Join the Bible in a Year Challenge for 2025!
New Year’s resolutions often come and go, but here at Ss. Austin and Gregory with St. Anne’s, Margate, we’re excited to kick off 2025 with a resolution that can truly transform your life. We’re inviting everyone in our parish to take on a challenge: read the entire Bible in a year!
Does it sound a bit daunting? We promise, it’s easier than you might think. With a bit of dedication and an open heart, you’ll find yourself drawn into a journey through stories, wisdom, history, poetry, and messages that are as meaningful today as they were thousands of years ago. And the best part? You’ll be doing this alongside a whole community of fellow parishioners, united in faith and curiosity.
Why Take on This Challenge?
- Strengthen Your Faith: Reading the Bible daily keeps us grounded in God’s Word and helps us grow closer to Him. Imagine how you’ll feel one year from now, having read and reflected on the entire Bible!
- Discover New Insights: Even if you’ve read passages before, you might be surprised at what stands out to you this time. You’ll see stories and verses in a new light and find wisdom for both everyday challenges and deeper questions.
- Feel the Community Connection: Even though we’re each reading on our own, we’ll know others in our parish are on the same journey. You may find yourself swapping favorite verses or sharing insights over coffee after Mass!
How to Get Started
We’re keeping it simple: there’s no set reading order, no “official” reading plan, just the goal to read the entire Bible by the end of the year. You might choose to start with Genesis and go straight through to Revelation, or you might prefer to mix it up by alternating between Old and New Testaments.
For a little perspective, the Catholic Bible has about 1,326 chapters. That’s roughly 3-4 chapters a day, or about 15-20 minutes a day, depending on your pace. (Yes, it’s totally doable!)
If you miss a day or two, don’t worry. Pick up where you left off, or adjust your reading. The goal is to finish by year’s end and enjoy the journey along the way.
Tips for Staying On Track
- Set a Routine: Make reading part of your daily routine, like a cup of coffee in the morning or winding down before bed.
- Jot Down Your Thoughts: Keep a small notebook nearby to jot down any thoughts, questions, or favorite passages. You’ll love looking back at your reflections later in the year.
- Invite Friends and Family to Join: Why not get a friend or family member to take on the challenge with you? You’ll be able to share insights and encourage each other!
- Pray for Guidance: Each time you sit down to read, ask God to open your heart to His Word. You may be surprised at the moments of clarity and comfort you receive.
Let’s Start Together on January 1st!
There’s something so special about beginning this on New Year’s Day, as we turn the page to a new chapter in our lives and in our parish. By the time we reach the end of 2025, each of us will have gained not only a deeper understanding of Scripture but also a stronger sense of our faith, our community, and our purpose.
Are you in? Let’s do this together, Ss. Austin and Gregory with St. Anne’s!
