The Scriptures we study help us hear and understand the Lord's plan for us and for the world. The Holy Bible is made up of the 46 books of Hebrew Scriptures and the 27 books of the New Testament. These books tell us the history of God's creation of the earth and everything in it, and the story of Jesus' sacrifice to save all mankind.

The Bible is God's love letter to us. In these Scriptures, he tells us over and over how much he loves us, and how much he wants us to share in his Kingdom. Through the inspired Hebrew and Christian authors of the Bible, God shows us his love and mercy, and leaves us with examples of faith and hope.

We Catholic Christians read and revere all the books of the Bible, but place particular emphasis on the New Testament. In the four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, and the various letters of Peter, Paul, James, and John, we hear the story of Jesus Christ, God's own Son. We see how much Jesus loves us, we learn his "new commandment" of love, and how he sacrificed himself for the good of humanity on the Cross. Reading the Bible helps us fall in love with our merciful God!