LINCON (SNR) – Heading into its third year, The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies is expanding its class offerings to reflect the Institute’s goals of increased outreach and accessibility.
Beginning Sept. 7, Emmaus will offer both five-week and 10-week courses, many of which will be hosted in Lincoln parishes.
“Our first two years of operation have opened our eyes to the great need among God’s people for life-long faith formation,” said Emmaus president Dr. Vern Steiner. “Consistent with the Bible’s own teaching, the Church has always stressed that catechesis does not end at Confirmation, that continual growth in biblical understanding is essential to holiness and to vital Christian living and witness. This conviction, together with widespread hunger for a better understanding of God’s eternal truth, prompted us to revise our program offerings and to make them as available as possible. We are grateful to the parishes who are willing to partner with us to that end.”
The fall semester will feature seven new courses, each meeting one evening weekly (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.). Registrations are now being accepted for the seven courses.
“The Whole in One, Part I: A Survey of the Old Testament” is a 10-week class held Mondays Sept. 13 through Nov. 22. It is team-taught and Part II on the New Testament, will be offered in the spring.
Another 10-week course, “Creation to New Creation: Psalms and Wisdom Books,” will be held Tuesdays Sept. 7 through Nov. 16, taught by Vern Steiner and Chad Steiner.
“Introduction to the Bible I: What It Is and How We Got It” is a five-week course held Wednesdays Sept. 8 through Oct. 6, taught by Vern Steiner. He will also teach the five-week “Introduction to the Bible II: What It Says and How to Read It” Wednesdays Oct. 20 through Nov. 17.
“Eucharist as a Theme in Sacred Scripture” will be presented over five weeks Wednesdays Sept. 8 through Oct., 6 by Chad Steiner.
Joshua Burks will present two five-week courses: “The Climax of Revelation: Making Sense of the Bible’s Last Book” Thursdays Sept. 9 through Oct. 7, and “
A Study in Ephesians: God’s Vision of a Glorious Church” Thursdays Oct. 21 through Nov. 18.
An eighth full-length course on the Old Testament Prophets – part of the three-year “Creation to New Creation” series – will begin in late November.
Depending on class location, some courses may be recorded and offered online.
Dr. Steiner added, “From the inception of this apostolate at Bishop Conley’s invitation, we have strived to identify the best ways to serve God’s people. All of our offerings aim at enkindling a more fervent love for our Lord through a biblically informed understanding of what God says.
“As the culture around us drifts into the abyss of mindlessness, and Catholics sometimes wander from the faith for lack of deep anchor,” he said, “the need has never been greater for parents, catechists, teachers, priests, religious, and all the lay faithful to continue growing in ‘the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ’ (2 Peter 3:18) through the committed reading and study of His Word.” For this reason, Dr. Steiner said, he urges all pastors to encourage their parishioners to take advantage of the unique growth opportunities Emmaus provides.
“The blessings of a more biblically informed, faith-filled laity will abound in the life of the parish and the family and in our witness to the world,” he said.
In addition to some of the program changes, the Institute is also making it easier for people to assist those who cannot afford to pay full tuition.
“Although our course fees are well below actual cost,” Dr. Steiner explained, “we know that some people simply are unable to pay for a course they would dearly love to take. We never want money to be an obstacle or deciding factor in such situations, and we welcome people to register, regardless of their financial ability, even as we invite those who are able to assist others through donations.”
Course descriptions and registration details are available at www.emmausinstitute.net. Emmaus will also offer a half-day seminar Saturday, Oct. 23, on the topic of Saint Joseph, with details to follow.
Parishes, schools, and organizations can request an Emmaus staff member for speaking events, conferences, or retreats by emailing Dr. Steiner at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by calling (402) 327-1671.
