What is the Catholic Bible Institute (CBI)?
CBI is a comprehensive, three-year Bible study program: one year focuses on the Old Testament, one year on the New Testament, and a third year on biblical topics, along with practical skills for facilitating Bible-based programs.
The goal of the Catholic Bible Institute is growth in relationship with Jesus Christ through the study of the Bible and the formation of ministers of the Word for parishes. CBI participants study the Word of God according to Catholic principles and connect the Word with life through prayer and conversation.
CBI learning entails:
- Video presentations from a wide range of Bible scholars and experts
- Prayer, small-group conversation, and Q&A via live web conference
- Readings from the Bible and Bible commentaries
- Written reflections
- Accompaniment by a team of facilitators
The Practicum Year focuses on topics such as the Bible and evangelization, Catholic teaching on the Bible, the Bible and the liturgy, the Bible and the spiritual life, as well as hospitality and small-group facilitation skills. Practicum Year participants plan and facilitate a six-week, small-group Bible study in parishes.
Participants can opt for the Certification-Track to earn a Certificate in Bible Study Leadership from the Archdiocese of Los Angeles (and LMU Extension Semester Hours), or they can participate simply for their own learning in the Enrichment-Track.
Click here for the CBI Syllabus.
When and where does CBI meet?
Due to safety and health concerns, CBI is now online. A series of pre-recorded videos from each presenter will be available each month prior to each session. A live web conference for prayer, small-group conversation, and Q&A with the presenter will occur each session from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
CBI Sessions for New Testament Year 2020-2021:
August 8, 2020: Bible basics & principles of Catholic biblical interpretation
September 12, 2020: Old Testament introduction & Genesis (Dr. John Bergsma)
October 10, 2020: Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy (Dr. Michael Barber)
November 14, 2020: Joshua, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings (Fr. Garrett Galvin, OFM)
December 12, 2020: Psalms (Dr. Paul Ford)
January 9, 2021: Job, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, Wisdom, Sirach (Dr. Mark Giszczak)
February 13, 2021: Isaiah (Dr. Mary Healy)
March 13, 2021: Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Lamentations (Dr. Anthony Pagliarini)
April 10, 2021: Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi (Dr. Daniel Smith-Christopher)
May 15, 2021: Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ruth, Esther (Dr. Jina Kang)
June 12, 2021: Daniel, 1 & 2 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith, Baruch & Judaism in transition (Fr. Felix Just, SJ)
CBI Sessions for Practicum Year 2019-2020:
September 12, 2020
October 10, 2020
November 14, 2020
December 12, 2020
January 9, 2021
February 13, 2021
March 13, 2021
What is the cost of CBI?
Tuition for the Old and New Testament years is $380 per year (not including textbooks). Tuition for the Practicum Year is $190 (not including textbooks). Tuition payment in installments is available.
How do I register for CBI?
New participants can join in August of any year, starting with either the Old Testament or New Testament.
Click here to register for the Old Testament Year.
Click here to register for the Practicum Year.
Click here to pay tuition in installments.
What if I have additional questions?
For further information contact:
Email cbi@la-archdiocese.org
Alex Moreno
Administrative Secretary
JAMoreno@la-archdiocese.org
213-637-7382
The Catholic Bible Institute is co-sponsored by the Office of Religious Education, Archdiocese of Los Angeles, and the Center for Religion and Spirituality, Loyola Marymount University Extension.