Bible Commission - Events and Activities June 2024-2025
- AMCF CCC
- Jul 11
- 7 min read
June 2024
Appointment of Priest Deanery Coordinators
Twelve dedicated Priest Deanery Coordinators have been appointed across all the deaneries within the Archdiocese. These coordinators will serve as vital links between the Bible Commission and the individual parishes within their respective deaneries, fostering stronger communication and collaboration.
Role of the Deanery Coordinators:
Bridge Builders: Acting as mediators, they will facilitate effective dialogue and coordination between the Bible Commission and the parishes, ensuring that information, resources, and initiatives flow seamlessly.
Event Organizers and Collaborators: They will take an active role in planning, coordinating, and promoting events and programs at the parish, deanery, and diocesan levels. This collaborative effort aims to deepen the faith experience, enrich biblical understanding, and strengthen community bonds throughout the Archdiocese.
Through their commitment and leadership, the Priest Deanery Coordinators will play a crucial role in nurturing a vibrant biblical culture within the Church community.
July 2024
Course on Biblical Hebrew (Level I)
A total of 15 enthusiastic adults enrolled in the Course on Biblical Hebrew, with 11 participants successfully completing the six-month program. Conducted every Saturday, the course offered a consistent and structured learning experience that allowed participants to steadily build their proficiency in the sacred language.
Course Objectives:
Laying a Strong Foundation: To equip students with a fundamental understanding of Biblical Hebrew, the language in which much of the Old Testament was originally written.
Grasping Core Concepts: To help participants comprehend the essential grammar, vocabulary, and structure of the language, fostering a deeper appreciation for the biblical texts.
Building Reading Confidence: To enable learners to confidently read and interpret simple passages in Hebrew, empowering them to engage directly with Scripture in its authentic form.
Deepening Scriptural Engagement: To cultivate a more intimate and informed relationship with the Bible, encouraging participants to explore its messages with renewed insight and reverence.
This program not only enriched the participants’ linguistic skills but also enhanced their spiritual journey, connecting them more profoundly to the sacred Scriptures.
August 2024
One Day Bible Study 2024 (O.D.B.S)
The One Day Bible Study (O.D.B.S) 2024 attracted an enthusiastic group of 120 young adults, aged 18 to 35, who gathered for an immersive and inspiring day dedicated to exploring the richness of Scripture. This event provided a unique opportunity for participants to deepen their faith and grow spiritually through focused study and fellowship.
Key Outcomes of the Bible Study:
Deepening Scriptural Understanding: Participants engaged with the Word of God on a profound level, enhancing their comprehension and appreciation of biblical teachings.
Strengthening Spiritual Connection: Through guided reflections and prayer, attendees fostered a closer relationship with the Lord, discovering the transformative power of His Word in their daily lives.
Inspiration for the Spiritual Journey: The study offered valuable insights and encouragement to help young adults navigate their personal faith journeys with confidence and purpose.
Clarification and Dialogue: A dynamic Q&A session provided a safe space for participants to voice questions and explore various aspects of faith, promoting clarity and growth within the community.
The O.D.B.S 2024 proved to be a powerful catalyst for spiritual renewal, equipping young adults to carry forward their faith with renewed enthusiasm and understanding.
September 2024
Bible Quiz and Biblical Fashion Show 2024
A vibrant gathering of 175 students from Standards 6 to 8 participated enthusiastically in the Bible Quiz and Biblical Fashion Show 2024. This engaging event provided a unique platform for young learners to immerse themselves in Scripture while expressing their creativity and talents.
Highlights and Impact of the Event:
Studying the Word of God: Through the quiz, students delved into the stories and teachings of the Bible, reinforcing their knowledge and understanding of sacred Scripture.
Cultivating a Love for God’s Word: The event inspired a genuine affection and respect for the Bible, encouraging students to carry this passion beyond the classroom.
Sharing Biblical Messages Creatively: Through skits portraying key biblical characters, participants brought Scripture to life, communicating important spiritual lessons in an engaging and memorable way.
Showcasing Talents and Creativity: The Biblical Fashion Show allowed students to artistically interpret biblical themes, celebrating their imaginative abilities while honouring the stories of faith.
This event was a joyous celebration of learning, faith, and creativity, helping to nurture a lifelong connection with the Word of God among the younger generation.
October-November-December 2024
During the months of October, November, and December, the Bible Commission dedicated its calendar to supporting deanery-level programs, offering space and encouragement for localized faith-based initiatives. This collaborative effort allowed Deanery Coordinators to take the lead in organizing a range of engaging events tailored to the spiritual needs of their respective communities.
A major highlight during this period was the elimination rounds of the Bible Quiz, which were successfully conducted across various deaneries. These events not only tested participants’ knowledge of Scripture but also fostered healthy competition, community involvement, and a renewed enthusiasm for the Word of God.
By empowering deanery leaders and creating room for grassroots engagement, the Bible Commission ensured that the spirit of Scripture study remained vibrant and widely accessible at the local level.
January 2025
1) Deanery Bible Quiz Finals
A total of 43 enthusiastic participants representing nine parishes across the Archdiocese qualified to compete in the Deanery level Bible Quiz. As part of the Jubilee celebrations, the event was enriched by insightful talks from distinguished professors of St. Pius X College, focusing on “Interpreting Scriptures” and the emerging role of “Artificial Intelligence in Evangelization.” These presentations empowered participants to explore innovative approaches and fresh perspectives for sharing the Word of God in today’s world.
Objectives and Impact of the Bible Quiz:
Testing Scriptural Knowledge: The quiz challenged participants to recall and apply their understanding of biblical texts, encouraging both accuracy and depth in their scriptural knowledge.
