Buying Your Textbooks

Remember to purchase your student workbooks from the Office of Religious Education and Evangelization. Other texts can be most easily found online. Art Brozowsky, Class of 2016, recommends this website for an inexpensive option for purchasing textbooks: http://bigwords.com/

A Weekly Bible Study

Palm Sunday of the Passion of the Lord
Philippians 2:6-11

My name is Adam.

We must acknowledge that we are like Adam. For we have inherited Adam’s sin. In important ways, we journey as Adam.

But by the power and promise of Christ’s death and resurrection we also journey with Jesus. We cannot help but bow in reverence before the mystery revealed in this first century hymn, reported by Paul to the Philippians in Sunday's reading. Among the earliest statements of faith in Christ Jesus, this hymn focuses on Jesus’ divinity (called a “high Christology” in theological terms).

The Philippians hymn is worth looking at often and frequently: 

Christ Jesus, though he was in the form of God,
did not regard equality with God
something to be grasped.
Rather, he emptied himself,
taking the form of a slave,
coming in human likeness...
he humbled himself,
becoming obedient to the point of death,
even death on a cross.
Because of this, God greatly exalted him...
that at the name of Jesus
every knee should bend...
and every tongue confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

This hymn tells us, today, that Jesus, being exalted as Lord and Savior, yet humbles himself to undertake humanity, servitude, and a humiliating death. Therefore it is fitting that we also bow in humility alongside our Lord to become servants of God and one another.

We walk a fine line each day between choosing Adam and choosing Christ. When we choose Adam, we open ourselves to the power of sin and death. When we choose Christ we open ourselves to the power of love and life.

My name is Adam, and I walk with Christ.

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.

CBS Schedule: Keeping Holy Week Holy

Most of our classes do not meet during Holy Week. We encourage you to enter wholeheartedly into the Scriptures and liturgies of Holy Week, especially the Sacred Triduum on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

One class, however, will be meeting on Tuesday. CBS 200 (Year 2) at Caritas Christi Center, Hamden (Tuesdays 10-noon) will meet during Holy Week instead of Easter Week. So Lesson 3.4 homework is due on Tuesday, March 26, and Lesson 3.5 homework is due on Tuesday, April 9. There will be no class meeting (for the Hamden class only) on April 2, 2013.

CBS Students Living and Leading in God's Word

"Comfort the Sorrowing" Mural,  Solanus Casey Center

Comfort the Sorrowing: A Spiritual Work of Mercy

Dr. Paula DeSilva and more than 200 volunteers are offering a measure of comfort to the sorrowing by crafting quilts for those most closely affected by the December 14 tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

To find out more or to help (no sewing necessary), contact:

Dr. Paula DeSilva
SANDY HOOK-QUILTS2HEAL Founder/Project Coordinator
78 Bronson Road, Avon, CT 06001-2930
h. 860-675-8215; c. 860-306-7000
2docs@comcast.net
sandyhook-quilts2heal@comcast.net
https://www.facebook.com/#!/quilt2heal?fref=ts

"Like" the Project on Facebook!

CBS 100 (Year One) Reminder

Our Lenten Scripture Day is this Saturday, March 23, at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. This required program intends to "launch" you into Holy Week by exploring the connections between your Old Testament studies and the scriptures and liturgies of Holy Week. "Coffee And" begins at 8:30 am, with prayer and introductions at 9:00. We'll be done by 3:00 pm.

A Weekly Bible Study

5th  Sunday of Lent
Isaiah 43:16-21   Psalm 126:1-2, 2-3, 4-5, 6
Philippians 3:8-14   John 8:1-11

When all we have is God…

Sometimes it takes loss or tragedy to help us appreciate who God is for us.  In each of the three readings and the psalm response today we hear biblical voices witnessing to this disturbing (and hopeful) truth.

