WASHINGTON, D.C. – The St. Peter’s Catholic young adult bible study summer session kicked off on June 25 on Capitol Hill. 30 Catholic young adults gathered for the scripture study and pizza in the basement auditorium of the church.
The bible study attracts young adults who are from all parts of the U.S. and overseas. Most come to pursue work and educational opportunities in the D.C. metro area.
“I’d say it is a healthy mix of people. From folks who are just coming through D.C. who have only been there for a couple of weeks, to people who have been there at St. Peter’s for more than 5 years. Singles, marrieds, 20s, 30s,” said Robert Vega, the Young Adult Coordinator at St. Peter’s. It’s not always just hill staffers, but there are people that work at non-profits, specifically church related organizations, he said.
Usually the summer is a time for the bible study to take time off, however, this summer, bible study is in full session. ”The feeling was that the bulk of our members don’t seem to be students anymore. So taking summers off seems to fit a schedule that most of us have recently departed from,” said Vega.
The event started with an introduction from Father Patrick Riffle of St. Peter’s and a prayer. Carrie Traverse, a parishioner of St. Peter’s, led off the first chapter of the “Letter to the Hebrews” in the New Testament.
“In many and various ways God spoke of old to our fathers by the prophets; but in these last days he has spoken to us by a son, whom he appointed the heir of all things,” she read.
After reading the first chapter, the young adults broke into table discussions, to talk about how the readings affected them.
“I first started going (to bible study) because my friends recommended it…It was a good way to learn and just known the word of God better than just going to Mass,” said Traverso. ”It is not an academic (class), like a theology class. We read the bible and then (discuss) how does it fit with our lives now.”
When asked about the friendships she’s made through the bible study, Traverso said, “I’ve gotten close. There was a lot of girls from St. Peter’s…There was a lot of guys I wouldn’t have known if I didn’t go to bible study because we don’t talk in Mass.”
Editor’s Note: Information about the bible study can be found in our bible study section.
