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The Chicago Catholic Scripture School (CCSS) began as a program of the Office for Catechesis in 1999. Since then, over 90 students have graduated from the four-year program in our three graduating classes (2003, 2005, and 2007). In 2007/2008, about 150 students are participating in CCSS at five sites.
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Program Description

The Chicago Catholic Scripture School (CCSS) uses a structured curriculum (the Denver Catholic Biblical School program) that guides students through every book of the Bible in four years. We ask students to commit to the program for at least two years.

CCSS consists of two phases:

For a list of biblical books and themes covered in each year, see PDF file: Four-Year Plan of Study.

Approach to Learning

CCSS takes a two-fold approach to learning:

The small group process forms the heart of the CCSS faith formation process. At the beginning of each year, we place each student in a small group that stays together the entire year. In this group, students get to know and trust each other. Each week they work through homework questions, as well as engage the Scripture text in ways that arise from the experiences of the group.

Class Year and Class Structure

Each year of the curriculum consists of 30 units of study divided into three 10-unit quarters. Weekday classes cover one unit each week. Saturday classes cover two units approximately every other week. The year ends with a special closing class.

Each class follows the same format:

Requirements

Throughout the year
For each unit, students complete a reading assignment in the biblical book being studied, often a supplemental reading assignment, and written answers to 5-6 homework questions.

Students typically spend about 2-4 hours a week preparing for a single unit. Saturday classes, covering two units, need about 4-8 hours preparation time over two weeks.

In the last class of each 10-unit quarter, students take a review exercise, which is partly self-corrected and partly reviewed by an instructor.

The homework and the review exercises offer students an opportunity to more deeply engage Scripture and show themselves how much they've learned!

In summer
In preparation for each year, students read a related book during the summer and complete a short written assignment on the book.

We realize life can get sometimes get in the way of attending class and completing homework. We ask that students miss no more than two assignments per quarter; homework may be turned in late. We also make arrangements for students to listen to instructor presentations they miss.

Tuition

Tuition is $500 a year, paid in two payments. The first payment is due by September 15 and the second payment is due by December 1.

Other arrangements for payment can be made if needed. Scholarship funds are also available.

Books

CCSS uses the Second Edition of the Catholic Study Bible, a New American Bible translation supplemented by excellent study materials. The New American Bible translation is the translation used in the Liturgy.

Throughout the program, students also use a Bible dictionary and a Bible atlas. Other supplementary books vary by year.

For the current book list for each year, see CCSS Books.

Book costs vary by year, ranging from $50-$100.

Students purchase most books from the bookstore of their choice. Student workbooks are available from Paulist Press.

Instructors

Chicago Catholic Scripture School teachers include faculty from Catholic universities and schools of ministry in the Chicago area, as well as other experienced teachers who hold advanced degrees in biblical studies and/or theology.

Current and past teachers include:

Fr. Bob Carroll, Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein
Mr. Jack Cannuli, Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein
Ms. Cathy Crino, St. Alphonsus Parish, Chicago
Dcn. Julius Frazier, Notre Dame High School for Girls, Chicago
Fr. Leslie Hoppe, Catholic Theological Union
Fr. John Kilgallen, Pontifical Biblical Institute
Ms. Carol Kloss, Archdiocese of Chicago
Mr. Scott McLarty, St. Ignatius College Prep, Chicago
Mr. Tom McLaughlin, Loyola Press
Fr. James Okoye, Catholic Theological Union
Dr. Jim Papandrea, Holy Family Parish, Inverness
Fr. Bob Schoenstene, University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein
Mr. Dan Sedlacek, Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein
Ms. Mary Ann Spina, Holy Cross Parish, Deerfield
Mr. Chuck Thompson, St. Ignatius College Prep, Chicago
Dr. Pauline Viviano, Loyola University
Dr. Clodagh Weldon, Dominican University
Mr. Paul West, St. Ignatius College Prep, Chicago

Application Process

Catechetical Ministries Awards Banquet

NCCL Chicago 2006

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