Isaiah expresses hope to the Israelites returning from captivity. Having been exiled in Babylon, they were removed from all that they held dear: homeland, worship, family ritual and routine. It took the stripping away of their securities to make them realize that what truly mattered was God’s love for them. The psalm response captures their sentiments. As they return home, the exiles are like people “dreaming, their mouths filled with laughter and rejoicing.” They can hardly believe they are home. This rejoicing at God’s saving act must surely have come from a deeper place in their hearts following their experience of loss.

Paul, too, is in a place of exile, presumably in Ephesus (located in the region that is now Turkey).  It is from there that he writes to the Philippians. In his imprisonment Paul realizes that all else is “rubbish” save his knowing Jesus Christ and the power of his resurrection. Perhaps in the stripping away of all that Paul had previously depended upon, he came face to face with the only reality that really mattered. Paul realizes that he still has to mature in faith, but his being “possessed by Jesus Christ” is a monumental step.

The woman of today’s gospel is beset by condemnation and rejection. The law has intervened to bring her to justice. Human criticism of her behavior only magnifies her burden. She is truly exiled, not only by her sinfulness but by the court of human opinion. In the end, all she has is God. We imagine that all she recognizes in her need is her savior. In this is her freedom.

What would it take for us, in the exile known only to each of us ourselves, to believe more fully that Jesus Christ is the center of our lives and that is all that really matters?

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal. 

CBS Recommends—Apocryphal Gospels and Early Christian Experience

When? Saturdays, 1:30-3:45 p.m.

April 13 & 27, May 4 & 18, June 1 & 15

Where? St. Patrick-St. Anthony Parish, Hartford
Who? Presenter: Mr. Paul Sansone
How much? Suggested Offering: $50.00*

The so-called ‘hidden’ (apocryphal—that is, not considered sacred by today's Christians) gospels have recently been featured in some popular novel and movie plots, where they stand at the center of convoluted conspiracy theories and murderous intrigue. But when one reads the actual texts, it is rather difficult to understand why. These gospels, although often overlooked by the general reading public, have long been known, read, and studied by specialists. Ordinary Christians in the Middle Ages were so intimately familiar with several of them, that knowledge of these gospels is required today for properly interpreting some of their greatest works of art and literature. These gospels narrated the words and deeds of Jesus and those around him; they articulated a variety of theologies and spiritualities; and they inspired the celebration of liturgical feasts like the Presentation of Mary (November 21).

During these six sessions, we will read and discuss key texts from four of these apocryphal gospels: the Proto-Gospel (Protevangelium) of James, the Gospel of Peter, the Coptic Gospel of Thomas, and the Coptic Gospel of Mary.

Before the first session, participants should procure a copy of Bart D. Ehrman and Zlatko Plese, The Apocryphal Gospels: Texts and Translations (New York: Oxford University Press, 2011) ISBN: 978-0-19-973210-4. In preparation for the first session, participants should read the section on the Proto-Gospel of James (Apocryphal Gospels, pp. 31-71).

*Because of the continuing nature of this course, we request payment in full at time of registration.  To discuss an alternative payment schedule, please contact Pastoral Associate Pat Curtis at 860-756-4034, x113. It will be helpful to have 20 participants for this course. Encourage a friend to register with you!

For more information or to register, call the parish at 860-756-4034.

This event is not sponsored by the Catholic Biblical School but could be an authorized make-up for certain requirements towards archdiocesan and seminary certificates in biblical studies. Only contact BJ about this program if you wish to request it as a make-up for your missed requirements.

Urgent Reminder for Students in CBS 200 and 300

Your Advanced-Year survey for determining class locations and days next year was due yesterday. If you have not returned this form, please fax or email it by Tuesday at 4:30 pm to: 860-243-9690 or cbs@orehartford.org. If you no longer have this form, you can call Jill Costa to give her the info at: jcosta@adh-ore.org.

In addition, CBS 200 students have until April 1 to return their Basic Eligibility forms. Why not send BOTH forms today?

Gospels Lead the Cardinals into Conclave

The Book of the Gospels will be carried at the head of the procession tomorrow when the 115 cardinals eligible to vote in the 2013 papal conclave enter the Sistine Chapel to elect our Supreme Pontiff.

