How to Read the Catholic Bible in One Year

Read the Catholic Bible in a year with a little preparation.

Bible study varies widely among Christians and is fraught with controversy and deep divisions among the denominations. Begin your Catholic Bible study by reading an approved Catholic version of the Bible. Read the Bible in a year by approaching your study from a number of directions. Each study method reaps its own rewards and whatever path you choose, you will likely enjoy the process.

Things You'll Need

• Catholic approved Bible
• Liturgical calendar

Instructions

Liturgical Catholic Bible Study

1. Reading the Bible in conjunction with weekly liturgical readings may lead to a deeper understanding of Catholic teaching. Follow the Catholic liturgical calendar, which covers the Bible in a year.

2. Read "Reading 1" from the Catholic Lectionary. Turn to each day's selection from New Testament books other than the four gospels. Read a passage, for example, from one of the letters of St. Paul, such as Romans or Galatians.

3. Follow Reading 1 with the day's second reading. Read the Responsorial Psalm. Reflect on each day's scheduled reading, which comes from the Old Testament book of Psalms, passages which emphasize praising God.

4. Read the day's Gospel reading. End each Bible session with the scheduled Gospel reading to bring Christ to mind. Look for the relationship between Reading 1, the Psalm and the Gospel.

Canonical Approach

1. Read the Bible from beginning to end over the course of a year. Commit to spending at least 30 minutes a day to accomplish your goal, as recommended by Felix Just, S.J. on the website catholic-resources.org.

2. Cover approximately four to six chapters of the Bible each day. Read, for example, Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 4:26 on the first day.

3. Schedule daily time in order to read a sufficient number of books each month to read through the Bible in one year. Read, for example, the first three books of the Bible -- Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus -- and begin the fourth book -- Numbers -- over the course of your first month of readings.

Tips & Warnings

• Read any of the three approved Catholic Bible versions -- The Jerusalem Bible, the New American Bible and the Revised Standard Version.

• Accompany your daily Bible readings with a Catholic commentary.

• Spend time after each Bible reading to reflect on the meaning and value of the passage.

References

• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops USCCB: November 12, 2010
• Catholic Resources: Ways of Reading the Bible

Resources

• American Catholic : Choosing and Using a Bible
• Easterbrooks: The Catholic Calendar Page
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops USCCB: The New American Bible
• The Word among Us: A Catholic Devotional Magazine
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops USCCB: Readings and Psalms for the Month
• Catholic Doors: Read the Entire Holy Bible in One Year