Our Studies

The Book of Joshua is a historical account of how the Israelites conquered Canaan, the land God promised them in the covenant with Abraham. The book details Joshua's obedience to God, the bloody yet miraculous battles and the division of the land among the 12 tribes.

The Book of Judges records the Israelites' descent into sin and the terrible consequences. The 12 heroes of the book seem larger than life but they were imperfect, just as we are, which makes this book just as relevant today. Judges is a stern reminder that God punishes sin but is always ready to forgive the repentant sinner back.

The Book of Ruth while only 4 chapters in length is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. A story of love and loyalty, you will be amazed by the many layers and depths of meaning packed into this little love story!

The Joshua, Judges and Ruth study commentary is written by Steve Ray. The Joshua and Ruth video lectures are presented by Fr. Scott Courtney. The Judges video lectures are presented by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ.

The Book of Joshua is a historical account of how the Israelites conquered Canaan, the land God promised them in the covenant with Abraham. The book details Joshua's obedience to God, the bloody yet miraculous battles and the division of the land among the 12 tribes.

The Book of Judges records the Israelites' descent into sin and the terrible consequences. The 12 heroes of the book seem larger than life but they were imperfect, just as we are, which makes this book just as relevant today. Judges is a stern reminder that God punishes sin but is always ready to forgive the repentant sinner back.

This 28-week study is a combination of the Hebrews and James Epistles. Both study commentaries are written by Dr. Scott Hahn and Mark Shea. Hebrews consists of 16 lessons; James has 12 lessons. In addition to the written commentaries, each study has accompanying video lectures done by priests. The Hebrews video lectures are presented by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ. while the lectures on the James study are presented by Fr. Scott Courtney of the diocese of Lincoln, Nebraska. Fr. Courtney, whom we expect will find great favor among CSS participants, is the newest lecturer with CSS. The Hebrews and James studies are also available individually for those who may prefer a shorter study.

The Book of Ruth while only 4 chapters in length is one of the most moving accounts in the Bible. A story of love and loyalty, you will be amazed by the many layers and depths of meaning packed into this little love story!

CSS 2010 feature study now available for Presale
Commentary by Steve Ray
Video Lectures by Fr. Patrick Winslow
In Paul's Letters to Corinthians he addresses ongoing problems experienced in the Church at Corinth. These problems included dissension, immorality, lawsuits, liturgical abuses and their tendency to fall prey to "false teachers". Paul tackles each of these problems with his typical spiritual zeal, strengthening their faith and commitment to build up the Body of Christ. Two thousand years later, as we struggle with much the same problems, Paul's words of wisdom are both pertinent and valuable.

This is probably the most difficult of all St. Paul's letters as well as the single most disputed Biblical book between Catholics and Protestants. This book written by St. Paul is the book from which Martin Luther built his doctrine of "justification by faith alone". Luther twisted St. Paul's words to fit his own false teaching and even added (in his Lutheran Bible) the word "alone" to Romans 3:28 in his attempt to further enhance his doctrine of "Sola Fide" (meaning that by faith alone we are saved).

In the beginning…… That’s what Genesis is, the beginning of the world and all living things and God created it all.  In this book one will also discover the answer to those age-old questions:  Where did I come from?  Why am I here?  What is the purpose of my life?  The answers to these questions and many more are found in this in-depth study.  Genesis also sets the stage for God’s plan of redemption and plants the seeds of many important doctrines and Christian teachings that unfold in the rest of the Bible.  Without Genesis, the Bible is incomprehensible, which makes this a "must" study!

This is the Birth of the Church - the completion of the story of Jesus as manifested in the life of the early Church - Christ's Mystical Body on earth. Some highlights of this book include Jesus' Ascension, replacing Judas; Pentecost; Peter's primacy; miracles and the spread of the Gospel by the Apostles; growth of the first Christian community around Peter; Stephen, the first Christian martyr; Saul the persecutor of Christians and his miraculous conversion; the first Church council; the mission. Author: Steve Ray. Lectures by Fr. Patrick Winslow

Exodus is an amazingly eye-opening book, especially for Catholics! Learn how the Eucharist is prefigured by the Passover; the symbolism of the parting of the Red Sea and more. This book has it all "murder, betrayal, plagues, idolatry, miracles" and it's all true! Best of all, it is life changing: it is the Word of God. Authors: Dr. Scott Hahn & Mark Shea. Lectures by Fr. Patrick Winslow.

