Start a Satellite Group

What is a Satellite Group?

A Satellite Group (also called a “Small Group”) meets to watch video-lectures from the Catholic Biblical School’s The Bible Course, a series of 112 lessons covering the entire Bible, discuss reflection questions for the lesson, and pray together with the Bible.

It’s a unique blend of expert teachers, local content choice, and opportunities for real interaction.

Testimonials

from Satellite/Small Group Leaders

Our parish has had other Bible studies as a “home grown” initiative of an individual. But, having the connection to a wider ministry’s Bible study with an expert professor has given our pastor the peace of mind of knowing that the teaching is solidly Catholic and part of a unified plan to teach the Bible.

St. Christopher Parish

Marysville, MI

Everyone is learning and building a deeper relationship with the Bible. Our priests really appreciate the depth of the information and the accessibility of the class to people from a wide range of backgrounds. It allows our parish priests to be active participants when possible, but doesn’t require them to do all the work of preparing and presenting.

All Saints Parish

Gladstone, MI

I was already teaching a Bible study group in my parish. I searched for some helpful resources and came across the Catholic Biblical School. All their resources online are blessings. My group learns so much from the resource, and I also continue to learn. God bless everyone who makes the Biblical School work! I am deeply grateful to the Lord for always putting what is right and good in front of me.
Keweenaw Catholic Community
Diocese of Marquette (MI)

Getting Started

Content

Satellite Groups can choose to follow the sequence of the Catholic Biblical School’s The Bible Course: Online, through the themes of Covenant (historical books of the Old Testament), Encounter (Mark, Matthew, Luke, Acts, and Paul’s Letters), Prophets (Old Testament prophets), and Wisdom (Psalms, Old Testament Wisdom Literature, John’s Writings, and the General Epistles).

Or, some Satellite Groups choose to use the Catholic Biblical School’s 112 Lessons as a Do-It-Yourself library and plan a study on a particular book of the Bible or a theme. Most groups follow a one lesson per week pace, but some extend a Lesson 2 to 3 weeks to allow more time for reading at home and discussion.

Options for Teacher Engagement

Optionally, participants of Satellite Groups can choose to join in live, weekly video-conference Q&A with their teacher and/or share their written reflections with their teacher for feedback.

Where do Satellite and Small Groups meet?

Satellite Groups often meet in parish or ministry spaces, and range in size from 8 people all the way up to groups of 20 or more.

Groups that are smaller (less than 8 people) often meet in someone’s home, in a public space like a library or café, or online in a live video-conference like Zoom or Google Meet.

Do Satellite Groups follow a set schedule?

Yes and no.

Some Satellite Groups choose to roughly follow the Catholic Biblical School’s mid-September to mid-May 28 weeks of lessons, plus a few holiday break weeks. (Click here to see that calendar on our external, sister-site).

Other groups use a do-it-yourself approach and might choose to study a particular book or theme in the Bible on their own schedule.

Cost and Administration

Since our founding in 2009, we’ve been offering to teach people the Bible without requiring a person to pay to join or attend a class. We open the Bible to all so that many more people will come to know the Word of God, without placing a barrier of cost in the way.

We extend this same ministry approach to groups. The Catholic Biblical School ministry does not require subscriptions, payments, or fees from Satellite/Small Groups.

Like many retreat centers, when individuals participate directly in Catholic Biblical School courses we encourage those who are able to make a suggested contribution to help fund the ministry for others. We can extend this approach to your group (so that we’re the ones “asking” for donations, not you), or you can administer your group in a way that’s typical for your setting (i.e. establishing a set registration fee similar to other adult faith formation in the parish, and then making a parish donation to the Catholic Biblical School ministry).

So how much does it cost? No charge. If you can donate something, we appreciate it, but it’s not required.

What next?

Contact us. You might have questions. You might be ready to jump into planning. We can share the experiences of other parishes and small groups to help guide you.