Course Syllabus
Encountering Christ Through Sacred Scripture
A Catholic Formation Program Based on Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, the Catechism, and the Teachings of the Saints
Course Length: 12 Sessions (90–120 minutes each)
Audience: Young Adults (Ages 18–35)
Prerequisites: None
Primary Texts:
The Holy Bible (Catholic Edition)
Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC)
Documents of the Church
Writings of the Saints
Course Purpose
This course is designed to help young adults:
Understand the Bible within the Catholic tradition.
Encounter Jesus Christ through Sacred Scripture.
Learn how Scripture and Tradition work together.
Grow in prayer through the Word of God.
Defend the Catholic faith using Scripture.
Apply biblical teachings to daily Christian living.
Develop a lifelong love for God's Word.
“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
Session 1
Introduction to the Bible: God's Love Letter to Humanity
Scripture
1 Timothy 3:14–17; Hebrews 4:12; Luke 24:13–35
Catechism - CCC 101–141
Topics
What is Divine Revelation?
Inspiration of Scripture
Why Catholics read the Bible
Scripture as the Word of God
Saint Teaching
“Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ.”
Discussion
How has Scripture influenced your faith journey?
What obstacles keep young adults from reading the Bible?
Assignment
Read the Gospel of Mark Chapters 1–2.
Session 2
Scripture, Tradition, and the Magisterium
Scripture
1 Thessalonians 2:15; 1 Timothy 3:15; Matthew 16:18–19
Catechism
Topics
Sacred Tradition
Sacred Scripture
The Teaching Authority of the Church
Saint Teaching
“I would not believe the Gospel if the authority of the Catholic Church did not move me to do so.”
Session 3
Salvation History: The Story of God's Plan
Scripture
Genesis 1–3; Genesis 12; Exodus 3; Luke 24:27
Catechism
Topics
Creation
The Fall
Covenants
God's plan of salvation
Saint Teaching
St. Irenaeus of Lyons - "The glory of God is man fully alive."
“The glory of God is man fully alive.”
Assignment
Create a timeline of Salvation History.
Session 4
The Gospel of Jesus Christ
Scripture
John 1:1–18; Mark 1:14–15; John 14:6
Catechism
CCC 422–682
Topics
Who is Jesus?
The Incarnation
The Kingdom of God
The Paschal Mystery
Saint Teaching
St. Athanasius - "The Son of God became man so that we might become God."
“The Son of God became man so that we might become God.”
Assignment
Read the Passion Narrative in one Gospel.
Session 5
The Church in the Bible
Scripture
Matthew 16:18–19; Acts 2; Ephesians 2:19–22
Catechism
CCC 748–975
Topics
Christ founded a Church
Marks of the Church
Apostolic succession
Saint Teaching
“He cannot have God for his Father who does not have the Church for his Mother”
Assignment
Read Acts Chapters 1–4.
Session 6
The Eucharist in Sacred Scripture
Scripture
John 6
Luke 22:19–20
1 Corinthians 11:23–29
Catechism
CCC 1322–1419
Topics
Real Presence
Institution of the Eucharist
Eucharistic sacrifice
Saint Teaching
“There is no other nation so great as to have its gods so near as our God is to us.”
Assignment
Spend time in Eucharistic Adoration and journal reflections.
Session 7
Mary in Sacred Scripture
Scripture
Genesis 3:15; Luke 1–2; John 2; John 19:25–27; Revelation 12
Catechism
CCC 484–975
Topics
Mary as the New Eve
Mother of God
Immaculate Conception
Role in salvation history
Saint Teaching
“To Jesus through Mary.”
Assignment
Pray one Rosary using Scriptural meditations.
Session 8
Prayer in the Bible
Scripture
Matthew 6:5–15; Luke 11:1–13; Psalms 23 and 51
Catechism
CCC 2558–2865
Topics
Types of prayer
The Lord's Prayer
Lectio Divina
Saint Teaching
“Prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God.”
Assignment
Practice Lectio Divina daily for one week.
Session 9
Catholic Moral Living in Scripture
Scripture
Matthew 5–7; Galatians 5:16–26; James 2
Catechism
CCC 1691–2557
Topics
Beatitudes
Virtues
Sin and grace
Christian discipleship
Saint Teaching
“Bloom where God has planted you.”
Assignment
Examine one virtue to practice intentionally.
Session 10
The Saints and the Bible
Scripture
Hebrews 12:1–2; Revelation 7; Philippians 3:17
Catechism
CCC 946–962
Topics
Communion of Saints
Holiness
Witness of the saints
Featured Saints
St. Jerome
St. Augustine of Hippo
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
St. Padre Pio
Assignment
Research a saint known for love of Scripture.
Session 11
Defending the Catholic Faith with Scripture
Scripture
1 Peter 3:15; Acts 8:26–39; Jude 3
Catechism
CCC 849–856
Topics
Biblical apologetics
Common misconceptions about Catholicism
Scripture and Catholic doctrine
Saint Teaching
“Defending the faith with charity and truth.”
Assignment
Prepare a short defense of a Catholic teaching using Scripture.
Session 12
Living the Word: Becoming Missionary Disciples
Scripture
Matthew 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; James 1:22
Catechism
CCC 849–856
CCC 897–913
Topics
Evangelization
Witnessing to Christ
Lifelong Scripture study
Saint Teaching
“Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.”
Final Challenge
Commit to:
Daily Scripture reading
Weekly Mass attendance
Monthly Confession
Regular prayer
Active parish involvement
Recommended Catholic Bible Study Methods
Lectio Divina
Read
Meditate
Pray
Contemplate
Daily Gospel Reflection
Read the daily Mass readings and reflect on:
What does God reveal?
What is He asking of me?
How will I respond?
Course Memory Verse
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Psalm 119:105
Course Completion Goal
By the end of this course, participants should be able to:
Explain the Catholic understanding of Scripture.
Navigate the Bible confidently.
Connect Scripture with Church teaching.
Use the Bible in prayer.
Defend Catholic beliefs using Scripture.
Live as faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Course Motto:
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it.”