‘The Prophets’ attract a crowd at Our Lady Of Sorrows-Vestal
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Adult Bible study connects the OT and NT
[adinserter block=”1″]By Deacon Gary DiLallo, Contributing writer & photographer
Our Lady of Sorrows recently hosted twenty-nine adults for a bible study on “The Prophets.” Led by Diane Rigotti, a retired teacher, the 10-week course focused on all of the major prophets and four of the minor prophets.
Mrs. Rigotti said it was “overwhelming the first night with the large group of participants,” adding that “it has been one of the most surprising groups I’ve ever led. Every week is a new learning experience or expanding on what was already learned. It has just deepened my relationship with Jesus and finally opened the Old Testament and its connection to the New Testament.”
The course classes consisted of a brief introduction to the prophet followed by a 30-minute video and a 30–45-minute discussion at each table. To prep for the next class, reading homework was assigned.
Attendee Kelly Woods from Our Lady of Good Council was “thrilled to be learning about the messages from the prophets as well as the important historical and biblical details, including the Bible timeline. The course book and corresponding video lessons were excellent. Mrs. Rigotti gave an excellent explanation and discussion of each prophet that makes up our Catholic faith. There is so much to learn about our faith from the Old Testament prophets.”
The course contained many interesting facts that few knew, including that Handel’s “Messiah,” which traces the life of Jesus Christ, is based on scriptures from the prophet Isaiah.
Rose Skojec from Our Lady of Sorrows said, “It’s not just studying the prophets at this course, but it’s the camaraderie of the people in the class.”
Seminarian John Buttner attended the last class and said, “It was really encouraging to see ongoing adult education.”
At the last class, Diane thanked everyone for attending, handing out Life Savers candy. “It has to do with thanking each person for their participation in the class as they were very willing to manage their tables and engage and participate in the biblical discussions.
“I am happy to be the facilitator of the class; they are ‘life-saving’ in the fact that I didn’t have to run the whole class. They were my ‘safety net’ by actively participating!”
For those interested in studying the Bible, check parishes in the area for classes and programs and adult bible study options.
Editor’s note: the diocesan Office of Adult and Ministerial Formation can assist in directing anyone interested in faith formation to a variety of classes and programs. Call 315-470-1491 or check out the summer newsletter here: https://tinyurl.com/syrdioadultformation
