Congratulations CBS Graduates of 2016

On June 12, 2016, twenty-one individuals from eighteen parishes graduated from the Archdiocese of Hartford Catholic Biblical School. The Provost for Education, Evangelization and Catechesis, Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, ASCJ, presided at the prayer service and presented certificates.

Pictured here: (front row, left to right): Sr. Mary Grace Walsh, provost; Madeleine Ostrowski; Patty Augustyn; MaryAnn D'Addario; Pat Reynolds. Row 2, l-r: Frank Rio; Suzanne Berwick; Rachelle LaBrecque; Adrienne Artale; Kathrine Rutledge. Row 3, l-r: Fr. Jeremiah Murasso, faculty; Alexis Chacchia, faculty; Michelle Boisseau; Patricia Wilkin; Charlotte Scaviola; Ed Robinson. Row 4, l-r: BJ Daly Horell, faculty chair; TJ Thames, faculty; Sheila DeLuca; Michael DePrimo; Mary Ann Kelly; Judy Annatone; Darcie Laragh. Not pictured: Susan Guerrera, Arek Kosiorek and Linda Masci.

Biblical Fiction #2

Submitted by Karen Lesiak, Sacred Heart Church, East Berlin, CBS Class of 2008; Director of the Archbishop O’Brien Library, Saint Thomas Seminary.

Alice Hoffman’s novel, the Dovekeepers, set in Ancient Israel, is the story of four women who

survive the siege of Masada in 70 CE. Masada is one of the final events in the first Jewish-Roman war chronicled by Flavius Josephus and is the only detailed and recorded account of the siege. Coming from very different backgrounds, these women, all dovekeepers, are bold, resourceful, fiercely independent, insightful and passionate and must forge through betrayals of love, friendship and other adversity. Hoffman’s novel is historical work of fiction, both imaginative and well-researched. Themes include the importance of religion, symbol of the lion and bonded relationships between the women. As a testament to the human spirit, it is a fascinating and insightful read.

NOTE: Although the siege of Masada is not described in the Bible, it is a key event in the first Jewish-Roman war, which impacted in definitive ways the development of Christianity and Judaism, as well as the New Testament. Entering into this historical event will undoubtedly help many to "get into" the New Testament more deeply. I (BJ) haven't read this one yet, so I'm looking forward to a good read at the beach this summer!

Summer Series: Thought-Provoking Biblical Fiction

It's been a while since I offered a summer series on the lighter side of Bible studies. The main reason for this lapse is that I've always tried to make those series humorous, and that's a stretch for me (just ask any of my students). I always wish I could tell a good joke, but, at best, that's not my forte.

So for your reading pleasure in Summer 2016, I thought I would instead give you a book review series on Bible-related fiction. The books that featured here will not be from the Bible. They will not be Sacred Scripture. Rather, I intend to offer reviews of works that are imaginative explorations of Bible stories. Reviews will come from a variety of sources (students, faculty, staff) in the CBS community. I will be accepting submissions for the series all summer long.

If you know a work of biblical fiction for which you'd like to write a brief (one paragraph) review, simply email your review to catholic.biblical.school@aohct.org.

Our first submission comes from Jim Creed of St. Bridget in Manchester, CBS Class of 2019:

The Red Tent, by Anita Diamant, retells the Jacob saga through the eyes of his daughter Dinah. Thus writing from a woman's perspective, the author gives an added dimension of interesting alternatives to the scriptural account.  While being a fictional novel based on scripture, it provides thought-provoking perspectives on the Jacob saga and fills out the lives, personalities and actions of the characters in very gripping, sometimes disturbing, and always intriguing ways. If one remembers that it is not true scripture, it still gives an alluring "insight" into the minds, mores, morals and culture of Jacob's patriarchal clan. (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997)

Homework: The Perennial Question

Every year, as I talk with dozens of potential Biblical School (CBS) students, I get a lot of the same questions. The #1 question is this:

This is an important question, because CBS students do spend a significant amount of time on homework each week (Sept. through May). But the question is not as straightforward as it seems.

How much time you choose to spend on homework is a matter for consultation with the Holy Spirit. I'm not being "quaint" here. This is the most accurate answer I can give.

The School's expectation isn't about the amount of time you spend each week on your studies. Rather, what we expect is for you to engage the questions thoughtfully and prayerfully in the amount of time you have to give to them. Some weeks you will have more time and energy than others. That's okay. We expect and respect that.

Fourth-Year Students' End of Year Activities

CBS Alums Kick Back:
Jacqui Wielgoszinski,
Pat Keck, Carol Moriarty

For students completing their final year of study, a reminder:

Mt. Nebo Day of Reflection

Saturday, June 4, 2016, 8:50‐2:30 pm, St. Thomas Seminary
Arrive around 8:30 am for "coffee and" and for a final opportunity to enjoy the company of your fellow graduates.

Graduation and Reception

Sunday, June 12, 2016, St. Thomas Seminary Chapel
2:15 arrival (graduates); guests arrive at 3:00 pm
All are welcome; RSVP required.

Graduation 2009