I am impressed with the methodology and growth of The Great Adventure: A Journey Through the Bible. The canonical approach that The Great Adventure employs is a marvelous way to introduce the faithful to salvation history. When Sacred Scripture, Sacred Tradition, and the Magisterium are all brought together in study the result is a clearer picture of God’s will, resulting in a road map for living. The Great Adventure, being faithful to Dei Verbum (the Second Vatican Council’s Constitution on Divine Revelation), is bearing much fruit in the Church today and contributing to a stronger, more informed laity.

The Great Adventure has been a genuine blessing from God to the Diocese of Duluth. The Bible Timeline and the other foundational studies are being implemented in many parishes and groups throughout the diocese. The seminar version of The Bible Timeline has been taught on at least eight occasions in various parishes in the diocese and eight more are scheduled. It has been taught to catechetical leaders in the diocese, and it has been included as part of the development and implementation of our diocesan catechist formation program. Being a teacher of the seminar and 24-week study I can see the people’s love of Scripture, and thus love of Christ, grow. Their participation in the liturgy has also deepened. I can see the light bulbs going off in their heads as the Timeline progresses; they are getting the ‘big picture.’ They are seeing how they, here and now, fit into the ‘big picture’ of salvation history. From the novice to the veteran Scripture study student, many say this has been what they have been looking for and desired out of a Bible study. The Bible Timeline is the study that all should begin with and make reference back to as their Scripture study progresses. I cannot recommend it any more highly. It has been a great gift from God to me and the diocese I serve.

Wondering whether a twenty-four week course would work, I started The Bible Timeline in the parish. A solid group of about twenty-five stayed with it for the whole time. I myself got a great deal from it; for the first time I have a grasp of the chronological aspect of the story of salvation. The same group followed through with Matthew. This was a more in-depth, probing study that touched everyone’s heart. We are looking forward to the study of Acts and Revelation next year. I consider The Great Adventure to be one of the most important contributions I have made to the parish, a legacy I leave my successor after my retirement soon

I thought I had a solid comprehension of Sacred Scripture through my 38 years in religious education, but I am continually amazed at how each Bible study in The Great Adventure helps me to peel back new layers of understanding by revealing significant details that make ‘His-story’ connect and come alive. The best aspect of The Great Adventure Bible studies is that they build on each other to reinforce and complement what you have previously learned, as well as strengthen your identity, place, and mission in God’s family plan. Once you enter and truly experience The Great Adventure Bible studies, you will never be the same... your life becomes more Christocentric, the Mass takes on new meaning as an open door to heaven, and your spousal relationship to Christ is enhanced through prayerful comprehension of His Word. Our Church family has seen how participation in The Great Adventure Bible studies not only touches and transforms their lives and their homes, but also blesses our entire local community through our lived response.

Teens in our parish are on fire because of The Teen Timeline. It has inspired our youth to attend Mass regularly and get excited about their Faith. Mark Hart is incredible! He brings the Bible to the teens’ level and helps relate it to their lives today – letting them know it is their story. As one who ministers in the parish, I have grown so much with this series, and it has been incredible to see everyone involved become more passionate about their faith. Try it and see how God will work in your parish.

I have seen real change in many of my parishioners. They have not only learned about the ‘big picture’ that contextualizes salvation history, but they’ve gained practical insights into walking with the Lord and learning to trust Him. If every parish did this program, we’d see a true revolution in the Church.

“The Great Adventure is the perfect way to begin Catholic Bible study. This system gets my highest recommendation as the best way to begin studying Scripture.”