Graduates CCSS Graduates Learn about Biblical Interpretation Blanche Childs (CCSS ’03) called it an “eye-opener.” Barbara Sweetman (CCSS ’03) thought someone without CCSS training would have been lost. Twenty Chicago Catholic Scripture School (CCSS) graduates built on their biblical foundations in the first CCSS graduate course, "The History of Biblical Interpretation," held six evenings in March and April 2007 at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge. Dr. Pauline Viviano, associate professor of theology at Loyola University and a CCSS instructor, led the group through an area of Scripture study that is essential for understanding Catholic theology and tradition, but is not often covered in basic Bible courses. Graduates gained, as Bill Krol (CCSS ’03) said, a sense of  the “evolution of our understanding of Scripture, as well as tradition, in the development of Catholic faith.” The class moved from the methods of allegory and typology, which dominated Bible interpretation from the time of Jesus to the Reformation, through the fundamental shift in biblical methods brought about by the modern historical viewpoint. In particular, students received an introduction to: Jewish and Hellenistic interpretation. Early medieval interpretation (including St. Augustine and St. Jerome). Medieval interpretation (including St. Thomas Aquinas). Renaissance and Reformation interpretation (including Martin Luther). Modern interpretation (historical criticism and the rise of fundamentalism). Contemporary methods (including post-modernism, and feminist and liberation criticism). A good overview of the history of Catholic interpretation of the Bible can be found in The Catholic Study Bible, second edition (Oxford University Press, 2006) in "Catholic Interpretation of the Bible" by Dr. Kevin Madigan. Fourth Annual CCSS Graduate Retreat a Success Almost thirty people spent a Friday evening and Saturday reflecting on the Gospel of John at the fourth CCSS Graduate Retreat, held in March at the Carmelite Spiritual Center in Darien. CCSS '03 graduates, CCSS Carmel Catholic High School students and their guests participated in Mass, enjoyed social time and listened to Dr. Michael Cameron. Cameron, the original coordinator of CCSS, is now assistant professor of theology at the University of Portland. “Beginning Holy Week with a retreat really helped me to focus on Christ's journey to the cross,” said Mary Alfus (CCSS '03). “Michael's presentation of John's gospel led me to appreciate John in an entirely new way.” Helen Mikos (CCSS ‘03) liked the continuity with her CCSS experience. “My spiritual life, that grew through friendships formed at our [CCSS] study sessions and social get-togethers, was rekindled through the spiritual companionship we shared during our prayer and leisure time.” CCSS graduate Teri McGinley organizes these retreats each year. Click here soon for Teri's excellent notes on the event.