Conclusion of the 2015 National Bible Week in the USA. Mary Sperry: "The Scriptures are part of family life"
The 2015 National Bible Week on "The Bible: A Book for the Family," promoted by the US Catholic Bishops‘ Conference States (USCCB), ends today. "The initiative—says Mary Elizabeth Sperry, Director of the USCCB‘s Bible Office—stems from a suggestion made by the American Bible Society. We decided to dedicate the event to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Dei Verbum, celebrated on November 18th, 2015. The theme was, however, chosen in the light of the recent World Meeting of Families and the Synod of Bishops on the Family." As for resources, available to families and parishes free online in English and Spanish, "propose a ritual for families who wish to introduce the Bible in their own homes by providing basic formation in lectio divina, and so help parents to make Scripture is part of their family life." Resources for the parishes, on the other hand, include proposals for retreats, catechesis, Bible study and an assessment system that allows each parish to evaluate the centrality of the Bible in the life of the community.
"In addition—says the director—we provide products that help people to grow in their understanding of Scripture. In mid-October, we offered a webinar to help schools and parishes, and we have been active in the social media, urging everyone to pray with the Bible and to reflect on its importance in their lives. Finally, the Catholic publishers and other organizations have offered resources and advice on materials and tools."