Holy Bible | The Great Adventure Catholic Bible

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The Leatherlike version of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition comes with a keepsake box and a free copy of The Bible Timeline Chart.

Paper: 40 gsm Cream

Font Size: 9.5 pt

Page-Marking Ribbons: 3

Holy Bible - The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition

$69.99

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Format Leatherlike Large Print Premium Notetaking Paperback Spanish (First Edition) Spanish Paperback (First Edition)

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The Catholic Bible that Teaches You How to Read It, Now in Its Second Edition.

The Great Adventure Catholic Bible makes the complexity of reading the Bible simple. The only version that incorporates Jeff Cavins’ color-coded Bible Timeline® Learning System within the words of Scripture, this Bible shows Catholics how to read the Word of God they so deeply desire to understand. The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition now includes more color-coded features than ever before.

With exclusive color coding, insightful articles, detailed charts, and more, The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, Second Edition leads Catholics page by page, chapter by chapter, through the story of Scripture. It reveals the big picture of salvation history and shows how everything ties together, making Scripture easier to read and remember. It takes away the confusion of not knowing where to begin and the frustration of not understanding what you’re reading.

After years of struggling to read and understand Scripture, hundreds of thousands of Catholics have discovered a deeper relationship with God through this one-of-a-kind Bible. There has never been another Bible like it.

Don’t Just Read the Words of the Bible … Understand Them.

Features:

Understand where each book belongs within salvation history with color coding based on The Bible Timeline® Learning System, created by biblical scholar Jeff Cavins
[NEW!] Follow along with the chart-topping podcast using The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)™ featuring Jeff Cavins reading plan
[NEW!] Make connections between the Catholic Faith’s two most important books with color-coded Catechism references according to the Foundations of Faith approach
See the key details of every time period with 12 Timeline charts that provide a visual overview of the Bible, including: important characters, key events, geography, major covenants, world rulers, and contemporary events in secular history
Start every time period with an understanding of the historical and literary context using 12 articles that give an overall summary of each period of salvation history
[NEW!] Start every book with a footnote introducing the main themes, literary style, author, story, and more, including 32 entirely new footnotes
Never miss an important moment in Scripture with 70 key event callouts that provide a brief description of milestones in the biblical narrative
Understand the big picture of God’s amazing plan for humanity with 7 articles that introduce and explain the major covenants between God and his people
[NEW!] Visualize the locations of key stories with 16 redesigned, full-color maps that bring the biblical story to life
Pay special attention to what the Lord is saying to you with the words of Jesus printed in red
Read with confidence because all the content in this Catholic Bible has been granted the Nihil obstat and Imprimatur
Read Scripture for years with a binding that is sewn and glued for extra durability

Catholic Translation: Revised Standard Version – Second Catholic Edition

Typesetter: 2K/DENMARK

Get the Bible Trusted by Hundreds of Thousands of Catholics. It Is the Only Bible You Will Ever Need.

SKU: 9781954882720
Format: Leatherlike
Binding: Smyth Sewn
Edition: Second Edition
Dimensions: W: 6.375" H: 9.375" D: 1.75"
Weight: 3.34 lb
Page Count: 1538
Case Count: 8
Language: English
Series: The Great Adventure Bible
Publisher: Ascension
Ecclesiastical Designation: Nihil Obstat, Imprimatur
Publication Date: Nov 29, 2024
Copyright Year: 2024

Contributors

Dr. Mary Healy

Editor

Dr. Mary Healy is a professor of Sacred Scripture at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan, and a member of the Pontifical Biblical Commission. She is co-editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of two of its volumes, The Gospel of Mark and Hebrews. Her other books include The Scriptural Gifts Handbook and Healing: Bringing the Gift of God’s Mercy to the World.

Dr. Healy was a special podcast guest for The Catechism in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz) podcast, appearing on the introduction to “Part 3: How We Live.”

