Program Overview

Catholic Scripture Study (CSS) is ideal for any parish or group looking for an inspiring Bible study that is completely faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

The study commentaries are written by leading Scripture scholars and authors, and each study contains references to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, papal encyclicals, and writings of the early Church Fathers and the saints. Additional resources are available to study leaders and students on the CSS Program Website, including an Ask the Author forum, as well as maps, pictures, and articles.

Our full-length program includes lectures on DVD that accompany each week's lesson. The lectures are given by Catholic priests.

Best of all, because the program and Study Leader Kit provides all the tools, one need not be an experienced catechist to implement and lead a CSS class. Any lay person can establish this truly life-changing program in their parish or community. Additionally, CSS Program is the only Scripture study program with a team of dedicated volunteer Regional Directors who provide support to each study leader throughout the program.

Program Details

The CSS Program is specifically designed for group study within a parish; however, it could initially be used in a home setting with the intention of moving into a parish at a later date. The program, which includes groups around the world, runs from September to May. CSS study groups meet weekly for 25-28 weeks. Each year CSS will release a new full-length feature study to add to the selection of course material. For individual study, CSS also offers shorter studies that are available for purchase on the website.

CSS provides time-tested guidelines for structuring a successful and effective Bible study group. Key roles and responsibilities of the CSS core team are defined and the class format is outlined in detail.

The CSS Core Team includes:

• Study Leader - Implements and oversees the program in a home or parish and chooses the core team to assist in implementing and overseeing the program. The Study Leader (if not the parish priest) is encouraged to work closely with his or her pastor.
• Class Administrator - Assists the Study Leader with administrative duties.
• Group Leaders - Facilitate small-group discussion.

Class Format (90 minutes):

• Opening ( 15 minutes) - The group settles in and opens with prayer. Announcements are made at this time.
• Discussion Groups (45 minutes) - Participants break into small groups to discuss the study questions for the weekly lesson. (Participants are expected to have read the lesson material and answered the study questions prior to class each week.) Ideal group size is 10-12 members, including Group Leader.
• Lecture (30 minutes) - All participants gather to watch a DVD lecture based on the lesson. CSS Program lectures are prepared and presented by priests and are designed to guide participants to a deeper understanding of the Scripture on which the lesson is based.

Program Materials

Purchase of a CSS Study Leader Kit is required for any group wishing to participate in the program. CSS recommends that Study Leaders promote the Bible study program in their parish bulletins and by other means and that they allow a generous amount of time for registration and collection of fees. After the local registration process has been completed, the Study Leader may then order individual Student Study Binders in whatever quantity needed.

The Student Study Binder is a three-ring binder containing the written lessons. Each weekly lesson consists of reprinted biblical text, commentary, study questions, Voices of the Saints, reflection questions, Catechism Connections, Rome to Home magisterial quotes, and a summary of the lesson.

The Study Leader Edition of the Study Binder, included with each Study Leader Kit, includes the following additional materials:

• Suggested responses to the study questions.
• DVD lecture notes (when available).
• Program Manual - A detailed guide explaining everything from promoting the program, holding registration, forming a leadership team, scheduling classes and structuring class format, to navigating the CSS website. There are even "ice-breakers" games provided for the first class as well as tips for keeping discussions on track.
• Group Leader Handbook - A reproducible guide for training other members of the leadership team. It also includes tips for the Discussion Group Leader, prayers, attendance forms and more.
• DVD Lecture Series - Insightful 30-minute video lectures presented by Catholic priests to supplement each week's lesson.
• The Essential Folder - Contains reproducible materials to aid promotion and organization for a successful study program such as flyers, bulletin announcements, table signs, sign-in sheets, sample lessons, registration cards, etc.
• Color Brochures - One package of fifty full-color, three-fold brochures for effective promotion of the CSS Program in your parish.
• CSS Study Leader's Briefcase - An attractive black nylon briefcase designed especially for CSS with zippered pockets and shoulder strap with colorful, embroidered CSS logo on front. Study Leaders can carry all their course material with extra room for other items such as a Bible and Catechism.

Study Leader Starter Kit: $229.99 (plus shipping) for new groups

Study Leader Study Set: $199.99 (plus shipping) for returning groups 

Student Editions: $39.99 (plus shipping)