With the training of its first class of Bible study leaders, the St. Paul Center is laying the groundwork for a biblical renewal in Catholic parishes.

The training is part of the Center's new Parish-Based Bible Study Program.

This initiative is aimed at meeting a growing need in parishes, says Karl Orbon, the Center's new Director of Education Programs.

"We see a real desire among pastors and parishioners for Bible studies that will combine sound biblical theology and the uniquely Catholic perspective on reading the Bible," Orbon says. "We've designed a unique line of classes that reflects this desire. We'll also be offering specialized leadership training."

The prototype for the first class, "From Genesis to Jesus," has been piloted on the Franciscan University of Steubenville campus by Center fellow Kimberly Hahn.

Center Founder, Dr. Scott Hahn says the program is the answer to a dream he has long shared with Kimberly. "The dream is this: that whenever a new Christian family moves into town and asks their neighbors where they can find the best Bible study in town, they'll be pointed to the local Catholic church." For more of Dr. Hahn's reflections on the new Parish-Based Bible Program, click here.

Next year, the Center will launch a program aimed at training students to become officially certified leaders of St. Paul Center bible studies in parishes.

Center director Rob Corzine sees a great opportunity in the Center's location near Franciscan.

"Franciscan graduates more theology majors than any other Catholic college in the country," Corzine said. "These will be the future catechists, teachers and religious education directors. We're going to make sure that the best of them are also fluent in the Bible and trained to lead life-transforming Bible studies."

For more information on the Center's Parish-Based Bible Study Program, contact Karl Orbon at (740) 264-9535 or karlorbon@salvationhistory.com.