Roots of Faith

Lecture Videos

Lesson videos are linked to the suggested schedule below. Click the lesson titles to view.

SCROLL down for more info about the study. View other class resources HERE.

Click the title of the lessons below to view the video for the week. Call 989-657-1598 if you need help viewing any videos. Support can take up to 24 hours, so please be patient. (NOTE that files are large and can take a bit to load.)

Introduction (1 week)

9/27/21 Introduction to Exile & Return

Tobit (3 weeks)

10/4/21 Righteousness, Charity, Suffering

10/11/21 Tobiah and Sarah are Married

10/18/21 Tobit is Cured, Raphael Revealed, Tobit Dies


Resource: A "Quiver" of Passages to Battle Anxiety


Judith (3 weeks)

10/25/21 Nebuchadnezzar's Pride and Vindictiveness

11/1/21 Election Day Setup - No Class

11/8/21 Judith Reprimands Israel and Devises a Plan

11/15/21 Judith Vanquishes the Enemy


Esther (3 weeks)

11/22/21 Esther is Crowned, Jewish Destruction Planned

11/29/21 Mortification and Prayer

12/6/21 Fulfillment of Mordecai’s Dream, Feast of Purim

Hebrews (11 weeks)

12/13/21 Introduction to the Letter to the Hebrews

Scripture passages suggested by Lavinia to help introduce Hebrews:

12/20/21 No Class - Merry Christmas

12/27/21 No Class - Happy New Year

1/3/22 God Speaks

1/10/22 The Sabbath Rest

1/17/22 Spiritual Renewal

1/24/22 Melchizedek

1/31/22 Christ, Mediator of a New Covenant

2/7/22 The Blood of the Covenant

2/14/22 Hold Onto the Faith

2/21/22 The Faith of Abraham and the Patriarchs

2/28/22 Run the Race

3/7/22 Final Exhortations

Schedule Notes

The dates above are based on the live class schedule and are only a suggestion for pacing the lessons throughout the class year. Those choosing to study on their own or with their own group may choose to move at their own pace.

All Saints Parish Bible Study Info

Welcome to this year’s study of Tobit, Judith, Esther and Hebrews, a series we're calling "Roots of Faith." Here are some tips and information to help your study be successful:

Your Lesson Packet

All your lesson materials for the year have been distributed together in a packet. If you have not gotten a packet yet, contact Christine at 989-657-3208 or the parish office at 989-354-3019. The packet includes the homework question sheets for all lessons, vocabulary sheets for taking notes during the lecture, and all necessary maps, diagrams and resources.

Planning Your Week

A suggested calendar is below to help you keep on track with your study. Each week, complete the homework questions, then plan to meet with your Discussion Group (more on that below). Finally, watch or listen to the lecture by Teaching Leader Lavinia Spirito (more on that below, too!)

We suggest breaking the homework questions up and doing them over five days. For each day, read that day’s passage in your Bible. We suggest the Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition) or the New American Bible, but any Catholic Bible will do. If you need a Bible or a copy of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, you can find them at Olivet Book and Gift in Alpena, at another book store, or online.

Discussion Groups

We encourage all those who are not participating in our regular Monday evening group study to find a group of friends or family to study with. This group becomes your Discussion Group. Together, your group decides how to meet (in person, virtually, by phone, etc.), when to meet (day and time of your choosing), and where to meet (in homes, at a coffee shop, etc.).

Being part of a Discussion Group is optional; it’s OK to study on your own, or with just one other close friend.

Viewing the Lecture

Lecture videos are linked to the schedule above and should be viewable from any smartphone or computer with an internet connection. If you need help with access to the video, call 989-657-1598 for assistance. This support may take up to 24 hours, so please be patient. If you’re planning to show the video to a group, test it out in advance.

If you’re not able to view the video on a computer or smartphone, a checkout copy of the DVD (video) and CD (audio only) are available in the parish office. Please use the streaming option if you’re able so that those who cannot stream have priority access to the checkout copies.

Need Help?

For help finding a Discussion Group or with video streaming, call 989-657-1598. You can also email Christine at christine@haslife.net or Hans at hans@haslife.net. God bless you as you study His Word this year!

Discussion Group Guidelines

Discussion Tips

    1. Plan on 30-40 minutes to cover the homework questions for the week. Make it a goal to stay on time and to cover ALL of the questions. Keep on topic by only discussing the questions for the week. Gently hold one another accountable.

    2. Avoid discussing: politics, TV, movies, books, mention of other denominations, negative comments, criticism of the church, etc.

    3. Show respect for all members.

      • There are no dumb questions or answers. (no put downs)

      • Be aware of how much you are talking. Time is limited. Give all group members a chance to talk.

      • Those CG members who were not able to complete their homework should refrain from answering questions and use the time to jot down answers and thoughts from themselves and others.

    4. Respect the confidentiality of members' comments and prayer requests.

Time for Prayer

    1. Use the final 5-10 minutes together for sharing prayer requests and praying together.

    2. One person can pray for the collected intentions and/or the group can offer an Our Father, Hail Mary and Glory Be to close.

Watching the Video

Discussion Groups may choose to watch the video together as time and technology permit, but that is not required. All members will have access to stream the videos to their own device(s) or can check out the video through the Parish Office to enjoy at their convenience.