Hebrews, more like a homily than the other traditional "letters" of the New Testament, was written to encourage Jewish Christians to remain faithful to the New Covenant. The author reveals how Jesus is now the new and everlasting temple. Jesus is the altar, the sacrifice, and the High Priest. During this study, we will learn the true meaning behind the dogma of the Sacrifice of the Mass.
We had our subject. Now the search began for just the right materials for our study. As a subscriber to Fr. Robert Barron's weekly homilies, I had taken note of the frequent references he would make to the acclaimed New Testament scholar, N.T. Wright. Dr. Wright is often hailed as a modern-day C.S. Lewis and has written the most extensive New Testament commentary series since William Barclay. After some research, I quickly decided that the Hebrews edition of The New Testament for Everyone series by N.T. Wright would be our commentary guide for this year's study. In addition to Hebrews for Everyone, we will also be using the Hebrews for Everyone Study Guide. So now, some general information about the study. The Solid Grounds Bible Study group meets on Thursdays from 9-11am in the Marian Lounge at the Church of St. Patrick. Our first meeting for the 2015-2016 study will be held on September 3. Meetings are held on a (somewhat bi-weekly) schedule. Our entire schedule can be found just to the right of this post along with the other class information. It will also be distributed on an informational sheet at our first meeting.
In order to register for the study, you can download the registration form from the Church of St. Patrick Adult Education Page (check the "Bible Study" tab), or pick up a registration form at the Church of St. Patrick. Then bring your completed registration form, along with the $30 class fee, to St. Patrick Book and Gift. The registration deadline for this class is August 23. You will be notified when your materials are ready to pick up.
In addition our textbooks, we have traditionally recommended purchasing the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible translation for use in our class. This is an excellent Catholic translation that helps us understand scripture through the lens of the Catholic faith--our sacraments, Tradition, and liturgical rites. The cost of this Bible is not included in the class fee. This Bible comes in several different editions starting at $11.95 for the individual booklet of the Letter to the Hebrews, and from $24.95 up to $44.95 for the entire New Testament in paperback, hardback, or leather cover. The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible is available at St. Patrick Book & Gift as well as other Catholic and major booksellers. Finally, you may be wondering what you need to do to prepare for our first meeting on September 3. First of all, put it on your calendar and make it a priority to attend! This is the best opportunity to get all the important information that you'll need for our year of study. Then we would welcome you to read a good Catholic book and be ready to give a short (a very short) review as we go around and introduce ourselves to one another. If the summer has slipped away from you, or if you're late in finding out about this "assignment" that our former members received at the end of last year's study, please come prepared to recommend one of your favorite Catholic books from past reading. The idea is for all of our participants to go home with a list of book recommendations for the next time they're looking for a good Catholic book.
We do hope that you'll join us this year for our study of the Letter to the Hebrews. Any other questions? Please contact the church office. See you in September!