One of the best-loved books of the Bible, the Gospel of Matthew focuses on the divine fatherhood of God, and it sets the stage for Jesus' establishment of the Church as the kingdom of heaven on earth. Authors: Dr. Scott Hahn and Mark Shea. Lectures by Fr. Matthew Kauth.

John is known as "the apostle whom Jesus loved" (John 20:2), and one of the three considered to be in the "Inner Circle" of Jesus' friends, along with Peter and James. His tenacity showed as John was the only apostle who was there at the foot of the cross when our Lord was crucified. Through the expert exegesis of Scott Hahn and Mark Shea you will be led through the multi-layered writings of St. John and discover much more than you probably ever realized about this Gospel. Lectures by Fr. Patrick Winslow.

The last book of the New Testament is also probably the most difficult and misunderstood book of the Bible. Our Revelation study includes a 5-lesson supplement series on the book, Will Catholics Be 'Left Behind'? by Carl E. Olson, which examines the false notion of a secret "rapture," and the best-selling "Left Behind" books. Learn the true story about the theories promoted by this popular phenomenon. Revelation study authored by Dr. Scott Hahn and Mark Shea. Lectures by Fr. Matthew Kauth.

The Gospel according to John translated into Spanish.

John is known as "the apostle whom Jesus loved" (John 20:2), and one of the three considered to be in the "Inner Circle" of Jesus' friends, along with Peter and James. His tenacity showed as John was the only apostle who was there at the foot of the cross when our Lord was crucified. Through the expert exegesis of Scott Hahn and Mark Shea you will be led through the multi-layered writings of St. John and discover much more than you probably ever realized about this Gospel. Lectures by Fr. Patrick Winslow.

Six week Study based on the Sunday readings during Lent, featuring video lectures by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ
Every year on the first Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading is about Jesus going off to the wilderness, or desert, for forty days. On Ash Wednesday, we begin our own forty days in the desert. This penitential season of Lent is an intense time of spiritual renewal.
The Church especially invites us to pray, fast and give alms as means of expressing our utter dependence on God who through the waters of Baptism shares His very life with us.

Lent begins soon, Ash Wednesday is February 22nd.
Order now to reserve your copies for February shipment.

Six week Study based on the Sunday readings during Lent, featuring video lectures by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ
Every year on the first Sunday of Lent, the Gospel reading is about Jesus going off to the wilderness, or desert, for forty days. On Ash Wednesday, we begin our own forty days in the desert. This penitential season of Lent is an intense time of spiritual renewal.
The Church especially invites us to pray, fast and give alms as means of expressing our utter dependence on God who through the waters of Baptism shares His very life with us.

Lent begins soon, Ash Wednesday is February 13th.
Order now to reserve your copies for February shipment.

Men are rediscovering the importance of the spiritual life and Father Larry Richards is helping them do it. While some writers apply a one-size-fits-all approach to the Christian life, Father Richards draws on his many years of ministry and his own experience as a man to inspire other men.

CSS is excited to be working together with Ignatius Press in producing a study guide to accompany Fr. Larry's inspiring book that has already sold nearly 70,000 copies. Now with an accompanying 10 lesson study guide, it is our hope those who have been so blessed by the book will bless others by forming study groups, bringing together their friends and relatives to dig deeper into God's word.

