Local Courses

These courses, offered at various locations across the diocese, give Catholics an opportunity to deepen their understanding of and appreciation for our faith. Anyone taking advantage of these faith formation programs may receive credit through the diocese’s catechist formation process. For more information about any of these courses or other faith formation activities, contact Christine Malmevik, associate director for catechesis, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or (217) 698-8500.

Fall/Winter 2011

The Acts of the Apostles (Little Rock Scripture Study)
Sept 12, 19, 26; Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; Nov. 7, 14; 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Maria Carmody; St. Francis of Assisi Parish (Hardin)
Contact: Maria Carmody; (618) 576-2662

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass
Sept. 15, 22, 29; Oct. 6, 13; 9:00-11:00 a.m.
Debbie Sanders; Ss. Peter and Paul Parish (Collinsville)
Contact: Parish Office; (618) 345-4343

The Great Adventure Bible Series
Sept. 19, 26; Oct. 10, 17, 24, 31; 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Sr. Therese Flerlage, O.S.F.; St. Cecilia Parish (Glen Carbon)
Contact: Parish Office; (618) 288-5523

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass
Sept. 21, 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 16, 30; Dec. 7; 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Helen Crusen; St. Jude Parish (Rochester)
Contact: Dan Frachey; (217) 498- 9197 x23

Getting Started as a Catechist, Roles of the Catechist and Person of the Catechist
Sept. 22, 29, Oct. 6; 3:00-4:30 p.m.
Marsha Chomko; St. Jerome Parish (Troy)
Contact: Marsha Chomko; (618) 667-6571; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass
Sept. 25; Oct. 2, 16, 23, 30; Nov. 6, 13, 20; Dec. 4, 11; 9:15-10:15 a.m.
Dan Merriman; St. Jude Parish (Rochester)
Contact: Dan Frachey; (217) 498- 9197 x23

The Sacraments
Sept. 28; Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26; Nov. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 8:30–10:00 a.m.
Rev. David Zimmerman; St. Mary Parish (Paris)
Contact: Secretary; (217) 466-3355

Person of the Catechist, Roles of the Catechist, Getting Started as a Catechist
Sept. 29; Oct. 6, 13; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Sr. Mary Ellen Backes, O.S.U.; St. Joseph Parish (Springfield)
Contact: Sr. Mary Ellen Backes, O.S.U.; (217) 544-7426

A Biblical Walk Through the Mass
Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25; Nov. 8; 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Pat Ellis; Ss. Peter and Paul Parish (Collinsville)
Contact: Parish Office; (618) 345-4343

Liturgy and Sacraments – Part One
Oct. 27; 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
Sr. Mary Ellen Backes, O.S.U.; St. Joseph Parish (Springfield)
Contact: Sr. Mary Ellen Backes, O.S.U.; (217) 544-7426

I Believe, We Believe
Oct. 29; 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cathy Becker; St. Katharine Drexel Parish (Springfield)
Contact: Cathy Becker; (217) 744-0578

Introduction to the Learner
Dec. 10; 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cathy Becker; St. Katharine Drexel Parish (Springfield)
Contact: Cathy Becker; (217) 744-0578

Prayer and Spirituality
Feb. 25; 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cathy Becker; St. Katharine Drexel Parish (Springfield)
Contact: Cathy Becker; (217) 744-0578

Person of the Catechist
April 28; 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Cathy Becker; St. Katharine Drexel Parish (Springfield)
Contact: Cathy Becker; (217) 744-0578