Latin Classes at St. John Cantius Church
Have you always wanted a deeper appreciation of our Church’s languages and heritage? St. John Cantius’ language classes offer a chance to begin or to continue your study of the language and history of the Church.
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We offer a range of Latin classes through which you can develop from complete beginner to fluent reader of original texts. You can progress from the beginner class through to the advanced reading classes, or you can join at any point along the way if you already have some background in the language. Classes are one hour a week, so we move at a pace that allows you to learn whilst not interfering with work and / or other study commitments.
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We focus on ecclesiastical Latin – the Latin of the liturgy, Jerome’s Bible, scholastic philosophers, papal bulls, and canon law – but the course will also set you in good stead if your interest is in classical Latin. Many of the texts we read in the advanced reading classes are from the classical age.
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We usually run two semesters a year: A fall class from September through December and a spring class from January through June. Beginner classes start each September.
We also offer:
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Occasional classes on various topics, including the popular ‘Latin of the Mass’ class which introduces the Latin of the Mass for those who may not wish to pursue formal studies in Latin.
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A series of pre-recorded lessons you can use to teach yourself or to support other classes.
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Our courses are designed for adults, but we do not impose a strict minimum age.
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If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email latin@cantius.org
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The 2025 in-person fall semester begins on September 14, 2025 and ends on December 14, 2025.
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Some classes will be held in person, others virtually. Please carefully review the description below for each class.
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REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES:
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You can register online (see below) or, for in-person classes, by registering in person on the first day of class on September 14. If you would like to join any class after September 14, please contact the instructor.
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PAYMENT FOR CLASSES:
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You can pay and register through our payment platform https://form.jotform.com/252055497142053
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PURCHASE OF TEXTBOOKS:
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For in-person classes, you can purchase your textbook when you register online or you can purchase your textbook at the Academy of the Arts (the building to the right of the Church) on the first day of class on September 14. Cash or check only, please, if you are paying in person. For virtual classes, you will need to purchase your own textbook.
LATIN I: Beginner
Instructor: Rachel Chinchilla
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Classes start September 14, 2025 and end December 14, 2025
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This course is a first introduction to the Latin language. Without assuming any prior experience with Latin or any other foreign language, we will cover the most basic elements of Latin grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, using as our textbook Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin. While the content will be introductory and steady, students should expect to devote at least a few hours each week to reviewing the lessons and working through the exercises.
Classes will be held in person.
Classes will be held on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Classes meet in the Academy of the Arts (the building to the right of the Church). The doors will be opened 10 minutes before class begins.
For more information contact Rachel Chinchilla rchinchilla@luc.edu
​The cost is $50.00 for the class and $30.00 for the textbook.
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Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform https://form.jotform.com/252055497142053
This is a popular class, and we encourage you to register early. If you find the class already sold out, don’t despair (nil desperandum). Click the button at the bottom of the registration page and we will make alternative arrangements for teaching you until space opens up.
You can buy the textbook online when you register, or at the Academy of the Arts immediately before the first class – cash or check only if paying in person, please.
LATIN II
Instructor: Rupert Ward
Classes start September 14, 2025 and end December 14, 2025
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This class is a continuation of the introductory class that began in September 2024 taught by Chris Jones and is for the beginner with some prior Latin study. We will be continuing with Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin at Unit 16.
Classes will be held in person.
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Classes will be held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Classes meet in the Academy of the Arts (the building to the right of the Church) in the Faculty Lounge. The doors will be opened 10 minutes before class begins.
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For more information contact Rupert Ward rupertward28@gmail.com
The cost is $50.00 for the class and $30.00 for the textbook.
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Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform https://form.jotform.com/252055497142053.
You can also register in person at the Academy of the Arts immediately before the first class.
You can buy the textbook online when you register, or at the Academy of the Arts immediately before the first class – cash or check only if paying in person, please.​
LATIN III
Instructor: Chris Jones
Classes start September 14, 2025 and end December 14, 2025
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This class is the third year of the class that began in September 2023 taught by Rupert Ward and is for the intermediate student with some prior Latin study. We will be continuing with Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin at Unit 21 beginning at the start of the exercises on page 180.
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Classes will be held in person.
Classes will be held on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Classes meet in the Academy of the Arts (the building to the right of the Church) in the Faculty Lounge. The doors will be opened 10 minutes before each class begins.
For more information contact Christopher Jones jonesc@shure.com
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The cost is $50.00 for the class and $30.00 for the textbook.
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Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform https://form.jotform.com/252055497142053.