In his book, Be a Man!, Fr. Larry recounts his struggles to learn true manhood, as well as the inspiring stories of others he has served in his decades as a priest. He tells men how to focus on the right goal, how to live as a beloved son of God, of the need to acknowledge one's faults and to live according to the Holy Spirit, to be a man of true love and of wisdom, to appreciate properly the differences between men and women, to pursue holiness, and to make a difference in the world. Not preachy but direct, Father Richards challenges men to be strong, without putting on a mask of false strength or machismo. He calls men to admit their weaknesses and limitations, while urging them to find strength in faith and genuine love to overcome their sins and faults. Although a celibate priest, he minces no words when it comes to the place of sexuality-for the unmarried man as well as for the married man. He shows that true manliness is not opposed to love but thrives on it. Father Richards stresses that a relationship with Christ reveals the meaning of a man's life and his identity as a man. He inspires men to become the true heroes they long to be-men of authentic courage, compassion and integrity. This is a highly readable book for men by a man who knows how to talk to men about the things that matter most.

Fr. Matthew Buettner's first book, Understanding the Mystery of the Mass was published in 2005. In the book, Father opens one's eyes to the beauty and sacredness of the Mass by guiding the reader through the parts and elements of the liturgy, revealing the true mystery of Holy Mass. In his new book, Understanding the Mystery of the Mass, Revisited, Father has added more insights and has also included the new revisions to the liturgy that more precisely reflect the translation of the Mass texts.

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Hebrews is written to Jewish converts, who, because of persecutions, as well as fear and doubts about their Christian faith, are tempted to revert back to traditional Judaism and its Temple-centered worship. This epistle aims to keep these Jewish Christians in the fold by stressing the failure of the Old Covenant; that the rituals of sacrificing animals has been replaced by the superiority of the New Covenant of Jesus Christ who is the true sacrificial lamb who shed His blood for us. The New Covenant does what the Old Covenant could not do: free us from sin.

The epistle of James deals with a variety of themes, with an emphasis on practical aspects of the Christian life. Some topics covered in this epistle include how to handle trials and temptations, understanding the relation between faith and works, how to tame our tongues, being a friend of God rather than a friend of the world, and the value of humility, patience and prayer. James challenges followers of Christ to not just "talk the talk" but to "walk the walk". This epistle also shows that faith alone cannot save us because it is not verified by the works that always accompany true faith (Ephesians 2:10).

Commentary by Steve Ray
Video Lectures by Fr. Patrick Winslow
In Paul's Letters to Corinthians he addresses ongoing problems experienced in the Church at Corinth. These problems included dissension, immorality, lawsuits, liturgical abuses and their tendency to fall prey to "false teachers". Paul tackles each of these problems with his typical spiritual zeal, strengthening their faith and commitment to build up the Body of Christ. Two thousand years later, as we struggle with much the same problems, Paul's words of wisdom are both pertinent and valuable.

Commentary by Steve Ray
Video Lectures by Fr. Patrick Winslow
In Paul's Letters to Corinthians he addresses ongoing problems experienced in the Church at Corinth. These problems included dissension, immorality, lawsuits, liturgical abuses and their tendency to fall prey to "false teachers". Paul tackles each of these problems with his typical spiritual zeal, strengthening their faith and commitment to build up the Body of Christ. Two thousand years later, as we struggle with much the same problems, Paul's words of wisdom are both pertinent and valuable.

This Sacred Council:  Exploring the Documents of the Second Vatican Council

CSS is pleased to bring you this short study series exploring the Opening Speech and first document, Dei Verbum from the Second Vatican Council.  Most Catholics are familiar with Vatican II and have likely heard the phrase, "…in the spirit of Vatican II…".  However, few Catholics have actually read the documents.  Consequently, the "Spirit of Vatican II" has come to mean many different things depending upon the source.   We encourage all Catholics to take the time to study these important documents for themselves to discover the ideas that accurately reflect the Council teachings.

Many say that there is no other New Testament epistle that expresses Christian truths in such a majestic way. The instructions to husbands and wives in Ephesians 5:21-33 is a topic of much confusion and consternation in modern times. Find out how this challenging teaching is not only liberating, but is a portrait of the Church's participation in the life of the Blessed Trinity. This ten-week study does not include DVD lectures, or the resources and other features of our full program. Authored by Dr. Scott Hahn and Mark Shea.

