Most reading plans stall out in Leviticus
Reading the Catholic Bible on your own gets confusing fast. Books blur together, the 7 deuterocanonical books get skipped by most guides, and it's hard to say what a book is actually about or who's in it.
- Every book gets a 'what happens' summary before you read chapter one
- All 73 books are in here, including Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch and 1 & 2 Maccabees
- Named figures are listed per book, so you can keep track of who's who
What's inside each entry
Each of the 73 books gets the same structure, so you always know where to look.
All 73 books
The full Catholic canon, marked by the gold '73 BOOKS' seal on the cover. Running heads read like 'Book 53 of 73' so you know where you are.
What happens
A book-by-book summary that gives you the whole arc before you read a single chapter of scripture.
Themes and symbolism
A 'Symbolism & Imagery' panel names recurring images and what they stand for, so you stop guessing at them.
The people
Named figures for each book, plus historical background, so the story holds together instead of coming apart into names.
Catholic context
A 'What the Church sees here' panel connects the book to Catholic tradition, with a reflection prompt to pray with afterward.
What it doesn't do
It isn't a Bible and contains no scripture text — you read it alongside your own. It's also not a missal or lectionary, and has no journaling pages.
Fits into the reading you already do
A hardcover that sits next to your Bible rather than replacing it.
Who this companion is for
Great for
- You already own a Catholic Bible and want context for it
- You stall out in the Old Testament and want the arc first
- You attend a parish Bible study and want to prepare
- You want the 7 deuterocanonical books covered, not skipped
Not the right pick if
- You need the text of scripture — this contains none
- You want Sunday Mass readings or a lectionary
- You need a large-print, digital or audio edition
A page layout built to be scanned
Cream pages printed in burgundy and gold, with the same sections in the same place for every book.
- A running head like 'Book 53 of 73' keeps your place in the canon
- Boxed data fields at the top: written by, when, to whom, how long, where to start
- Tinted callout panels hold Church teaching, key stories and symbolism
Companion, footnotes or a study group?
What each one actually gives you when you sit down to read.
| This companion | Study Bible footnotes | Parish study group | |
|---|---|---|---|
| One structured entry for all 73 books | ✓ | Varies | Varies |
| Whole-book summary before you start reading | ✓ | ✕ | Varies |
| Named people and historical background per book | ✓ | Varies | Varies |
| Catholic context and a reflection prompt | ✓ | Varies | ✓ |
| Use it on your own schedule, at home | ✓ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Includes the text of scripture | ✕ | ✓ | ✕ |
| Someone to answer your question out loud | ✕ | ✕ | ✓ |
How to start without stalling
Three things that make the first week stick.
Start with one book
Pick a short book you already half-know, read its entry first, then read the scripture itself. Finish one before starting another.
Read the top box first
The boxed fields — written by, when, to whom, how long — take ten seconds and frame everything that follows.
Park the ribbon
Leave the ribbon marker on the book you're working through, so you reopen to the right entry instead of hunting.
One hardcover, ready to use
- 1 x The Catholic Bible Companion hardcover guide with attached ribbon marker
What happens after you order
Ships in 1–2 business days
Orders are processed Monday to Friday, excluding holidays.
Tracked delivery
Usually 5–8 business days after shipping, with a tracking number for every order.
Damaged or wrong item?
Free returns within 15 days of delivery. Damaged or wrong item? We replace or refund it.
What people ask most
Will it work with the Bible I already own?
Yes. It's organized by book, not by chapter and verse, so it sits alongside any Catholic Bible containing the 73-book canon. You read the entry, then read the scripture in your own edition.
Does it include the text of scripture?
No. This is a companion guide only — there's no Bible text inside. It explains what happens in each book, who's in it and what the themes mean. You supply the Bible.
Does it cover the deuterocanonical books?
Yes. All 73 books are covered, including Tobit, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach, Baruch and 1 & 2 Maccabees — the seven books most study guides leave out.
Can I use it for a parish Bible study group?
It's built for it. Read the book's overview, people and themes before the meeting, then use the Catholic context panel and reflection prompt afterward. One copy per reader works best.
Does it carry an imprimatur or Church approval?
The listing doesn't state an imprimatur or nihil obstat. It's a companion guide with Catholic context and tradition sections, not an official Church publication. Ask your parish if that matters to you.
How do I look after the cover?
Wipe it with a dry, soft cloth — don't soak it or use solvents. Keep it out of direct sunlight and damp, and use the ribbon marker instead of folding page corners.
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