Study Leader:
Joanne Lopez 954-382-1973

Class Administrator:
Jennifer Fernandez

Discussion Group Leaders:
Morning: Joanne Lopez, Pam Velazquez, Sheryl Zavertnik
Evening: Bob Harmon

Background on Catholic Scripture Study (CSS)
Gail Buckley, Founder and President of Catholic Scripture Study, converted to the Catholic faith in 1994. While she felt very blessed that the Lord had called her home to the Catholic Church, she was alarmed by how many Catholics fail to recognize the treasure that is their Church and often become involved in Bible studies outside of Catholicism.

She began working with Catholic authors, priests, and editors to produce user-friendly materials such as dvd’s, ongoing one-on-one support, and comprehensive online resources. The CSS program that was begun has generated a renewed growth and sense of fellowship in Catholic parishes around the world as a result of studying Sacred Scripture within the community of believers.

CSS Program Structure
Catholic Scripture Study 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 program uses Catholic sources for its materials such as

• Study commentaries written by leading Scripture scholars and authors
• References to the Catechism of the Catholic Church
• References to papal encyclicals
• References to writings of the early Church Fathers and the saints

In addition to this, there are further resources available to group leaders and students online from the CCS webpage from maps, picture and relevant articles.

Most importantly of all, the program is structured in such a manner that it does not require an experience teacher or catechist to lead the program. All necessary materials are provided for leaders of the CCS program in a special Study Leader Kit.

St. Gregory’s - CSS Program
At St. Gregory’s, the structure of the Catholic Scripture Study program follows the structure recommended by CSS as it is specifically designed for group study within a parish. The program runs from September to May. This means the CSS study groups meet weekly for 30 weeks.

Each year CSS releases a new, full-length feature study, usually a book of the Bible, to add to the selection of course material. St. Gregory’s program follows the study course materials for the chosen feature study for that year.

CSS provides and uses 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. This structure is followed at the St. Gregory CSS program.

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.
• Discussion Group Leaders - Facilitate small-group discussion.

• Opening (15 minutes) - The group settles in and opens with prayer. Announcements are made at this time.
• Group Discussion (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 Discussion Group Leader.
• Lecture (30 minutes) - All participants gather to watch a pastoral lecture (on DVD) based on that week’s 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.

CSS Program Materials
The parish purchases a Study Leader Kit each year. After those who are interested in the class have registered, the Ministry Leader orders 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, and study questions, Voices of the Saints, reflection questions, Catechism Connections, Rome to Home magisterial quotes, and a summary of that week’s lesson.

CSS Additional Information
The Catholic Scripture Study program was developed with a sense of educating Catholics about the Bible from a historical, cultural and theological point of view. To be part of the program does not require any previous knowledge of scripture – all that is required is your time and attention.

There are “lessons” taught in each “class” but don’t be put off by these words! The CSS group discussion meetings at St. Gregory’s are not “classrooms” with “homework requirements!” The questions are better described as study aids which assist participants in understanding the material given to read and reflect on each week. Discussion centers on what the students have individually discovered during their study time the previous week. As with any “study,” what you sow is what you reap and the rewards of scripture study are immense.

It is not essential to attend all classes, although it is recommended in order to gain the fullest benefit of the program. The program is structured in that the content of each Lesson is not totally dependent on the previous Lesson, though the lessons do build upon one another. In addition, a summary of each Lesson and an outline of each Lecture are made available to all students so it is possible to find out what was missed as desired.

This program is both individually- and group-oriented. It is geared towards those who desire to foster a deeper personal understanding of the Word as It relates to their individual lives and who also desire to share with and/or learn from their fellow members of the Body of Christ. It is also important to remember that Scripture reflection can be quite personal and what is shared during discussion is held in confidence.