Media Release

Catholic Scripture Study Grows In Faith and Numbers

It’s Thursday night and a locally based scripture study group called “The Cornerstone” is gathered, beginning their evening in song. “We are companions on the journey,” they sing. And companions on the journey they are. This group grows not only in size, but also with an ever increasing fondness of each other and the Word of God.

This Catholic-based, adult scripture study is filled with men and women from various local parishes and is recognized by the St. Louis Archdiocese. (Although The Cornerstone is a Catholic-based study group, members from any religious denomination are welcome.) The evening group, as well as several day groups, meets for about two hours weekly, from September through May. There is no fee to participate.

The Cornerstone began 20 years ago with a handful of St. Louisans searching for biblical spiritual enrichment, answering the need for those wanting a Catholic study. Today, The Cornerstone Scripture Study has grown to eight branches, reaching more than 400 people throughout Missouri. In fact, The Cornerstone’s popularity has spread beyond Missouri borders with two groups meeting in Florida and a pilot group to begin meeting this year in Knoxville, Iowa.

The name of this Scripture study is based on the reality that, for Christians, Jesus is the cornerstone, the very foundation upon whom lives are built. Jesus is “a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation,” Isaiah 28:16. “You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple,” Ephesians 2:19-21.

The mission of The Cornerstone: to build, strengthen and deepen a personal and loving relationship with God and His people through prayer and the study of His Word. It’s worked for Mary Ellen Voss, of Holy Infant Parish. “The Cornerstone helps me to be more accountable and cognizant of God in my every day life. I now have a working relationship with Him; I wasn’t quite sure how to do that before joining this bible study,” she says.

The Cornerstone is structured to meet the needs of those beginning in a scripture study as well of those who have more experience. There is something for everyone in The Cornerstone, no matter where they are on their faith journey. “My wife, Peggy, had been going to Cornerstone for a few years, before I even got involved,” says John Rotter, a parishioner from Mary Queen of Peace. “I was much less interested, and without any free time to make a commitment to be in Cornerstone. But somewhere along the line, I must have been hit by the Holy Spirit. I came to a Cornerstone session, and have been coming ever since. And that's about 5 or 6 years now.”

Four integrated approaches drive home each week’s message. First, members are given a set of questions focusing on a particular passage of Scripture. The questions deal with the passage of the week and are divided into six days of study, prayer and reflection. Each day ends with an opportunity for the members to reflect on the Scripture and how it pertains to their lives. Most complete each day’s lesson in just 15 to 20 minutes.

Then, in weekly small groups led by trained facilitators, members are given the opportunity to share answers to the weekly questions. Small groups typically range in size from 10 to 12 people. Quite often, it is in these small groups that members form very deep, special bonds while uncovering the richness of the Scripture. Julia Allen, who belongs to the parish of St. Catherine Laboure, agrees. “The life stories from others in the group help me to see that I am not alone in my struggles and joys. The small group sharing lets me see that the Holy Spirit really does speak to each of us and helps us to really know what God wants us to hear.”

Rotter now facilitates a small group of men at The Cornerstone. “I have always enjoyed the small group sessions,” he says. “Sharing perspectives on all the spiritual readings, daily happenings and intercessions in others’ lives gives me a new and moving spiritual relief that this Cornerstone study really is effective in helping me on my faith walk.” Following the small group meetings, all The Cornerstone members gather as a teaching leader shares a reflection on the passage being studied, which includes personal applications to everyday living. A take-home commentary, prepared by a Catholic theologian, includes historical and theological background, as well as personal applications for the passage studied that week. “The lectures guide you on how to live out the message of that week’s passages,” says Allen.

Voss likes the approach. “Sometimes it seems to take varying methods for me to get a central theme of how God works. If I don’t get His message in one way, God seems to find another route to my understanding.”

If that isn’t enough to whet a spiritual appetite, the community of Catholic fellowship found at The Cornerstone will. This group finds strength in shared stories, friendship, faith and prayer. “My life has been totally transformed by and through the Cornerstone people I have met and grown to love,” confirms Sue Bayer from the parish of Sacred Heart in Valley Park.

“There are always people in the group that you can connect with, and maybe in ways that you never thought possible. You become more open to listening and talking with a wider variety of people, and you learn that God can talk to us through so many people,” adds Allen.

The Cornerstone's St. Louis day and evening groups begin meeting again in September. Those interested in the current study are invited to attend a visitor session. For more information on meeting times and dates, visit the website www.thecornerstonescripturestudy.org or call Jan at 314-822-2935.