IPS Scripture School
Welcome to the Institute of Pastoral Studies
Scripture School of Loyola University Chicago!
At the request of the Office of Lifelong Formation at the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) became the new home for the Chicago Catholic Scripture School (CCSS) in the fall of 2017. This has broadened IPS’ mission to educate and form the lay faithful through adult Scripture Studies by offering courses in English, Spanish, and Online as well. In December 2019, this program was renamed and is now the Institute of Pastoral Studies Scripture School (IPS-SS). The new name reflects the reality of the program's goals, diverse participants, and reach beyond Chicago.
The IPS Scripture School provides in-depth knowledge of the Bible within a Roman Catholic framework. The lay faithful and members of religious life, Deacons, parish catechetical leaders, catechists, RCIA leaders, pastoral associates, youth ministers, parish Bible study leaders, lectors, others who work with Scripture in various parish ministries and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of Sacred Scripture will benefit from this program.
For questions or for further assistance, please contact Director, Kevin Pease: kpease@luc.edu or 312-915-7457. Thank you so much for your interest in our learning community!
Mission
The IPS Scripture School (IPS-SS) is a center for comprehensive formation in the area of Scripture for Catholic adults including: laypersons and members of religious life, Deacons, parish catechetical leaders, catechists, RCIA leaders, pastoral associates, youth ministers, parish Bible study leaders, lectors, and others who work with Scripture in various parish ministries.
Our goal is to help bring participants into a closer relationship with God's revealed Word in the Roman Catholic tradition. This relationship with Jesus, and one's response to Him, transforms lives.
Programs
New Program: In the Name of Jesus
Do you want to:
Come and experience the Bible like never before, with the IPS Scripture School!
This new program follows the liturgical calendar, approaching the Scripture readings for each Sunday in an integrated fashion: with attention to the latest Biblical scholarship and attuned to the way the Bible is a living book in our dynamic community of faith.
Join IPS each week to explore together the richness and depth of every Sunday’s readings so that we all may improve our understanding of the Bible, hear more deeply the homily, and participate fully in the Mass, meeting Jesus in the Eucharist!
IPS Scripture School Program Description
The IPS Scripture School (IPS-SS) uses the Catholic Biblical School Program published by Paulist Press. The program guides students through every book of the Bible in four years (or twelve units of study, each 10 weeks in length). Students may register for one unit at a time (10 weeks) or one year at a time, three units per year.
The IPS-SS can be undertaken in two phases: Basic Scripture Studies and Advanced Scripture Studies.
Basic Scripture Studies
The first two years (or six units) focus on methods of biblical interpretation and spirituality of the Bible in the Roman Catholic tradition, including a comprehensive study of some major books of the Old and New Testaments. Students who fulfill the requirements of the first two years receive a Certificate of Basic Scripture Studies from the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago.
Advanced Scripture Studies
The remaining two years (an additional six units of study) delve more deeply into the Old and New Testaments, covering all other books in the Bible. Students who complete this phase receive a Certificate of Advanced Scripture Studies from the Institute of Pastoral Studies at Loyola University Chicago.
Course Offerings for Academic Year 2024-25
Online Classes
Old Testament Foundations (Units 1–3)
Tuesdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Old Testament Foundations (Units 1–3)
Thursdays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
The Word in the Hellenistic World (Units 10-12)
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
The Word in the Hellenistic World (Units 10-12)
Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Course Fees:
$175 per unit (each unit is 10 weeks)
To receive information about our Scripture School programs, please take a picture of the QR code or click HERE to provide us with your contact information
IPS Scripture School Student Resources
IPS Scripture School Student Resources
Study plan
IPS-SS book list
Year One
Year Two
Year Three
Year Four
Please Consider Making a Gift
Your support means the world to us! Scripture School has continued to grow over the years, but only as much as it has been rooted in and nurtured by the generosity of our community. With your help, we can reach our goal of being a fully self-sustaining program! Every gift counts and is most appreciated!
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $200+
A screenshot for how to make a gift is included below. You may enter any gift amount in the larger box, select “Direct your gift,” choose “Other,” and then write “IPS SCRIPTURE SCHOOL” in the smaller box provided.
Thank you so much for your consideration, and kindly click here to contribute.
If you prefer, you may also write a check, payable to Loyola University Chicago. Please write in the memo line, “IPS Scripture School,” and mail check to:
Loyola University of Chicago
Gift Processing
P.O. Box 4336
Carol Stream, IL 60122-4336
THANK YOU!
IMPORTANT LINKS
Welcome to the Institute of Pastoral Studies
Scripture School of Loyola University Chicago!
At the request of the Office of Lifelong Formation at the Archdiocese of Chicago, the Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) became the new home for the Chicago Catholic Scripture School (CCSS) in the fall of 2017. This has broadened IPS’ mission to educate and form the lay faithful through adult Scripture Studies by offering courses in English, Spanish, and Online as well. In December 2019, this program was renamed and is now the Institute of Pastoral Studies Scripture School (IPS-SS). The new name reflects the reality of the program's goals, diverse participants, and reach beyond Chicago.
The IPS Scripture School provides in-depth knowledge of the Bible within a Roman Catholic framework. The lay faithful and members of religious life, Deacons, parish catechetical leaders, catechists, RCIA leaders, pastoral associates, youth ministers, parish Bible study leaders, lectors, others who work with Scripture in various parish ministries and anyone wishing to deepen their understanding of Sacred Scripture will benefit from this program.
For questions or for further assistance, please contact Director, Kevin Pease: kpease@luc.edu or 312-915-7457. Thank you so much for your interest in our learning community!
Mission
The IPS Scripture School (IPS-SS) is a center for comprehensive formation in the area of Scripture for Catholic adults including: laypersons and members of religious life, Deacons, parish catechetical leaders, catechists, RCIA leaders, pastoral associates, youth ministers, parish Bible study leaders, lectors, and others who work with Scripture in various parish ministries.
Our goal is to help bring participants into a closer relationship with God's revealed Word in the Roman Catholic tradition. This relationship with Jesus, and one's response to Him, transforms lives.
Program Requirements
- Access to a computer with Internet
- An individual (not shared) email address
- Purchase of course student workbook (one per year, each covering three units of study and other required texts)
- Optional purchase of recommended reference books
Course Fees:
$175 per unit (each unit is 10 weeks)
To receive information about our Scripture School programs, please take a picture of the QR code or click HERE to provide us with your contact information
Please Consider Making a Gift
Your support means the world to us! Scripture School has continued to grow over the years, but only as much as it has been rooted in and nurtured by the generosity of our community. With your help, we can reach our goal of being a fully self-sustaining program! Every gift counts and is most appreciated!
$5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $200+
A screenshot for how to make a gift is included below. You may enter any gift amount in the larger box, select “Direct your gift,” choose “Other,” and then write “IPS SCRIPTURE SCHOOL” in the smaller box provided.
Thank you so much for your consideration, and kindly click here to contribute.
If you prefer, you may also write a check, payable to Loyola University Chicago. Please write in the memo line, “IPS Scripture School,” and mail check to:
Loyola University of Chicago
Gift Processing
P.O. Box 4336
Carol Stream, IL 60122-4336
THANK YOU!