A parishioner at Holy Spirit Parish in Shields says a virtual Bible study on the Acts of the Apostles has deepened her understanding of Scripture and strengthened her faith during the Diocese of Saginaw's Year of the Holy Spirit.
Terrie Brown and her husband have participated in Father Jose Maria Cabrera's 30-week online Bible study each Tuesday morning, gathering with coffee, Bibles and notebooks before 7 a.m. to join the 30-minute sessions. Each class begins with prayer, followed by a reading from Acts and Father Cabrera's teaching.
Brown said the study has helped participants better understand the apostles' transformation through the Holy Spirit, the courage of the early Church, and the generosity of the first Christian communities. She especially appreciated Father Cabrera's use of historical context, Greek and Hebrew texts, and visual presentations to bring Scripture to life.
"There is so much information packed into each of these 30 minute classes," she said. "We begin with prayer, a volunteer reads the new chapter, and Father Jose follows up with his lesson. Each session deepens our understanding of Scripture, and every week we come away with new insights and a greater appreciation for God's Word."
A candidate in the Diocese of Saginaw's Lay Ecclesial Ministry program, Brown encouraged others to join the study, noting that previous sessions are available on Father Cabrera's YouTube channel, making it easy for newcomers to catch up. She said Bishop Robert Gruss' invitation to study the Acts of the Apostles during the Year of the Holy Spirit offers Catholics an opportunity to grow in faith and discover the work of the Holy Spirit in the early Church and today.
"The Holy Spirit is calling! Join us as we study - chapter by chapter - the entire Book of the Acts of the Apostles. I promise you will be inspired and amazed," she said.
View past videos here: https://saginaw.org/bible-study-acts-apostles