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Catholic Biblical Institute - Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange

Catholic Biblical Institute

Explore Scripture. Share Your Faith.

The Catholic Biblical Institute in the Diocese of Orange is devoted to empowering the faithful to deepen their understanding of Sacred Scripture and confidently share their faith with others. This institute offers a comprehensive biblical education program with 3 levels of courses, starting with a retreat and progressing to in-depth studies of individual biblical books. 

As Saint Jerome wisely observed, “Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.” Every Catholic is called to engage in regular Scripture study, for it is through this intimate encounter with the sacred text that we can grow in our knowledge of Jesus Christ and conform our lives to His teachings. By immersing ourselves in the wisdom of Sacred Scripture, we are equipped to fulfill the Great Commission, “Go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:16-20).

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How to Participate

 The Biblical Institute regularly holds courses throughout the year.

Events

Today

  • Retiro Bíblico: La Explicación del Evangelio de Mateo

    Santiago de Compostela Catholic Church 21682 Lake Forest Drive, Lake Forest, CA, United States

    Aléjate del ruido de la vida diaria y entra enun espacio sagrado. Este retiro se centrará en, La Explicación del Evangelio de Mateo Las presentaciones incluirán:

  • Biblical Retreat: Encountering Christ in the Gospel of John

    Saint Joachim Catholic Church 1964 Orange Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA, United States

    A Journey through John’s Gospel. This retreat will teach you how to read John’s Gospel so that you can discover the profound theological discourse in the first eleven chapters which…

THE PROCESS

Step 1: The Biblical Retreat

Begin your journey through scripture by attending The Biblical Retreat at The Biblical Institute, a special opportunity for you to dive into scripture while nurturing your spiritual growth. This retreat isn’t just a requirement—it’s a chance for personal growth and deepening your connection to discipleship. 

Step 2: First Level of Courses

Uncover the world of Biblical figures and interpretation in our Level One courses—an engaging 44-hour journey into sacred scriptures. Explore the history, context, and importance of each biblical book within the Canon. The goal of the Level One courses is to help you read scripture within the living tradition of the Church. 

Dive into Church documents like Dei Verbum and the Catechism, deepening your understanding of Catholic scripture interpretation. Investigate the Old Testament’s rich theological themes—creation, covenant, promise, sin, and redemption—to grasp their deeper meanings.

Witness how moments, from the Covenants with Abraham to Moses at Mount Sinai, set the stage for the arrival of Christ. In the New Testament, focus on the Kerygma, the dynamic proclamation of the Gospel’s Good News, and embrace your personal commitment to serving Christ as His dedicated disciple.

Step 3: Second Level of Courses

Step into an in-depth journey with our second-level course, totaling 96 hours. Learn the intricacies of individual books, exploring their narratives and interconnected theology. This level aims to equip you with a robust grasp of scripture, so you can effectively share the faith with others. Complete your experience with a rewarding final project—an all-encompassing exam that showcases your mastery of the course material. Become confident and knowledgeable in scripture and faith.

Step 4: Third Level of Courses

In the institute’s third and final course, explore the study of individual biblical books. Tailored to empower group leaders, this level equips you to skillfully guide studies of specific biblical books within your parish or small groups. 

These individual book studies provide invaluable knowledge for engaging talks and retreats. Acquire the skills to be a confident leader in your community’s study of scripture.


ABOUT
FR. TIM PETERS (SThD)
 

Fr. Timothy Peters was raised in Southern California and was ordained to the Priesthood on June 7th 2003 for the Diocese of Orange. He served as a Parochial Vicar in Saint Anne’s Parish in Santa Ana, CA from 2003 to 2007 and at Saint Anthony Claret Parish in Anaheim from 2007 to 2009. He completed a License in Biblical theology (S.T.L.) at the Gregorian University from 2009 to 2011. He served as a Parochial Vicar at Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano, CA from 2011 to 2014. In 2014 he began doctoral studies (S.T.D.) in biblical theology at the Angelicum University in Rome. In 2016 he was assigned to Saint John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA as an Assistant Professor. He successfully defended his doctorate in 2017 on the theme of Messianic Hope in the Second Temple Period. He teaches biblical courses on the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Prophets, Psalms, Wisdom Literature, Introduction to the New Testament and the Synoptic Gospels.

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