This is more than a ceremonial gesture! It is a reminder to the entire church that we follow Christ, who is the incarnation of God's Word, testified to in the Scriptures (especially in the gospels).

(And by the way, some media have claimed that the Roman Catholic Church is today "leaderless." Not so! Jesus Christ is the head of his body, the Church. The cardinals will be electing the visible leader of our Church, but we are not by any means leaderless.)

A Weekly Bible Study

4th  Sunday of Lent
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

Are we blind to sin?

We have often heard today’s parable referred to as “The Prodigal Son,” the “Forgiving Father” or the “Jealous Brother.” We have sometimes even assumed certain of these same roles in our own lives.  How easily we identify with a wayward child being welcomed by a forgiving father, or a jealous brother being chastised by a loving parent. But there are other significant characters in this story that we often overlook. Perhaps we are so familiar with the story itself that we miss the invitation!

Even before Jesus begins to relate the details of the parable, Luke tells us that the tax collectors and sinners were drawing near to Jesus.  He also notes that the Pharisees and scribes were present, complaining once again that Jesus associated with sinners.

Did they not recognize their own sinfulness?  If we read closely, it was to these pious religious leaders of his time that Jesus addressed today's parable. It was to them that Jesus issued the invitation to conversion, not (primarily) the "sinners" in the crowd. The actions of the older brother perhaps mirror the attitude of the Pharisees and the scribes, who cannot rejoice over God's incredible mercy toward sinners, probably because they do not consider themselves to be sinners.

In this parable, we never really find out if the brother came to the celebratory banquet.  Did he reject or accept the invitation?  Did any of the scribes and Pharisees accept the invitation? And we, in our own blindness to sin, will we accept or reject our loving Father’s invitation to become whole?

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal. 

The Word Made FRESH--A CBS Year of Faith Seminar

In this Year of Faith we have been called to rededicate ourselves to the work of evangelization. Such a recommitment calls not only for a new vigor, but a new vocabulary too.

Saturday, April 27
9:30-noon ("Coffee and" at 9:00)
St. Thomas Seminary
Celia Sirois of St. John Seminary, Boston

We take our example from St. Paul, who led the way in evangelizing non-Jewish Gentiles of the first century. He used used compelling words to extend the good news of Jesus beyond the Jewish culture and provided a new language for Christian faith that spoke to and energized converts from imperial Rome.

What Paul did for his Gentile churches, we must do for our own in this 21st century.  If we are to tell a new generation “the reason for our hope” (1 Peter 3:15), we must be able to do so in what William P. Brown described as “the Word made fresh.”

This program is designed for CBS graduates but is open to anyone who has undertaken serious Bible study and wants to engage God's Word for evangelization. We particularly invite parish leadership of all kinds.
  

Fr. Boadt Medal to be Awarded this Sunday

As part of this Sunday's "Celebration of Sacred Scripture," the 2013 Fr. Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal will be awarded to Ms. Nancy Stimac and Deacon Bill Gilles.

The recipients are both outstanding graduates of the Catholic Biblical School who demonstrate outstanding service and achievement in the following two categories: 1) Excellence in the study of Sacred Scripture; and 2) Active contributions in promoting biblical literacy and devotion to God’s Word in a faith community.

Miriam Hidalgo in the Blogosphere

Miriam Hidalgo, Archdiocesan Coordinator for Hispanic Catechesis, appears in this photo from Joe Paprocki's website, Catechist's Journey, with Adrián Alberto Herrerra of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston.

Click on the link to check out all the great online Bible resources listed in the blog for Spanish speakers!

Come Early for Sunday's Celebration!

Well over 200 people are pre-registered to attend our Celebration of Sacred Scripture this Sunday, so if you're one of our pre-registered guests, be sure to come in plenty of time to complete the sign-in process before we gather at 1:30 sharp (recommendation: no later than 1:15).

And remember, Daylight Savings starts on Sunday, so don't forget to set your clocks ahead an hour! You won't want to miss the beginning of Fr. Matera's presentation.