Carl Olson is a former Fundamentalist and grew up with many misconceptions about the "end times". This study is a thorough critique of the popular Fundamentalist notion of the "Rapture"--the belief that Christians will be removed from earth prior to a time of Tribulation and the Second Coming. It examines the theological, historical, and Biblical basis for "premillennial dispensationalism", the belief system based around the Rapture, and popularized in the best-selling 'Left Behind' books and taught by "Bible prophecy" writers Tim LaHaye, Hal Lindsey, Jack Van Impe, and many others.

Jesus' Passion: The Story of Redemptive Suffering is divided into five parts (5 lessons). In a group setting these five lessons would ideally be done one lesson per week. It examines the Scriptural basis of Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ, and looks at how this powerful portrayal of the suffering and death of Jesus relates to the Bible and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Designed to be used alone or in conjunction with the movie, Jesus' Passion is suitable for individual or group study. If used in conjunction with a DVD of the movie, the study book includes instructions about how to do this, including where to stop the movie each week to correspond to the lesson. Jesus' Passion is written by Catholic Sacred Scripture Program Editor, Jennifer Phelps.

Amos would have probably referred to himself as a "nobody". He was a fruit picker and shepherd who lacked any formal or religious education, yet he was called by God for an important mission. Just when Israel thought they were doing great and living the "good life", God had Amos deliver a message of impending doom and gloom. Find out how very relevant that same message is to us today and what changes we might need to make in our own lives. This study has 6 chapters/lessons and includes a separate set of answers to study questions.

Author: Cindy Morales

In 1968 Pope Paul VI issued an encyclical on the regulation of birth called, in Latin, Humanae Vitae. This document was very controversial since many people were apparently expecting the Catholic Church to change her teaching and accept birth control. Of course, the Church did NOT do this. In this study, you will see how the Holy Father's words concerning the consequences of accepting birth control turned out to be prophetic. This book has four chapters/lessons and includes answers.

Author: Cindy Morales

The four weeks leading up to Christmas mark the beginning of the Western Church's liturgical year. The Church stresses that Advent is a time of reflection, meditation and preparation. This study will follow the Catholic Scripture Study format but will concentrate on the Sunday lectionary readings and incorporate the ancient method of Lectio Divina (praying the scriptures). To prepare each participant will read the Sunday readings along with the "Points to Ponder" commentary, answer the study questions and "pray the scriptures". During Advent we should be focused on preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ. Are we ready for the King? Are our hearts ready to receive our Savior?
Author: Cindy Morales

The 4 week study is now accompanied by video lectures presented by Fr. Mitch Pacwa, SJ

The four weeks leading up to Christmas mark the beginning of the Western Church's liturgical year. The Church stresses that Advent is a time of reflection, meditation and preparation. This study will follow the Catholic Scripture Study format but will concentrate on the Sunday lectionary readings and incorporate the ancient method of Lectio Divina (praying the scriptures). To prepare each participant will read the Sunday readings along with the "Points to Ponder" commentary, answer the study questions and "pray the scriptures". During Advent we should be focused on preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ. Are we ready for the King? Are our hearts ready to receive our Savior?
Author: Cindy Morales

Please note this study follows the Church's Liturgical Calendar
Cycle B is for use in 2011
We will be publishing and Cycle C for 2012 and Cycle A for 2013

The four weeks leading up to Christmas mark the beginning of the Western Church's liturgical year. The Church stresses that Advent is a time of reflection, meditation and preparation. This study will follow the Catholic Scripture Study format but will concentrate on the Sunday lectionary readings and incorporate the ancient method of Lectio Divina (praying the scriptures). To prepare each participant will read the Sunday readings along with the "Points to Ponder" commentary, answer the study questions and "pray the scriptures". During Advent we should be focused on preparing ourselves for the coming of Christ. Are we ready for the King? Are our hearts ready to receive our Savior?
Author: Cindy Morales

Please note this study follows the Church's Liturgical Calendar
Cycle A is for use in 2010
We will be publishing Cycle B for 2011 and Cycle C for 2012