St. Augustine of Hippo’s phrase “ever ancient, ever new” describes the renewed interest in praying with Scripture that has re-emerged in today’s Church. Around the country, parish Bible study groups, small Christian communities, and other faith sharers have rediscovered a simple, insightful way to hear and experience the Word of God with one another through an ancient prayer form, lectio divina.

During the restrictions surrounding the early COVID-19 pandemic, High School Lectio Divina started meeting to begin to bring Lectio Divina to a larger number of youth at the parish.  As restrictions lessened the interest in Lectio Divina grew and Introduction to Lectio Divina began with Donna Heim and Char Smith to help introduce Saint Ann Middle School Youth to the practice of a prayerful reading of scripture and eventual progression into High School Lectio Divina.

Introduction to Lectio Divina is the Youth Ministry Departments attempt to bring Lectio Divina to a wider group of youth who may want to learn to enter into that deeper reading of scripture, but may not yet be ready for one of the more advanced groups.

Ever Ancient, Ever New: The Art and Practice of Lectio Divina (USCCB)
Guidelines for High School Lectio Divina (SAYM)