As a Catholic, you know it’s important to study the Bible.

The Bible is Sacred Scripture, the Holy Spirit-inspired Word of God, God’s written revelation to us. But studying this holy book can be intimidating. Where do you begin? How do you understand what you’re reading? How do you know you’re “doing it right”?

A Catholic Bible study doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With some simple practices, you can develop a natural rhythm of engaging with Scripture that both fits your schedule and fills your soul.

What is a Catholic Bible study?

A Catholic Bible study simply means you’re reading the Scriptures through the lens of Sacred Tradition and the infallible teaching of the Catholic Church. While we hear Scripture readings (and homilies expounding on them) at Mass, our responsibility as lay people is to grow in our devotion to God’s Word through personal Bible reading and study.

Where to Start Studying the Bible as a Catholic

The Bible contains seventy-three books. Where do you start? Here are some ideas:

• Start at the beginning. The beginning is always a great place to start—even with the Bible. The book of Genesis illustrates the Creation of the world, the Fall of humankind, and the beginning of salvation history (you may be surprised at how much of a page-turner it is).
• Start with the Gospels. The Gospels begin the New Testament and narrate the events of Jesus’ life and ministry. Pick one Gospel to start with, such as the Gospel of John, or read all four Gospels and continue with Acts, which describes the birth of the Church.
• Start with the daily Mass readings. The daily readings will give you a broad sampling of Scripture, with most days including passages from the Old Testament, the Psalms, and the Gospels. By following the Mass readings every day, you’ll get a good overview of Sacred Scripture and the narrative of salvation history.

How to Get into a Bible Study Habit

Perhaps you know exactly where you want to start studying the Bible, but you’re not sure how to find the time for it. It’s easy to let good intentions fall by the wayside while trying to keep up with a busy schedule. If that’s you, these tips will help you build a consistent Bible study habit.

• Start small. Don’t get discouraged if you’re struggling to make time to study. Try committing to 5–15 minutes daily to start. You may be surprised at how easy it is to fit small doses of Scripture into your day and how it will motivate you to read more.
• Strive for consistency. Studying the Bible will be easier to remember if you make it part of your daily schedule. Set your alarm earlier in the morning, make time for it on your lunch break, or take a few minutes before bed to read the Bible. 
• Stay accountable. Find a friend who’s also committed to studying the Bible and check in weekly (or daily) to encourage each other and share insights about what you’re learning.
• Seek the Holy Spirit’s help. Ask for the grace to grow in your Bible study habit and to be open to the Holy Spirit speaking to you through the Scriptures. Remember, our spiritual enemy will try to distract or discourage you from reading the Bible, so stay vigilant in prayer!

Find a Catholic Bible Study Resource

One of the best ways to study the Bible is with others, and many parishes offer Bible study groups. However, it’s not always possible to attend an in-person group, whether due to schedule conflicts or other reasons. Thankfully, there are other resources for Catholics who want to grow in their understanding of Sacred Scripture.

At CatholicTV, we offer two Bible studies that are as easy as turning on your TV or streaming from your smart device: Evangelista Bible Study and The Word Exposed.

Evangelista Bible Study | Sundays at 8:30pm ET

In the Evangelista Bible Study, Sonja Corbitt walks you through the pages of Scripture, exploring the stories of biblical characters and different Bible themes. Sonja presents topics—such as dealing with anger and learning to rest in the Lord—in an approachable and uplifting way, much like having coffee with a close friend. Each season is filmed in a church or outdoor setting, making every episode as enjoyable to watch as it is to listen to. If you’re interested in learning how the Holy Spirit can speak to you through the Bible in your everyday life, please join us for the Evangelista Bible Study.

The Word Exposed | Saturdays at 4pm ET

Another Bible study option is The Word Exposed, a program that dives into the Sunday Mass readings. Join Cardinal Luis Tagle for reflections on Scripture as well as practical applications for your own life. In each episode, the Scripture is read by a narrator while being displayed on screen, and Fr. Tagle’s reflections are interpreted through sign language for those who are hearing impaired. The addition of music for the responsorial Psalm and sacred art and illustrations make The Word Exposed an engaging Bible study experience for any viewer.

Whether you choose to join a Catholic Bible study at your parish, watch one of the programs on CatholicTV, or build a Bible study habit on your own, diving deep into the Scriptures will be a source of grace in your life that will be well worth the effort.