead of a cake walk at the festival/jamaica/bazaar/picnic. You get the idea. For references on publishing houses or what Bibles to order, Contact Dr. Geri Telepak, (512) 726-0413.
8. Then explain it
Once everyone’s got a Bible, make sure they aren’t used just to even out the legs on a wobbly table. One-page catechetical information is available as bulletin inserts, for Bible study groups, for adult faith formation, etc. (The same information is also being included in a monthly column in the Catholic Spirit.) Spread the word:
Download and reprint “The Word Dwells among Us” series from these links (in English and Spanish) at no charge. (Documents will be linked here when available)
- A Walk Through the Bible (PDF)
- "Found in Translation": How to Select a Bible (PDF)
- The Catholic Understanding of Scripture
- Lectio Divino: Praying with the Scriptures (PDF)
- The Pentateuch (PDF)
- Prophets (PDF)
- Psalms (PDF) (En Español PDF)
- Liturgy of the Hours
- The Gospels (PDF)
- Development of the Canon
- Paul
- Revelation
- Biblical Criticisms
9. Prayer needed, too
“Let them remember, however, that prayer should accompany the reading of sacred Scripture, so that a dialogue takes place between God and man.” (Dei Verbum, No. 25) Spiritual directors are available to make presentations regarding how to pray with the Scripture. To obtain information on spiritual directors, contact Bro. Joel Giallanza, CSC, (512) 697-2027.
10. Get it from the top
Round everyone up to hear Bishop Gregory Aymond’s presentation on “The Word Dwells among Us” at one of five locations in the diocese. Then bring everyone back for a second afternoon with Patricia Stankus and Cheryl Maxwell, who will lead people through several ways of praying with the Scriptures. Dates and locations to be announced soon.
BONUS!
11. Taking it a little deeper
This bibliography (PDF) offers resources for folks who may want to delve deeper into the church’s understanding of Scripture.