DENPASAR, Indonesia (UCAN) -- The cathedral parish here in the capital of Bali province welcomed National Bible Month with Bible-reading, psalm-singing and Bible-preaching competitions for children.

The competitions, for which the children were divided into age groups of 6-12 and 13-16, were held in the basement of Holy Spirit Cathedral after Mass on three consecutive Sundays -- Aug. 19, Aug. 26 and Sept. 2.

Divine Word Father Yosef Wora, the parish priest, told UCA News Aug. 26 that the parish's first such competitions were conceived as a way to encourage local children to read, revere and love the word of God.

"We hope children will actively read the Holy Bible during this month," the priest explained. He pointed out that children needed to read the Bible to prepare for the competitions, which he said also served to prepare participants to become good lectors, psalm singers and preachers.

"We need to introduce the Holy Bible to children at an early age so they will be able to help spread the love of God," he asserted.

Each of the cathedral parish's seven territories and two mission stations sent two three-member teams, one to compete in each age group.

In Indonesia, parishes are typically divided into territories, each of which comprises a number of neighborhood communities. A neighborhood community generally consists of 20-40 families.

A three-person panel judged the children's efforts.

Andreas Sugeng, who chaired the panel, told UCA News that the judges selected gold, silver and bronze winners for each competition in each age group. On Sept. 2 the panel announced the 18 winners, each of whom received a copy of the Bible and a certificate.

Maria Friday Jenala, 8, who won the gold prize for Bible preaching in the younger group, told UCA News the competition helped her focus on the word of God. Days beforehand, she recounted, her territory's preparation team chose a Bible reading for her and helped her reflect on it and preach about it. Asked how she prepared personally, she answered, "I just needed to be calm."

Another participant, Vicentia Vocalia, said she competed in Bible reading because she wants to serve God. "This competition encouraged me to read the Holy Bible more often and to love it more," the 13-year-old told UCA News. "I want to be an altar girl. I want to register with the parish after this competition and start serving God."

Father Wora hopes some of the young people will follow such inspiration even further. "It would be great if some of them are interested in entering religious life in the future."

The parish priest observed that the competitions also encouraged parents to give more attention to their children's faith formation. "Parents still hold the primary role in faith formation of their children. They should be able to instill the spirit of service and evangelization," he said.

Bone Bali Hada commented that the competitions were only the beginning for many of the contestants in his territory, who "now ask their parents questions about the word of God."

Since 1977, the Catholic Church in Indonesia has celebrated National Bible Sunday on the first Sunday of September. It ushers in National Bible Month. Programs to promote the Bible are held throughout the month.

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