Sign-in will be in the main foyer--the area between the Seminary front doors and the chapel. If you come after 1:25, pick up your name tag and proceed directly to the auditorium.

Bibles and Catechisms for Prisoners

If you or someone you know is involved with prisoners or knows of an incarcerated person who would like to receive a Bible or a Catechism of the Catholic Church, here's a way to get those resources to prisoners free of charge:

The Catholic Biblical Association (CBA) provides help to prisoners by providing the New American Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church to prisoners who request one or both. CBA also provides them with other books to the extent that such books are available.

If a prisoner would like either a Bible or Catechism or both, he/she would  need to write a letter of request to the following address:

Catholic Biblical Association
620 Michigan Ave. N.E.
431 Caldwell Hall
Washington D.C. 20064

Rev. Christopher Tiano, Director

Archbishop Mansell has appointed Fr. Christopher M. Tiano to be the new Director of the Office of Religious Education and Evangelization (note the new name!), replacing Msgr. Michael Motta. Welcome Fr. Tiano.

Fr. Tiano is also currently the pastor of the Torrington cluster of (4!) parishes: Sacred Heart, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Mary, and St. Peter.

Notable among his many accomplishments, Fr. Tiano is active in ministry with Boy Scouts of America and in 2007 was awarded Housatonic Council's James E. West Endowment Award.

Is God Like a Fire? Biblical Reflection for Teachers

A basic symbol for God by all peoples of faith, fire has revealed and concealed God's mystery for thousands of years. If you are looking for a tool to help folks (teens through adult) reflect on the image of fire in Scripture as it relates to knowing our God, BJ's non-copyrighted slideshow is available for your use. Check it out on Slideshare by clicking here.

A Weekly Bible Study

3rd Sunday of Lent
1 Corinthians 10:1-6, 10-12

To whom are we faithful?
 
Today we hear St. Paul’s letter to the early followers of Jesus in Corinth, Greece. A major center of culture and commerce, Corinth was a cosmopolitan city in its day. It was also a hub of moral depravity and pagan worship. Surrounded by these influences, the early Christian community at Corinth was not without its own issues: liturgical divisions, improper Christian behavior, doctrinal problems, and various infidelities, to name a few.  Paul addresses these issues with firmness and compassion.

Paul drew on the wealth of understanding of his Jewish-Christian faith to remind the Corinthians how fragile their relationship with God could be. Referring to the time of Moses, Paul reminds the Corinthians that, although God protected his people in the desert, blessed them, and provided for their needs, he also demanded their fidelity. Paul tells us that “God was not pleased with most of them.” Their infidelities weakened their relationship with God making them easy prey to the pagan influences. Paul urges the Corinthians to reexamine themselves. Those who stand tall need to look deeply into their hearts and consider whether they are standing on true faith in Christ Jesus.

Lent is about looking deeply into our hearts. It is about asking ourselves the hard questions: What are we faithful to in our daily lives? What are those acts and attitudes of sinfulness that estrange us from God and others? God’s goodness is not to be taken for granted, by the early Israelites, the first century Corinthians, or us.

To whom are we faithful?

The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, The Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal. 

Springtime at CBS

I know spring is nearly upon us because we are beginning the third and final unit of the Catholic Biblical School and St. Thomas Certificate in Biblical Studies courses. Lenten Scripture Days, spring graduate courses and programs, and preparations for end-of-year festivities--the Award Ceremony, Graduation, and Mount Nebo Day--are all approaching fast.

This also means that we will be registering for next year's courses this month. Please pay prompt attention to all materials and forms related to registration, so we can neatly expedite next year's calendar. Return all completed forms by fax, mail  or email (scanned) to BJ or Jill in the Office of Religious Education.

Student workbooks for the coming year are available for sale at this Sunday's Celebration of Sacred Scripture, 1:30-4:45 pm at St. Thomas Seminary.

Summer Reading Assignments will be made by June 1, 2013.

Contact Info: Office of Religious Education, Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary, 467 Bloomfield Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002; Fax: (860) 243-9690; Phone: (860) 243-9465; Email: cbs@orehartford.org.