Denver, Colo., Sep 15, 2005 / 22:00 pm
A unique program in the Archdiocese of Denver commenced a new year of classes this week in an effort to lead Catholic lay people into a deeper understanding and appreciation for sacred scripture.
The Denver Biblical School, now in its 24th year of existence, hit record enrollment this year with 648 students enrolled in the 4-year program--311 of whom are starting their first year.
Tim Gray, the program’s director told the Denver Catholic Register that “We have a high-quality program…The teachers are dynamic and unique…The program”, he said, “not only makes the Bible come alive, but makes it relevant to the lives of people.”
Rather than taking a theme based, or piece by piece approach to the scriptures, students travel through every book of the Bible, looking at their historical context and significance, and seeking to understand how the Word is still active today.
Biblical school representatives told CNA that the classes also contain a small-group component, in which students can build Christian fellowship and dig into the meaning of the scriptures with others.
18 classes around the archdiocese, and as far away as Colorado Springs, are currently meeting, and using a curriculum which has been recognized around the country.
The school has also been seing an increase in younger students eager to study the scriptures. Young, dynamic teachers, the school said, are drawing new students eager to fulfill the call of “New Evangelization” set forth by the late John Paul II.
The school noted that one class, in the northern Colorado town of Greeley, is even hosting some high school students.
Added Wei Hsien Wan, one of the school’s instructors: “the call to evangelization is for young and old alike--we want to open up the scriptures to all of the faithful.”
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