Parish Bible Studies: A Wonderful Opportunity to Grow in Faith While Learning His Word

More than 21 years ago, Karen Ordos wanted a way to get out of the house while homeschooling her six children. She was teaching and learning the faith with the kids, but she wanted an outlet to learn the faith with other adults. So, she attended a Bible study here at SMP for a few years. Eventually, she had the opportunity to begin leading the group. Karen has led a Tuesday morning Bible study group studying the Bible for 15 years and counting. Various people have come and gone from the group, but Karen has been consistent in the 9:30 a.m. start time.

“I’ve had a lot of ‘aha’ moments throughout the years in Bible study,” she says. “The most fulfilling part is the discussion when you learn what other people took away from the week’s lesson. It is phenomenal.”

Karen has led Bible studies through various publishers, but she prefers the in-depth Scott Hahn studies. Each study is about 28 weeks and the meetings mostly follow the school calendar. During the 15 years of the group, Karen has had anywhere from eight to 20 people each session. The group meets for about two hours. Each week, the lesson includes take-home work.

“We move through the journey together,” Karen says. “It’s so fulfilling to grow together during the meetings.”

SMP Steward for Evangelical Catholic, Small Groups, and Bible Studies Michaela Moreau recommends that everyone consider how they may grow in faith in 2022 through a Bible study. The studies are a fantastic way to be more formed in the faith. Learning is a lifelong process. It’s also a way to meet new people and make friends here at SMP.

“Coming to know more about the Scriptures allows us to come to know Jesus, the living Word of God,” Michaela says. “Participating in studies about the faith helps us know what we believe and thus, we are better able to be a witness in the world. The more we know God, the more we love Him and desire to do His will in our lives.”

Karen knows that without Bible studies being a part of her life all these years, she wouldn’t be where she is at in her faith life.

“Bible studies have cemented a firm faith foundation for me,” she says. “I now understand the whys and how it all fits together. I understand the background of the Bible and the bigger layers of meaning.”

Karen says that through all her study of the Bible, she has learned more about why we believe what we believe as Catholics.

“This encourages good habits of reading Scripture on your own,” says Karen. “It forces you to look at Scripture outside of Mass.”

There are many different Bible study groups following a variety of themes and meeting at other times. This past fall, there were studies on everything from Catholic Social Teaching to the Gospel of John, to Humanae Vitae. There are both in-person and Zoom options.

For more information, please contact Steward for Evangelical Catholic, Small Groups, and Bible Studies Michaela Moreau at 360-292-7104 or mmoreau@saintmichaelparish.org.

Karen Ordos’ Tuesday morning Bible study group