Long before Fr. Mike Schmitz popularized the “Bible in a Year” podcast, Fr. Tim Peters was teaching biblical courses at parishes throughout Orange County.
FR. TIM PETERS LEADS A FOUR-DAY RETREAT ON THE BOOK OF THE PROPHET ISAIAH IN DECEMBER 2023 AT OUR LADY OF FATIMA PARISH IN SAN CLEMENTE. PHOTO BY KAYLEE TOOLE/DIOCESE OF ORANGE
“For years, I’ve been brainstorming and talking with friends about establishing a Biblical Institute in the Diocese of Orange,” said Fr. Tim. “I visited the Diocese of Guadalajara years ago and was very impressed with their biblical Institute. I love the idea of a Biblical Institute that walks with the people and helps them to discover and share the riches which are found in Sacred Scripture.”
A Catholic Biblical Institute would offer more in-depth study geared for church leaders, ministry volunteers and anyone who wishes to amplify their knowledge of Scripture. The courses are open to anyone. Fr. Timothy Peters, the program director, was raised in Fountain Valley and ordained a priest for the Diocese of Orange in 2003. He studied at the Gregorian University and also has a doctorate (S.Th.D.) in biblical theology from the Angelicum University in Rome. He currently served as an assistant professor at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo where he does formation work for those who are preparing for the priesthood. He wrote his doctorate on the theme of Messianic Hope in the Second Temple Period. He teaches biblical
courses on the Pentateuch, Historical Books, Prophets, Psalms, Wisdom Literature, Introduction to the New Testament and the Synoptic Gospels.
Bible Institute courses are designed and organized so that Catholics at any level can participate. Students may audit the courses or take them for academic credit. Fr. Tim will have a bibliography with books, readings and homework for those who wish to take the course for credit. The first sessions will begin in mid-May at Christ Cathedral Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy) and the Historical Books including Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1&2 Samuel and 1&2 Kings.
The Christ Cathedral classroom is small, and space is limited, so anyone interested in the Old Testament series should register before the course begins at: bit.ly/49UfQDk
St. John Neuman Catholic Church in Irvine will host classes beginning with the Synoptic Gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke. Participants are encouraged to sign up early but can register online or at the first session.
Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Santa Ana will also Host a course in Spanish on the Pentateuch and Historical Books beginning May 21st. Register here.
The goal is to expand the program to more parishes and create programs in some parishes which can work through the curriculum of the program.
“The Institute is designed to help people really read Scripture and know what to look for in the text,” said Fr. Tim. “Once they have a little background, the Scriptures jump off the pages, and the students see things they never noticed before. I want them to enter into the world of the text.”
Long-time student Dana Frost, a parishioner at the Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano, is enthusiastic about the new Biblical Institute.
“I’ve been studying with Fr. Tim for over 12 years,” said Frost. “Fr. Tim is very clear and very concise. He has great handouts, and his pace is enthusiastic. He covers more material than you can believe – the class goes by fast; the language is simple so a first-time Bible student can understand it as well as someone who has studied the Bible for a long time.”
Fr. Tim is also considering a pilgrimage to the Holy Land for those who complete the program.
“The geography of the Holy Land is like the fifth Gospel – an element you lose when you haven’t seen the places in person. The proximity and distance between the various Bible stories add context to the text.”
Frost is planning on continuing her studies through the Institute.
“I learned so much more about my faith through his classes,” she said. “I now understand how the Mass readings tie together since I understand the books they are taken from; it makes the Mass readings more meaningful. I highly recommend these classes – I’ve never met anyone who didn’t really love the course. Fr. Tim makes an hour-and-a-half seem like 20 minutes.”
For anyone interested in learning more about the Biblical Institute and to sign up for classes, information will be posted on the Diocese of Orange website. For more information on Biblical retreats and other programs at: https://www.rcbo.org/ministry/ lumen-christi/bible/