Bible Sunday 2007

Bible Sunday was initiated by the Regional Biblical Commission (RBC) of Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in May 1991. It was in response to the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) that emphasised the importance and central significance of the Bible for the Church and the world. Since then Bible Sunday is celebrated annually on the second Sunday of July to remind us of the importance of God’s Word in our lives.

Every year the Conference of Bishops of the RBC would decide on the theme and message for the Archdiocese. This year the theme was “Go on your way, behold, I am sending you like lambs among the wolves”, based on the Gospel reading (Luke 10:1-12, 17-20) for Sunday, 8 July.

With this theme in mind, the Bible Apostolate Team asked ourselves what we could do for this year’s Bible Sunday. We realised that like all Christians, we are commissioned to bring the Good News to others. Empowered by the Word of God, we were confident that we could be a light to the world so we began planning the parish’s Bible Sunday activities.

For starters, a Family Bible Quiz was introduced a week earlier and prizes for the best three entries were awarded on Bible Sunday. Other highlights on Bible Sunday were:
• Bible verses projected on the screen before each Mass and pointers on reading and reflecting on Scripture texts.
• Enthronement of the Bible at the beginning of each Mass.
• Posters of the Bible Apostolate’s activities and Scripture Study programmes.
• A “theme of the day” proclaimed on the wall behind the altar.
• Special sale of bibles for adults, teenagers and children, bible commentaries, study guides, bible maps, wall charts and audio-visual materials.

The Liturgy of The Word with Children Ministry had activities for children at an attractive booth set up specially for this.There were word puzzles, mazes and simple games all centred on characters and verses from the Bible. Bible-related colouring pictures were also given away. The response was overwhelming!

To illustrate the importance of not just understanding the Word of God but also living it, the Bible Apostolate Team simultaneously organised fund-raising in the canteen to help the Church in Mongolia.

We hope that the celebration each year will draw more participation from our church ministries.

“ Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” (Psalm 119:105)

Jerry Tan