Young adults set out to educate their peers

By Michelle Sullivan, The Catholic Sun
April 5, 2007

Catholics aren’t usually known for their Bible study, but a few young adults are trying to change that.

Catholic Retreat for Young Adults and the St. Thomas the Apostle young adult group are teaming up to sponsor a Bible study on the first and third Sundays of the month. The Phoenix parish will host the study from 3 to 5 p.m.

“We as Catholics are woefully unknowledgeable about the Bible,” Eric Nanneman said. He, Jason Bourne and Adam Richards organized the Bible study.

The study itself will consist of viewing a series of programs titled “The Great Adventure Timeline.” Jeff Cavins, former host of EWTN’s “Life on the Rock,” leads the series.

“His presentation is in terms regular people can understand,” Bourne said. He added that Cavins’ study emphasizes twelve periods of salvation history in chronological order.

The free Bible program, which began March 18, will last two years. It takes that long to view the 24 programs. If participants are unable to come every time, there will be days to view missed videos.

Each session’s format will include a one-hour video by Cavins, a presentation, and time for group discussion and reflection.

Bourne wanted to have a Bible study geared toward “people who did not know much about the Bible.”

While he thinks most Catholics “revere and respect the Bible,” Bourne said their knowledge of it varies. He believes Catholics have a desire to learn about it, but don’t know where to begin.

Despite being sponsored by two young adult groups, its open to everyone. Bourne said that it is geared toward “beginners.”

Nanneman hopes the Bible study will help participants “become closer to Jesus.”

“The Bible study is a great way to learn about Scripture and come together as a community, to get to know fellow Catholics across the Valley,” Nanneman said.

The next meeting will be April 15. For more information, contact Jason Bourne at supafaud@msn.com.