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Fr. Ryan Ford, director- Phone: 906-399-0553
- fr.ryanford@gmail.com
- St. John the Evangelist 325 S. Pine Street Ishpeming, MI 49849
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Mission
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The U.P. Catholic Bible School exists to invite 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 remote classes for people across the Upper Peninsula. Classes are aimed at the everyday person, regardless of academic background.
Learn how to apply at the bottom of this page.
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Curriculum
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We partner with the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan (cbsmich.org) to provide a Catholic study of the entire Bible led by expert instructors.
Our curriculum consists of four cycles (classes) that provide a study of the Bible as a unified whole. Prayer, catechesis, and life application are revealed from Scripture, so God can transform our lives!
Each class consists of 28 lessons, with a reading assignment from the Bible and quality secondary sources, a video lecture, group discussion, written responses and feedback, and a live Q & A session with the instructor.
Instructors have a Master's degree or higher and are chosen in a process overseen by Dr. Peter Williamson, Scripture professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit.
For an overview, watch this video from Colleen Vermeulen, director of the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan.
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Programs
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Residential program
This 9-month program runs from September through May and invites college-age students to live in community on our campus while studying the Bible. Housing is in separate male and female residences. Students can be dedicated exclusively to Bible classes, or also be enrolled in online university classes, or in-person classes at Northern Michigan University. Breaks are given at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter. Students can go home or stay for optional service and mission trips.
Remote classes
This online program also runs 9 months, from September through May. College-age students living near Ishpeming can enroll and join the discussion groups, community life, and prayer with students in the residential program. People across the U.P. can enroll and form their own parish or household discussion group, or join a group online.
Summer intensive program
This 3-month program runs from June through August and invites college-age to live in community on our campus and engage in a more intensive study of the Bible over 12 weeks. 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.
Summer remote program
College-age students living near Ishpeming can enroll and participate in the summer intensive and discussion groups with on-campus students. Adults who are not college age should enroll in the 9-month program.
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Daily Schedule
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The schedule for the residential program includes:
- Morning prayer, Mass, meditation, and evening prayer
- Communal meals
- Rotating chores (cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking)
- Time for study, free time, and outdoor adventures
- Weekly discussion groups and instructor Q & A sessions
- Parish and community service.
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Tuition
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We have an ‘open arms’ approach to everyone who desires to know God through His Word, regardless of financial means. The costs below are suggestions. Some people give more, some less. With God’s providence, we can award scholarships to everyone who asks for help.
Residential program (September - May) – Room, board, and tuition: $900
Remote classes (September - May) – Tuition: $0-$580 free-will donation
Summer intensive (June - August) – Room, board, and tuition: $300
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Apply Today!
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9-month residential program and 3-month Summer intensive: Submit the application below if you are a college-age student interested in our residential program. Applicants are accepted on a first-come basis. After applying, we'll contact you to set up a telephone interview.
Remote online program: Click here to register through the Catholic Biblical School of Michigan website. Select the 'U.P. Bible School' option, enter your contact info, and the amount you wish to contribute for tuition ($0-$580). You'll receive email confirmation and directions after registering there.
We hope you’ll be inspired to apply!
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Donations
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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!
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