The Community for Catholic Moms

Good Catholic bible study?

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good Bible study? The ones that I've found that are specifically aimed at Catholic women have left me unsatisfied. For the most part, I find them intellectually condescending, with an unnecessary emphasis on "fill in the blank" type reflection questions. ("Why did Jesus go to the wilderness? What does that teach us about how we should handle temptation?" or "Did Jesus believe it was important to serve? In our marriage, should we rely on ourselves or strive to serve our families?")

Also, it seems that most of the Bible studies I've looked at accept as a given that the only proper way to live out the vocation of wife and mother is to be a SAHM, and that anything else is fighting God's will. I find this assumption offensive for several reasons.

So. Where can I go for a bible study that assumes I can think for myself, that is grounded in the Bible, the catechism, and other church documents, and that allows for the possibility that it's ok to work outside the home?

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Permalink Reply by SAHMinIL on July 14, 2009 at 9:22pm

I'm in the process of writing a review for The Catholic Company for The Come and See Bible Study.

It's not geared solely for women but I will say that is its a Bible study with some meat and potatoes to it. I will have a full review posted on my blog next week.

ALSO, I know that the Coming Home Network provides a FREE pdf reading guide to reading the Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church in 365 days. It isn't a bible study, just a reading guide.

Not only that but Marcus Grodi the host of Journey Home on EWTN has a radio show Deep in Scripture.

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Permalink Reply by MR on July 14, 2009 at 9:34pm

This looks great. Thanks so much!

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Permalink Reply by SAHMinIL on July 14, 2009 at 9:52pm

You're Welcome!

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Permalink Reply by Mary L. Sena on July 14, 2009 at 10:13pm

Hi MR. There is this wonderful nation wide apostolate called Endow ( you can google that and get the website) which offers studies for women using the popes encyclicals. Two that I know of are John Paul II's Letter to Women and Mulieris Dignitatem. A group of my friends are actually just completing a study and they love it. It is complete with study questions and reflections that you go over together in the group, including the reading of the encyclicals themselves. There is no homework at all on your part which is great for busy working moms. I think you would really love it. Also Donna Marie Cooper O'Boyle has great books complete with study questions on the back of her two newest books entitled "The Domestic Church: Room by Room", and " Grace Cafe." They are mostly about motherhood. The Domestic Church talks about being a wife as well as reaching the ends of the world with our "feminine genius." There is nothing in there that knocks women down for working and she seems to accept that some women have to work for the benefit of their family but she does commend the stay at home mom for her sacrifice in staying home to raise her children around the clock.

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Permalink Reply by MR on July 15, 2009 at 12:18pm

Hi Mary-- Thanks for the tip. I did come across Endow in some Google searches a few weeks ago, but when I went to the website, it seemed to be down everytime I checked. I should look again. I'll also look into Cooper O'Boyle's books. I think the attitude you describe about working/sahm is what I'm aiming for. At this point, I do fee called to be at home with my boys, but I don't know if this will always be the case, and I know it's not the case for all women (nor do I think it's the position of the Church), so I get frustrated when being a good Catholic mom is equated with being a SAHM.

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Permalink Reply by Sonia Rand on July 15, 2009 at 1:11pm

I recommend that you go to your Diocese and ask about "Theology of the Body" bible study. My daughter (19) is currently co-teaching with other young adults the "Theology of the Body for Teens" and it is awsome! This was created by Pope John Paul II and he taught it for years to young people. Our world is hungry for this information, especially our youth. We meet every Tues. night from 6-8, the teens and parents. The kids have fun activities, a powerpoint is given on subjects like Celibacy, vocations, marriage, chastity, abstinance, etc.... If you have teens this is an ideal bible study to have. If you don't have teens, please check out the "Theology of the Body" for adults version. Good luck! Sonia

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Permalink Reply by Catholic C on October 8, 2010 at 6:37pm

Although it might not be considered a traditional form of bible study, you might want to consider trying Magnificat Magazine as something different. It is an easy-to-read pocket-sized daily Mass companion for use in church or at home. Each day includes the complete readings for each Sunday, weekday and feast day Mass, daily reflections on the Gospel and beautiful prayers for both morning and evening.