You can also register in person at the Academy of the Arts immediately before the first class.
You can buy the textbook online when you register, or at the Academy of the Arts immediately before the first class – cash or check only if paying in person, please.​
SPOKEN LATIN
Instructor: Richard Rodriguez
NOTE THE DAY AND THE EARLY START DATE - Classes start Saturday September 6, 2025 and end Saturday December 20, 2025
Classes will be held remotely.
We will learn to SPEAK Latin with the aim of developing automatic understanding of spoken texts as well as reading fluency. No prior knowledge / study of Latin is necessary
The textbook is UNUS, DUO, TRES, published by the Polis Institute Press (ISBN: 978-9657698136), as supplemented by spoken drill exercises provided by the instructor. Students are expected to participate actively in every session.
Classes will be held remotely.
Classes will be held each Saturday ON ZOOM from 8:45am - 9:45am central time.
For more information contact Mr. Rodriguez at RichieJRR@protonmail.com.
The cost is $50.00 for the class. Students should obtain their own copy of the textbook.
Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform https://form.jotform.com/252055497142053.
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Please also e-mail Mr. Rodriguez at RichieJRR@protonmail.com to let him know that you have registered.
LATIN V: Early Medieval Latin
Instructor: Christopher Jones
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Classes start September 14, 2025 and end December 14, 2025
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This is an opportunity to read and discuss Latin writings from the early medieval period, including the Gelasian sacramentary, Cassiodorus, and the life of St. Patrick.
There is no textbook; the instructor will provide excerpts.
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This is a hybrid class: Classes will be held in person but you can, if you wish, join the class remotely.
Classes will be held on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. If you attend in person, classes meet in the Academy of the Arts (the building to the right of the Church) in the Faculty Lounge. The doors will be opened 10 minutes before each class begins.
For more information contact Christopher Jones jonesc@shure.com
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The cost is $50.00 for the class. There is no textbook; the instructor will provide readings.
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Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform https://form.jotform.com/252055497142053.
You can also register in person at the Academy of the Arts immediately before the first class.
LATIN VI: St Augustine’s Confessions
Instructor: Andre Mendoza
Classes start September 14, 2025 and end December 14, 2025
In this course we will read selections of St. Augustine’s timeless spiritual autobiography, which offers intermediate students a stepping-stone before advancing to the more advanced prose of classical authors. This course is ideal for those with a solid basis in Latin grammar and vocabulary who already have some experience with reading Latin literature. This course will focus less on precision of translation and more on extensive reading.
Classes will be held remotely.
Classes will be held each Sunday ON ZOOM from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m central time.
For more information contact Andre Mendoza amendoza@northridgeprep.org
The cost is $50.00 for the class. Students should obtain their own copy of the text. Students may select their own edition, but might consider the Emmaus Academic Edition edited by the Aquinas Institute, the Loeb Library Edition Bks 1-VIII, the fully macronized text with introduction by Joanna Thornhill or Book I with grammatical commentary by Joshua C Shaw.
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Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform https://form.jotform.com/252055497142053.
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Please also e-mail Andre Mendoza amendoza@northridgeprep.org to let him know you have registered.
A RECORDED INTRODUCTORY LATIN COURSE
Instructor: Richard Rodriguez
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This is a recorded course that covers a full year of Latin and textbook exercises in separate 30-45 minute downloadable videos, allowing you to learn at your own pace or to re-review materials covered in other classes.
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The textbook is Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin. The course covers Units 1-19.
The cost is $50.00.
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Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform https://form.jotform.com/252055497142053.
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Please email Mr. Rodriguez at RichieJRR@protonmail.com to let him know you have registered. Registration for the course grants you the passwords to access the video links page for two years, as well as the opportunity to email the instructor with for clarification about the videos. You may register at any time, but please do note that we will change the video passwords at the start of each semester (Spring, Summer, Fall).
Students should purchase their own copy of the textbook.
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO YOUR E MAIL, PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER.
THE LATIN OF THE MASS CLASS
Classes start October 5, 2025
This class runs for 9 weeks, through November 30, 2025. In these nine sessions you will learn how to understand the Latin of the Mass and speak it properly. We will explore the rich history of the Mass, the format and purpose with each Mass part, weekly.
Classes will be held on Sundays from 10 AM to 11 AM
Classes will be held in person.
For more information contact Nick Chapello - nickchapello@gmail.com
The cost is a $50 donation to St John Cantius Parish. The textbook is the Latin Mass Companion which will be provided.
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Register here: https://pci.jotform.com/form/252395491776168