Bible Study Leadership is a comprehensive introduction to the Catholic interpretation of Holy Scripture.
The Old Testament (OT) is part of the CBI certification process. We begin with an Orientation that explains the process requirements and introduces participants to Bible Basics, Catholic Biblical Interpretation, and a comprehensive overview of the study and reflection on the Old Testament.
The schedule of dates and topics is below.
Click this link for Recertification Registration Information
All Sessions Via Zoom
Registration opens July 1, 2026
The fees for the year are as follows:
Certification Year 1 – ADLA certification only* - $295
Certification Year 1 – ADLA and LMU certification* - $340
Certification Year 2 – ADLA certification only* - $295
Certification Year 2 – ADLA and LMU certification* - $340
Enrichment - $250
NOTE: If you register for Enrichment and wish to change to Certification, you will be required to pay the additional fee amount at the time of the shift.
Recertification - $50 (for those certified by ADLA in Bible Study Leadership within the past 5 years)
Would you like to make an additional donation?
Click here to go to our donation page. Thank you! We strongly urge you to pay by Credit/Debit card or E-Check.
Please note:
* For people who are not seeking a certificate in Bible Study Leadership yet need proof for their particular ministry that they completed the two years of Scripture study, the Loyola Marymount University Center for Religion and Spirituality (LMU CRS) offers a certificate for successful completion of the Old and New Testament years. If you wish to receive a certificate from LMU CRS, there is an additional $45 annual fee.
Please click the appropriate box when you register at the ADLA Store.
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles (ADLA) certification requires completion of a third year
The last date to withdraw for a full refund is October 16, 2026
No further refunds will be issued after this date. Thank you for being so understanding.
If you register for the certificate track and find it is not for you, please consider remaining with us for enrichment opportunities. There are no refunds for the fee difference for a shift from certification to enrichment
For those who register for enrichment and feel they would like to be certified, it is possible to switch your status. We will require payment of the additional fee amount at the time of the shift. All written work, along with reading and attendance, must be completed before you can change.
Two excused absences are allowed each year for those seeking certification. Please check your calendars. If there are several conflicts, please consider enrolling for enrichment.
Bible Study Leadership utilizes the Learning Platform C3 Lead. It is highly recommended that you establish an account and spend some time learning the program. Here is the link to open an account:
https://c3.leadlms.com/register
You will need to have a Catholic Study Bible. We recommend the latest Edition of The Catholic Study Bible: New American Revised Edition from Oxford University Press, 3rd Edition.
Our text for the year is “A Catholic Introduction to the Bible: Old Testament by John Bergsma and Brand Pitre. Published by Ignatius Press.
Schedule for the Year
August 29, 2026 – Orientation: Requirements, Zoom, C3Lead, Group Sharing-BSL Team
Catholic Approach to Scripture - Fr. Parker Sandoval
Introduction to the Old Testament: Context of Empire, Significant Dates – Dr. Daniel Smith Christopher, Loyola Marymount University
August 31, 2026 (Monday, 6 pm Pacific) – Reflection writing workshop – Sr. Mary Frances Wahl
September 19, 2026 – Pentateuch I (Pentateuch or Torah = Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus,
Numbers, Deuteronomy) – Genesis, Exodus - Israel McGrew, Augustine Institute
October 17, 2026 – Pentateuch II – Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy – Michael Barber, Augustine Institute
November 7, 2026 – Early Histories: Joshua, Judges, Ruth - Jaime Waters, Boston College
December 5, 2026 – Age of the Kings: 1&2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings – Andrew Davis, Boston College
January 16, 2027 - Twelve Prophets – Daniel Smith Christopher, Loyola Marymount University
February 13, 2027 – Into Exile: 1st Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Lamentations – Anathea Portier-Young, Duke Divinity School
March 13, 2027 – Return and Rebuilding: 2nd and 3rd Isaiah, Ezra, Nehemiah, 1 & 2 Chronicles – Angela Harkins, Boston College
April 17, 2027 – Second Temple and Apocalyptic Tradition: Daniel, Esther, 1 & 2 Maccabees, Tobit, Judith, Baruch – Fr. Francis Macatangay, University of St. Thomas, Houston
May 15, 2027 – Wisdom: Job, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Book of Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus/
Ben Sira - Mark Giszczak, St. Paul’s Seminary
June 12, 2027 – Psalms – Daniel Keating, Sacred Heart Major Seminary
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Please get in touch with Elizabeth Argueta (213) 637-7358 or email EArgueta@la-archdiocese.org if you have any questions or difficulties with the ADLA Store.