Application in Various Contexts: Beyond memorization, participants learned to interpret and relate Scripture meaningfully across different life situations, fostering a practical and living faith.
Inspiring Deeper Study: The competition ignited a passion to engage more profoundly with the Bible, motivating participants to pursue ongoing study and reflection on the sacred Word.
The Deanery Bible Quiz not only celebrated the joy of learning but also opened doors to new tools and methods for evangelization, equipping the faithful to share God’s message with renewed confidence and creativity.
2) Bible Triduum
As part of the Jubilee Year 2025 celebrations organized by the Archdiocese of Bombay, the month of January was dedicated to Vocation Awareness and Bible Engagement. Central to this initiative was a spiritually enriching three-day Bible Triduum, thoughtfully designed to strengthen the laity’s personal connection with Scripture.
Purpose and Impact of the Bible Triduum:
Deepening Connection with Scripture: Through prayerful reflections, meditations, and guided sessions, the Triduum invited participants to experience a more intimate and heartfelt relationship with God’s Word.
Fostering a Desire to Pray with Scripture: The event encouraged attendees to incorporate Scripture into their daily prayer life, transforming the Bible from a distant text into a living source of spiritual nourishment.
Inculcating the Habit of Daily Bible Reading: By inspiring a consistent routine of engaging with the Bible, the Triduum aimed to nurture a lifelong discipline that would enrich faith and sustain spiritual growth.
This three-day spiritual journey served as a powerful catalyst for renewed devotion, calling all faithful to embrace the Scriptures as a guiding light on their vocational and spiritual paths.
February 2025
1) Bible Quiz on the Gospel of John at St. Joseph Church, Gokuldham
Approximately 50 parishioners gathered at St. Joseph Church, Gokuldham, to participate in an engaging Bible Quiz focused on the Gospel of John. This event was thoughtfully organized to nurture a deeper appreciation for Scripture within the parish community.
Objectives of the Bible Quiz:
Cultivating a Love for God’s Word: By exploring the rich narratives and teachings of the Gospel of John, participants were encouraged to develop a heartfelt affection for the sacred Scriptures.
Inspiring a Desire to Study Scripture: The quiz served as a motivational platform, sparking enthusiasm and curiosity to delve more deeply into the Word of God.
Testing Knowledge of Scripture: Participants had the opportunity to challenge and refine their understanding of the Gospel, reinforcing their biblical literacy and confidence.
This event not only fostered communal learning but also strengthened the spiritual foundation of the parishioners, inviting them to embrace the Gospel’s message in their daily lives.
2) “Renewing Mind with Scriptures” Talk at Karuna Hospital, Borivili
In observance of the World Day of the Sick, Karuna Hospital organized a series of meaningful events under the theme, “The Power of Well-Being in Mental Health.” Among these initiatives, a special talk titled “Renewing Mind with Scriptures” was conducted to highlight the transformative role of Scripture in fostering mental and spiritual wellness.
Purpose and Impact of the Talk:
Encouraging the Habit of Regular Scripture Reading: Attendees were inspired to integrate daily engagement with the Bible into their routines, recognizing it as a vital resource for spiritual and emotional nourishment.
Renewing Mind and Heart: The session emphasized how meditating on Scripture can bring healing, peace, and clarity, helping individuals to overcome anxiety, stress, and mental fatigue through God’s promises and wisdom.
Building a Deeper Relationship with God: By encountering God’s Word regularly, participants were encouraged to strengthen their personal connection with God, drawing comfort and strength in their journey towards mental well-being.
This talk offered a hopeful and holistic approach to mental health, rooted in faith and the healing power of the Scriptures.
March 2025
1) Session for Bible Cell Coordinators at Our Lady of Immaculate Church, Borivili
A focused session was held at Our Lady of Immaculate Church, Borivili, attended by 30 dedicated Bible Cell Coordinators. This gathering was designed to equip and empower coordinators in their vital roles within the parish community.
Objectives of the Session:
Deepening Understanding of Scripture: Participants engaged in enriching discussions and teachings aimed at enhancing their comprehension and interpretation of the Word of God.
Renewing Knowledge through Ongoing Formation: The session emphasized the importance of continual learning and spiritual growth, encouraging coordinators to pursue ongoing formation to better serve their Bible cells and parishioners.
This session fostered a spirit of renewal and commitment, enabling Bible Cell Coordinators to lead with greater confidence and insight as they nurture faith communities rooted in Scripture.
April 2025
2) O.T.S.T.C (Old Testament Short Term Course)
The Bible Commission launched a six-month Old Testament Short Term Course (O.T.S.T.C) aimed at providing lay participants with a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of the Old Testament. This carefully structured program covers a wide range of topics related to the rich history, literature, and theology of the Old Testament.
Commencing in March 2025, the course features insightful sessions led by esteemed Scripture scholars, who guide the participants through various interpretative methods and thematic studies. The inaugural session focused on the foundational topic, “Methods of Interpreting the Scriptures,” equipping students with essential tools for thoughtful and accurate biblical study.
With 80 enthusiastic students registered, the O.T.S.T.C promises to be a transformative journey, fostering greater biblical literacy and inspiring a renewed engagement with the sacred texts of the Old Testament.
May 2025
In the second session of the O.T.S.T.C, titled “Pentateuch,” all 80 students actively participated to gain a deeper understanding of the first five books of the Bible. This session delved into the origins, themes, and theological significance of Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, providing participants with valuable insights into the foundation of the Old Testament narrative.
