3 minute read
The Ladies Tuesday Morning Bible Study: Following the Lantern of God’s Word
On Tuesday mornings in the Martha Jane Room, little miracles of love are created.
“Each week, we send around a prayer journal in which the ladies write their prayer intentions,” Jennifer Dyer says. “Sometimes they are anonymous, and other times they are known. We speak them aloud at the end of each meeting and purposely lift each other up in prayer, along with the needs of our friends and family members. When a lady in our study is in need, we rally around her to help her, whether it is by giving her a meal or a card, or just by checking in with her each week.”
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Amazingly, these “miracles of love” are centered around the study of God’s “love letter to His people,” the Holy Bible, and other inspiring works. Together, these women gather to be uplifted and enlightened by the power of God’s truth.
“Some of our past studies have included books of the Bible, such as Acts, John, James, and the Psalms, just to name a few,” says Jennifer, who formerly facilitated the group. “We have studied Catholic teachings and other topics such as the Mass, prayer, Bible timelines, and Church history. This fall, we will be doing a study called Divine Mercy, which explores the history of God’s love given to us through the appearances of the Blessed Mother at Fatima and the experiences of St. Faustina, St. Maximilian Kolbe, and St. Pope John Paul II.”
Study participants enjoy sharing in formation and fellowship together.
Most of the studies include a DVD or streaming content, which the ladies watch together. Some of the theologians that have presented the video talks in the past are Jeff Cavins, Dr. Tim Gray, and Dr. Scott Hahn.
“This fall, we will covering a study by Fr. Michael Gaitley,” Jennifer says. “Each author brings a deep knowledge of the Catholic faith. The speakers are always dynamic and often include humor, stories, and personal experiences.”
Overall, the study is an ideal way for women of all ages to come together as sisters in Christ, helping one another reach the goal of heaven together.
“I speak for all of the participants when I say it is such a wonderful opportunity to be with ladies of all ages and varying experiences, both in life and in their faith,” Jennifer says. “The older ladies always talk about how much they enjoy hearing how faithful the younger ladies are, while the younger ladies really benefit from the rich experiences of the older ladies. It is so heartwarming to study our faith together because we are all part of one big family.”
Ultimately, the study is a beautiful, powerful expression of stewardship.
“All participants in the study are using the stewardship of time to become better parishioners and servants of the Lord,” Jennifer says. “The Catechism of the Catholic Church states that our purpose is to know, love and serve God, and I’d say participating in a Bible study meets all three of those!”
And as with all stewardship endeavors, you get more from it than you put into it.
Ultimately, the study is a beautiful, powerful expression of stewardship.
“The biggest blessing we ladies gain from the study is the camaraderie we experience as Catholic women together,” Jennifer says. “We all share a sort of humble spiritual yearning which unites us.”
In turn, Jennifer emphatically recommends the study to other women.
“We have ladies with great scriptural knowledge in this group, as well as those who have rarely picked up a Bible,” she says. “No one ever feels out of place. The studies are meant for women at all faith levels, and each and every lady leaves the study with new knowledge of the faith.”
The study takes place on Tuesday mornings in the Martha Jane room during the school year. Women from all parishes are invited. Non-Catholics are welcome to join, as well. Childcare has been available in the past in exchange for a very small donation.
“We just ask the participants to let us know if they will need childcare, and a parishioner will do it for them in a nearby room,” Jennifer says.
