Fr. Ryan Ford, Director
The U.P. Catholic Bible School invites Catholics to encounter Jesus in the Scriptures, grow as his disciples through daily connection with God's Word, and become His witnesses.
The U.P. Catholic Bible School is based at St. John the Evangelist parish in Ishpeming, a setting filled with opportunities for year-round outdoor adventure.
We offer on-campus programs for college-age students, and online classes for people across the Upper Peninsula. Classes are aimed at the everyday person, regardless of academic background.
The curriculum consists of four cycles (classes), providing a Catholic study of the Bible led by instructors who hold a Master's degree or higher. Prayer, catechesis, and life application are revealed from Scripture, so God can transform our lives! Watch the video below from Colleen Vermeulen, director of the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan, for an overview of the curriculum!
Summer intensive program (May 17 - August 6)
This 12-week program invites college-age students to live on our campus and engage in daily schedule of prayer, study, discussion, and community life. Because of the more focused study, students are usually not able to enroll in other university classes at the same time, though exceptions can be made.
School-year program (September 20 - May 20)
This 8-month program invites college-age students to live on our campus and engage in weekly prayer, study, discussion, and community life. Housing is in separate male and female residences. Students can also be enrolled in online university classes, or in-person classes at Northern Michigan University. Breaks are given at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.
School-year fully online (September 20 - May 20)
People across the U.P. can enroll in the fully online program through the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan and form their own parish or household discussion group, or join a group online.
The schedule for the residential program includes:
We have an ‘open arms’ approach to everyone who desires to know God through His Word. The costs below are suggestions. Some give more, some less. We're able to award scholarships to everyone who asks for help.
Summer intensive (May 16 - August 5) – Room and tuition: $300
School-year program (September 19 - May 19) – Room and tuition: $800
Fully-online program (September 19 - May 19) – Tuition: Free-will donation ($0-$580)
Residential program (summer intensive and school-year): Fill out the applicaton below and we will contact you to set up a telephone interview!
Fully-online program: Click here to register through the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan website. Enter your contact info and select 'U.P. Bible School - online' as your class location. You'll receive email confirmation after registering.
If you want to support the mission of the U.P. Catholic Bible School, you can donate online at ishpemingcatholic.com/give and choose ‘U.P. Catholic Bible school’ as the desired recipient of the donation. Thank you for partnering with us!