Dr. Peter Williamson

Editor

Dr. Peter Williamson holds the Adam Cardinal Maida Chair in Sacred Scripture at the Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan. He is the co-editor of the Catholic Commentary on Sacred Scripture and author of two of its volumes, Revelation and Ephesians. He is also the author of Catholic Principles for Interpreting Scripture.

Dr. Williamson is a contributor to Ascension’s The Great Adventure Catholic Bible.

Jeff Cavins

Contributor

Jeff Cavins is recognized both nationally and internationally as one of the most effective and engaging speakers in the Church today. Few can communicate their love for Jesus Christ with as much zeal, clarity, and enthusiasm as Jeff Cavins. In addition to his outstanding presentations related to Catholic Bible study, Jeff is available to speak on a variety of other faith-formation topics.

After twelve years as a Protestant pastor, Jeff returned to the Catholic Church under the guidance of Bishop Paul Dudley. His conversion story, one of the best known and most inspiring stories of its kind, is chronicled in the best-selling book, My Life on the Rock. After his conversion, Jeff received an MA in Theology from the Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Over the past several decades, Jeff has dedicated his life to developing The Bible TimelineⓇ: The Story of Salvation, a practical, interactive program that helps people read the “big picture” of God’s plan of salvation in Sacred Scripture and understand its meaning for their lives.

For 2025, The Bible Timeline has been refreshed with new videos filmed on location in the Holy Land, Greece, Rome and several other locations, and new presenters such as Fr. Mike Schmitz, Mary Healy, and Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio. The Great Adventure Bible Timeline presents the entire sweep of the Bible in a way that is easy to understand and genuinely fun to engage. As the foundational element of The Great Adventure Learning System, the Bible Timeline has revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for hundreds of thousands of Catholics.

Dr. Andrew Swafford

Contributor

Dr. Andrew Swafford is professor of theology at Benedictine College and a national speaker on a variety of Catholic topics including Sacred Scripture, St. John Paul II, and the moral life. Together with Dr. Marcellino D’Ambrosio, he is co-author of What We Believe: The Beauty of the Catholic Faith and co-host of Ascension’s video series under the same title, filmed at 30 holy sites in Rome. With his wife, Sarah, Dr. Swafford is also co-author of Gift and Grit: How Heroic Virtue Can Change Your Life and Relationships. He is also the general editor of, and a contributor to, Ascension’s best-selling Great Adventure Catholic Bible and the Catholic Guide to the Old and New Testaments (2 volumes).

Among Dr. Swafford’s other publications are Ascension’s Bible studies on Romans and Hebrews. Dr. Swafford holds a doctorate in Sacred Theology from the University of St. Mary of the Lake and a master’s degree in Old Testament and Semitic Languages from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School. Dr. Swafford is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the Academy of Catholic Theology, and is a featured fellow at the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. Both he and Sarah are available for speaking engagements and can be contacted via Twitter or their website, The Swaffords.

Dr. Swafford is an avid student of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and lives with his wife Sarah and their six children in Atchison, KS.

Rev. Sebastian Carnazzo

Contributor

Ordained Ministry

Fr. Sebastian Carnazzo (Ph.D, Catholic University of America) has taught Sacred Scripture for Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary in Denton, Nebraska, St. Patrick's Seminary in San Francisco, California, and Christendom College in Front Royal, Virginia. He is now the pastor of St. Elias Melkite Catholic Church in Los Gatos, California, and he frequently leads pilgrimages to the Holy Land. He is the author of Seeing Blood and Water: A Narrative-Critical Study of John 19:34. With Ascension, Fr. Carnazzo is a contributor to The Great Adventure Catholic Bible.

Patricia Isaacs

Contributor

Patti Isaacs’s interest in maps began at age four when she started looking through the
family collection of National Geographic magazines. Loving travel, the humanities, and
science, she studied Art and Geography at the University of Minnesota.

After graduation she worked as a cartographer for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, the Minnesota Geological Survey, and the National Geographic Society before launching her own mapmaking business. In addition to Ascension Press, her maps have appeared in publications from McGraw-Hill, Houghton Mifflin, Harvard University Press, Oxford University Press, and many others.

