Bible Basics is a series of conferences on Sacred Scripture with a goal of basic knowledge of the Bible and the ability to meaningfully read the Bible and pray with God's word. The conferences are facilitated by Deacon Rick Roder, the Faith Formation coordinator for Mater Dei Parish.

This course of Bible study and reflection is the result of the many requests of our parents in Faith Formation, but the invitation to attend extends to all adults and confirmed teens of Mater Dei Parish.

Bible Basics will be held mostly on the 3rd Wednesdays of the month (see schedule below) at Immaculate Conception Parish Center, 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. Children of attending adults, and all Faith Formation children, are invited to attend the "Faith and Fun Night" at the IC school gym during the same time, where they are treated to a short lesson and activity, music, social time, and service work. We ask a minimum age of kindergarten, but if older siblings are attending, that age can "sneak down" a little if siblings will watch out for each other. We are not equipped in these activities to provide child care for young children.

Mater Dei Parish seeks to introduce the "Great Adventure" Bible into our parish programs. This Bible (RSV translation) provides a system to learn the Story of Salvation using color coded Biblical periods, excellent introductions to the periods, identification of the key events of the Bible, reading plans, etc. Great Adventure Bibles are available for purchase at the Parish Offices at IC Church, $40 for a softcover edition (leatherbound copies available online for about $60), with English or Spanish available. You DO NOT need to have a Great Adventure Bible to take part in Bible Basics, but are asked to bring a Bible if you have one. Please consider adding the Great Adventure Bible to your family's Christmas wish list, or consider it as a First Communion, Confirmation, birthday, etc., gift. We'll be using this Bible more and more in our parish, so you may want to watch out for a good time to purchase one for your family.

Bible Basics / Faith and Fun Schedule (6:30 to 7:45 p.m.; IC Center): 
Wed. Nov. 16
Mon. Dec. 14 (to avoid the Wednesday evening before Christmas break)
Wed. Jan. 18
Wed. Feb. 15
Wed. Mar. 15
Wed. Apr. 26 (fourth Wednesday; backed up due to Holy Week and First Communion practice)