By Rosemary Daniels | Correspondent

Inspired after watching a Bible-based game show last summer on television, Nancy Csurbak of St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, decided that a game format could be a great way to share her love of Scripture with local Catholic grammar schools while involving her own high school students. Csurbak, who teaches theology to freshmen and juniors, began crafting a multi-phase contest in early November about hosting an academic competition based on students’ knowledge of Scripture.

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Four schools sent students to compete in the challenge March 15: St. Leo the Great, Lincroft; Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Maple Shade; and both St. Veronica, Howell, and Holy Innocents, Neptune, sent two teams each. The students used study packets and a Bible challenge website, launched by campus minister Jeff Johnson, to review the information to be covered.

The contestants competed in a variety of activities. A “Jeopardy”-style format saw teams buzzing in to answer questions about St. Matthew’s Gospel. Teams were tasked to put a selection of “books” of the Bible in order using mock-ups of large volumes. The “four on the floor” challenge invited teams to locate geographic points on over-size floor maps that were important in Jesus’ ministry.

Examples of the exercises included students having to locate on a map, Biblical events such as where Jesus was born; where Jesus was baptized; the location of the Transfiguration, and where Jesus performed his first miracle.

In another activity, the young people were given a list of the Books of the Bible then asked to place them in the order in which they appear in the Bible. In a third exercise, students had to research the various names and titles by which Jesus is known – Lamb of God (John 1:29); Lord of All (Acts 10:36); King of Kings or Lord of Lords (1 Timothy 6:15).

SJVHS students took an active role in the competition. The art club had designed the large Bible books used in the tasks, and over two dozen high school students were on hand to assist the teams that day to teach the youngsters Bible verses. Csurbak gave glowing reviews to the students who helped her put the event together.

“Stephanie Noll and Kaitlyn O’Shaunessy were my two go-to helpers during the day. They are so sharp and so quick on their feet. John Gargana and Brenna Remnick kept focused on scorekeeping which was critical to moving the event along.” she noted. “I had so many of my students that were willing, and that I could trust.”

St. Veronica teams took the top two spots, the aptly-named Wise Guys scoring 259, and The God Squad reaching 217. School principal Resurrection Sister Cherree Power expressed her delight at the contest, declaring, “Our students were not only challenged to be well-versed in Scripture, but they had a lot of fun doing it.” Eighth grade teacher and team coach Linda Groh added, “Kudos to SJV for sponsoring a competition focusing on the most important aspect of our schools - our Catholic faith.”

Gathered in Song • St. John Vianney High School choir members provided music during the Bible Challenge.