When she’s not making maps or writing, you can find Patti loving the four seasons in her
native Minnesota biking, swimming, paddle boarding, and skiing, or gathering with
friends to cook delicious meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What translation does The Great Adventure Catholic Bible use?

The Great Adventure Catholic Bible uses the Revised Standard Version - Second Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE).

Is this the Bible used in The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)™ podcast?

Yes, Fr. Mike Schmitz reads directly from The Great Adventure Catholic Bible in each episode of The Bible in a Year podcast.

Do I need The Great Adventure Bible to participate in The Bible in a Year podcast?

No, you’re not required to use The Great Adventure Catholic Bible to participate in The Bible in a Year podcast. However, this is the Bible that Fr. Mike reads from in the podcast’s daily readings.

What makes The Great Adventure Catholic Bible different from other Bibles?

The Great Adventure Catholic Bible features the Bible Timeline® Learning System, created by biblical scholar Jeff Cavins, that separates each book of the Bible into twelve color-coded time periods, allowing readers to understand where each book fits within salvation history. Additionally, with key event callouts, informative summaries, full-color maps, and more, this Bible offers a variety of resources designed to help the faithful understand the entire, unified story of salvation without confusion.

What is The Bible Timeline® Learning System?

TheBible Timeline® Learning System is the revolutionary approach to Scripture developed by biblical scholar Jeff Cavins. This method uses a unique color-coded system designed to help the faithful not only understand the “big picture” of Scripture but also where each book fits within salvation history.

Do each of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible formats contain the same inside material?

Yes, each of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible formats—Leatherlike, Large Print, Notetaking, Premium, and Paperback—have the exact same inside material with Bible Timeline® Learning System, charts, maps, summaries, key event callouts, and more.

Is this a red letter Bible?

Yes. Jesus’ words are presented in a distinctive red font, drawing special attention to his words and teachings throughout Scripture. All other text within The Great Adventure Catholic Bible, however, is printed in a clear black font.

How much larger is the font size of the Large Print compared to the Standard Print?

The Large Print Great Adventure Catholic Bible has a large, 11.25pt font, making it approximately 18% larger than the Standard Print.

What kind of binding is used?

Leatherlike, Notetaking, and Large Print volumes of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible features smyth-sewn binding, ensuring your volume remains flexible and durable, even despite frequent use. Paperback editions are perfect bound, making them both versatile and lightweight.

Do you have a digital edition?

Yes, Ascension offers free access to a digital version of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible on both our mobile and web app.

Do you offer bulk discounts?

Yes, we offer bulk discounts on the Paperback edition of The Great Adventure Catholic Bible. Orders between 10-99 volumes receive a 15% discount and orders between 100-499 receive a 35% discount. If you would like to place an order for 500+, please speak to our customer support team at 800-376-0520. Resellers receive a 40% standard discount. These may not be combined with other offers.

5 stars: 531 (84%)
4 stars: 53 (8%)
3 stars: 24 (4%)
2 stars: 10 (2%)
1 star: 16 (3%)

Some of the reviews shown are from related products the merchant grouped with this one.

Impressive

It's a HEFTY Bible! I know the specs tell you dimensions and weight but you don't realize how large this bible is until you have it in front of you. It has presence and needs space. This bible was well packaged completely filling its protective box. I am just starting the BIY reading plan so I have not started marking in it, but glad for the space to do so. The pages are much less fragile than my first ever owned bible from about 30 + years ago. These pages you can't see through. Glad I purchased this version. The majority of text is in a favorably sized font and I think I should be able to read it without problems for many years.

I love this bible and am giving one as a

I love this bible and am giving one as a gift

You will be happy you have it to get full benefit of Fr. Mike

High quality, modern interpretation of the word of God.
We had two other Catholic Bibles, and neither was the same translation as read by Fr. Mike. So, after 8 or 10 days, we ordered the hard copy and happy we did. We chose not to pay for fast delivery, but to our surprise it arrived in just a few days. Praise the Lord!

