Survey after survey among adults shows that their greatest area of interest and area of most potential for learning more about their faith focuses on the Scriptures.

At the same time, the same surveys also point out that one of the most difficult challenges mentioned by adults is that of finding the time to enrich their lives with the Scriptures. All too often, Scripture studies, courses or programs can seem too demanding for people already overwhelmed with commitments and responsibilities.

"Summer Scripture Splash," a collaborative venture co-sponsored by Silver Burdett Ginn Religion, Loyola Marymount University and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, will offer a timely and "commitment-friendly" opportunity to engage the Scriptures in a way that is refreshing, personally enriching, and in a way that allows us to enrich our ministries.

The June 19-20 program will be led by Sister of St. Joseph Maria Pascuzzi, a professor of New Testament Studies at the University of San Diego, along with Diane Hardick, Sister Mary Ann Figlino and Tony Eiras.

The days are designed to be personally enriching, while at the same time offering people an opportunity to develop some new skills for working with and for sharing it with others of various ages and backgrounds. The days are ideally suited to those wishing to bring more depth to their understanding of Scripture, and provide hands-on approaches for engaging the Scriptures with young people, teens and with adults.

Sister Pascuzzi will anchor both days with keynotes which will address the grand salvation stories or the "meta-narratives" which provide us with the deep foundations of our faith. The first day will focus primarily on the narratives of the Old Testament, or the Hebrew Scriptures, while the second day will turn to the New Testament. With the foundational contexts of our salvation narratives in place, other presenters will guide us through workshops which focus on developing practical strategies and ideas for directly ministering with children or adults.

Parish leaders who are involved in developing and implementing the vision of Whole Community Catechesis will find the strategies and ideas planned for these days to be of immense value.

School teachers and catechists will not only find themselves enriched personally, but also refreshed with knowledge and techniques.

Parish Bible Study Leaders will find the overviews offered by Sister Pascuzzi to be deeply engaging and thought-provoking. Those in ministry with adults will experience deeper learning and receive tips to enhance their parish ministry.

Parish liturgists and musicians will find Tony Eiras' workshops bring liturgy, music and Scripture together in ways both creative and engaging. School principals, parish directors/coordinators of religious education will discover ides for sustaining and nurturing their catechists and teachers through the year.

Youth Ministry coordinators/volunteers will find the workshops addressing recurrent themes and questions encountered in ministry in language that makes sense.

Registration for "Summer Scripture Splash," set June 19-20 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Loyola Marymount University, Westchester, is $40 for one day, $50 for both days. For more information, call Sister Clare Melody at the Office of Religious Education, (213) 637-7358.

Father David Loftus is coordinator of adult formation in the Office of Religious Education.