Annual Calendar

The Biblical Apostolate follows a national calendar aligned to the liturgical year and major pastoral milestones (e.g., Jubilee initiatives, Dei Verbum anniversaries, CBF activities). Diocesan offices adapt the schedule locally to ensure parish participation across all three languages.

• Quarter 1: Parish coordinators’ briefing, facilitator training, resource distribution.
• Quarter 2: Regional seminars, school & Sunday School Scripture animation.
• Quarter 3: Bible Sunday preparations, Bible Month launch, family Bible initiatives.
• Quarter 4: Evaluations, diocesan sharing, resource planning for the new year.

Bible Sunday & Bible Month

A nationwide celebration highlighting the centrality of the Word of God in Christian life. Parishes, schools, and communities host Scripture enthronements, Bible reading marathons, competitions, and parish missions to help families rediscover the Bible at home.

• Liturgical resources and homily aids (Sinhala, Tamil, English).
• Parish & diocesan Bible quizzes, poster/essay competitions, dramatizations.
• Community Lectio Divina and Scripture-based reconciliation services.
• Showcasing local translations and biblical materials from the National Centre.

Lectio Divina & Prayer with Scripture

Promotion of personal and communal Lectio Divina as a pathway to encounter Christ in the Scriptures. Guides and facilitators’ notes are provided for parish groups, families, youth, and religious communities.

• Monthly parish Lectio circles with simple facilitation steps.
• Retreat days themed on the Psalms, Gospels, and Acts of the Apostles.
• Scripture meditations integrated into catechist formation and missions.

Seminars & Workshops

Ongoing formation for priests, religious, catechists, teachers, and lay leaders on Scripture, evangelization, and pedagogy — delivered in Sinhala, Tamil, and English. Topics include biblical spirituality, the documents post–Vatican II, and emerging themes such as technology for biblical ministry.

• Clergy & Religious Tracks: Biblical theology, preaching Scripture, pastoral application.
• Catechist & Teacher Tracks: Classroom resources, lesson design, assessment.
• Parish Animator Tracks: Forming small groups, facilitating Bible sharing, family outreach.

Publications & Resources

The National Centre produces multilingual biblical resources — study guides, prayer leaflets, posters, and catechetical aids — showcased at the Annual Book Sale and diocesan events. Materials highlight local context and liturgical seasons.

• Gospel and Pauline letters study booklets for small groups.
• Bible Month kits: family prayers, activities, and parish facilitation guides.
• Resources aligned to Jubilee themes and milestones (e.g., anniversaries of Dei Verbum).

Youth & Family Initiatives

Programs designed to put the Bible at the heart of the home and to animate youth discipleship. Activities complement Sunday School curricula and parish family ministries.

• Family Bible enthronement & mealtime Scripture practices.
• Youth Scripture camps, quizzes, and creative arts on biblical themes.
• Intergenerational Bible sharing: children, parents, grandparents together.

Digital & Media Initiatives

Encouraging the wise use of digital tools for biblical formation — online sessions, downloadable resources, and regional platforms that connect catechists and animators (including initiatives promoted through CBF networks).

• Online Bible introductions and short video reflections.
• Downloadable parish kits: guides, worksheets, prayer outlines.
• Promotion of regional Scripture platforms and e-learning opportunities.

Partnerships & Special Events

Collaboration with diocesan biblical commissions, seminaries, Catholic universities, and the Catholic Biblical Federation (CBF) – South Asia enhances formation quality and regional solidarity. National hosting of CBF assemblies and leadership meetings strengthens our apostolate’s reach and impact.

• South Asia coordination meetings and thematic assemblies (e.g., Jubilee of Hope, Dei Verbum milestones).
• Exchange of facilitators and best practices among member countries.
• Joint projects in resource development and training.

How to Participate

Parish priests, catechists, school coordinators, and lay leaders may contact their Diocesan Biblical Director or the National Catechetical and Biblical Centre (Colombo) for schedules and materials in Sinhala, Tamil, or English. We welcome volunteers and facilitators committed to making the Word of God the heart of every community.