I have been "Catholic curious" for a couple years

I have been "Catholic curious" for a couple years and will be starting OCIA this month. I purchased this particular Bible because I get a lot out of really studying the Bible, and I wanted one with an area for notes. I already have the Ascension Press Catechism and have found it very easy to use. I trust Ascension Press and I knew the Great Adventure Bible and I am happy to have these both to use together.

A True Premium Bible Indeed!

This is by far the most beautiful and well-crafted Bible that I've ever owned. I'm a new Protestant convert to the Catholic Faith, and despite always purchasing high-quality leather Bibles, no Protestant Bible I've ever owned, or still own, comes close to matching the craftsmanship and readability of Ascension's premium edition. Well worth the money spent, as I know I will have this Bible for decades to come! The cream colored pages and gorgeous typeset make it a joy to read from and color-coded tabs and ribbons ensure I never lose my place. Package arrived on time, or even ahead of schedule. Thank you, Ascension!
My only improvement that I'd suggest is to make the box and lid two separate pieces, as is the case for the Catechism boxes, as my box is already starting to tear at the corners from stress placed on the lid while getting it out.

i love this bible i have two others but this is the best i am just starting to use it as often as i can i brought the large print very nice

Premium Catholic Bible 🇻🇦

Beautiful Bible with fantastic materials and content, well done Ascension team ⚔️

I have not received my new Bible yet

I have not received my new Bible yet. But I know I will love it because it will be like reading it for the first time. I I can’t wait to learn something or something’s new

I love the maps and the timeline!

I love the maps and timeline!

New Bible, Old eyes

I started looking for a new Bible when I discovered the one I had been using for decades had a translation of Psalm 23 that was very different from the version I had memorized as a kid. The large print addition is, of course, bigger but worth it. I like the look, touch and feel of the book. Having the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is a huge bonus. It's great to be able to look up which episode featured the reading I'm interested in and listen to Fr Mike's commentary. Love it.

Catholic Bible

I love this Bible, I bought the one with large font and it's excellent. I appreciate the map and that each book has a color coded tab. Is easy to read, I will definitely buy another one and/or give one as a gift.

So Glad We Chose the Great Adventure Journaling Bible!

The Great Adventure Catholic Journaling Bible is absolutely amazing! We originally planned on purchasing the regular Great Adventure Bible, but decided to go with the Journaling Bible instead, and my husband and I have no regrets.

We are doing the Bible in a Year together, and having the extra space to write notes as we go has been such a wonderful addition to the experience. I love being able to write down important things that I want to remember and go back to later.

What has also really impressed me is how highly recommended this Bible is. My son just entered seminary, and this is the Bible they recommended for him. My daughter attends a Catholic high school, and this is also the Bible the students are asked to purchase and use. That really says a lot to me about what a wonderful resource it is, whether you are doing the Bible in a Year, studying Scripture in school or seminary, or simply wanting to grow in your understanding of the Bible.

The Bible itself is beautiful. The inside is so thoughtfully laid out, and the maps, index, timelines, and additional information throughout are incredibly helpful. Everything is organized in a way that makes Scripture easier to follow and understand. We are so pleased with our purchase and absolutely recommend it!

Inspiring and inspired

This Bible is inspiring. I’ve been trying to reconnect with my faith but struggling to go to the source - I have never read the Bible. The layout and presentation of the Great Adventure is helping me to finally fix that.

I got the Premium edition and it’s beautiful. The RSV2CE translation is just the cherry on top.

God bless

I really like reading along with Father Mike

This is my second year having The Great Adventure Bible. I really like reading along with Father Mike Schmitz. The timeline chart and the color coding is helpful as well as the maps. I like it so much I just bought one to give as a gift to my daughter.

