Scripture in the Parish A Guide for Catholic Ministry

Why don't more Catholics read the Bible? Maybe because they often haven't been invited to. Or they've been told that it's "too hard" to understand. In this lovely new book, which will be of great use to parishioners and those who work in parishes, Mary Sperry helps us understand the Living Word of God. With clear prose and simple examples, she invites us into the most important story ever told: the story of God's love for God's people.

A more biblically literate Catholic Church means a more vibrant Catholic community in the midst of the world. Mary Sperry does a tremendous job making the sacred Scriptures more accessible. A deeper appreciation for the Word of God will help bring about a deeper renewal in the Church today, in particular, Biblical prayer (lectio divina), leads to a more intimate relationship with the Risen Christ. This book will be a great resource for both parish ministers and the ministries entrusted to their care, as well as any person desiring to become more biblically literate.'

Deeply rooted in the magisterial documents of the Church, Mary Sperry has provided a superb primer to understanding the importance of the Bible in the Church. She reminds us that scripture should never be an 'add on' or 'extra element' to anything that the Church does, particularly at the parish level, but rather, the Bible must be an integral part of parish life. Most helpful are the 'Ministry Spotlight' sections, which provide useful tips for those engaged in the various parish ministries. So, pick this book up, read it, and when you are finished, use what you have learned to bring scripture to the heart of your local parish.

I will gladly recommend this compact, practical volume to catechists, those in programs of formation for ministry, and those already involved in Scripture study groups. It provides easily digestible ingredients that taken together will help ministers serve an appetizing dish to those who want to feast at the table of God's Word but sometimes feel intimidated by what seems to be a large menu. Clear writing style, useful and relevant information about the purpose, content, and interpretation of the Bible, and suggested ways to address the questions or needs of various groups (RCIA teams and participants, youth, catechists, homilists, baptized adults, music ministers, etc.) make for an extremely useful guide.

Intentionally brief, as the writer herself notes, this work on the Bible and its foundation for ministry is a must-read. The text not only shows the vitality of God's word for one's service in the Church, but also offers a guide for individual spiritual enrichment. Our faith story is rooted in Scripture, as is our mission. Scripture in the Parish serves to make those connections, while providing practical ways for us to guide and lead others.

Scripture in the Parish: A Guide for Catholic Ministry offers a small but sumptuous meal that will nourish people with various appetites. The appetizer dispels common myths in a clear and concise fashion. The main course feeds the reader with what the Church believes about the Bible, its important place in Catholic liturgy and prayer, and nutrients for preachers and catechists. The bonus course offers tools for interpreting the Word with the Church. All who seek a relationship with Christ through the Catholic Church or who have a ministerial role within the Church will find rich fare in this small but powerful resource.

With Sperry's book you'll be able to dispel common myths that you're confronted with and reply confidently to questions when you're asked about the Bible.

This book is a fine example of the intersection of two theological disciplines: biblical theology and ethics. It will find ready audiences in ministry formation programs as well as parish study groups.

Readers of this book will be able to expand their understanding of the Bible and are provided the language to easily answer questions that may come up in a variety of parish settings. It encourages the reader not to stop with this book and explains how to select a Bible commentary, the reason to have more than one translation of the Bible on hand, and other resources for improving biblical literacy.