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BIBLE✌🏼

What a wonderful Bible! I’ve read many Protestant Bibles, but this is my first time reading a Catholic Bible. And I feel like I’ve never read the Bible before! So easy to read, to reference, and to study the word of God! When I took my new Adventure Bible to Mass for my Father to bless it, all I could say was “I’m so excited” I asked him to date it and sign it so I could remember exactly where I was when I started, so in a year when I have finished Bible in a Year, it would be a good measure of my growth in the Word!! ✌🏼

I just started but reading along with Father Mike

I just started but reading along with Father Mike is wonderful and I understand things so much better

This Bible is everything it was meant to be 🙏

This Bible is everything it was meant to be , I look forward to my reading time every evening.
I keep it in that beautiful box putting it to bed each night with a kiss of thanksgiving.

Thank for pouring in all the love putting this Bible together it surely shows.

My compliments to everyone involved, big HUG

Wonderful

Wonderful. This bible is the most informative and easy to read bible I have ever read. Thank you.

The Great Adventure Bible

This is my second bible. My first one is the Life Application Study Bible which is also really good but this is my first “Catholic” Bible. I am using it with The Bible in a Year which I LOVE!! This bible is really great, it is written and translated really well and is PERFECT to use alongside the bible in a year podcast. It has some great tools for understanding the timelines as well as order of events. The maps are really helpful as well. I bought the large print edition and it’s WONDERFUL…..I can just pick it up and read I don’t need to go find my glasses! Bonus!

The Great Adventure Bible is beautiful

The Great Adventure Bible is beautiful. I plan on using it for the “Bible in a Year” podcasts with Fr Mike. I really enjoyed “The Catechism in a Year” format. I used the First Edition Catechism which was slightly different than what Fr Mike was using for his podcasts. Subsequently, I decided to buy the Great Adventure Bible for the “Bible in a Year” program. I gave my New American Catholic Bible 2nd edition to my daughter who was asking for a Bible. So, this worked out great! Thank you!
As for the staff with whom I spoke while securing my order, I appreciate their help. They were very courteous. Thanks again, In Christ, Stuart F. Julian

Clearer view of the bible

Helps me understand more fully

I am so excited to have my new bible! It is

I am so excited to have my new bible! It is beautiful and very well made. I feel blessed just to hold it in my hands. The Bible in a Year with Father Mike is such a gift to me. Have not missed a day yet and my new Bible makes the experience even better to read along with Father Mike. Amen and Amen

The perfect bible!

I’ve been pondering ordering this bible since BIAY started. I finally ordered it and WOW!!! I am getting so much more out of BIAY my third time around while taking notes in this bible! It is a beautiful, high quality and well thought out bible!

Good, Easy to Follow Catholic Bible

Good Bible used with the Bible Timeline by Jeff Cavins. It helps organize and make time periods of the Bible very clear. This is the first Catholic Bible I bought and it works well with my Catholic Bible Study and to follow along with Fr. Mike Schmitz Podcast. However, I do find the the RSV-SCE translation to be more difficult than say a simpler translation such as NLT. Being a Catholic, this is a great version, but I find myself going back and forth to clarify some of the interpretations.

This is such a beautiful Bible

This is such a beautiful Bible. I had listened to Bible in a Year about 2 years ago, and I bought the Bible so I can listen to Bible in a year again this time following along in the book. I will cherish this Bible forever. Thank you Ascension Press!

What a blessing this bible has been to my life

What a blessing this bible has been to my life. Easy to follow, easy to digest. Great study tool for home to strengthen your faith. An amazing companion to the Bible in a Year program.

Wonderful Bible

I thoroughly enjoy this bible. It quickly became my daily reader. I bought the Premium Edition on your Black Friday sale and am very glad I did. I love the feel of the Premium Edition's cover in my hand, and it has broken in beautifully! I've never read the complete bible and am doing so now in the order provided in the bible's reading in a year plan. I began by reading the forward, introduction, and all the timeline articles. The font and spacing is easy and comfortable to read, and the paper is terrific. Its a great bible.