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 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.
We now also offer a series of pre-recorded lessons you can use to teach yourself or to support other classes.
The course is 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 2024 in-person spring semester begins on January 14, 2024 and ends on June 9, 2024.
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Most classes will be held in person.
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REGISTRATION FOR CLASSES:
Please register by contacting the instructor by email.
PAYMENT FOR CLASSES:
You can pay the registration fee through our payment platform https://www.cantius.org/latin?form=Class. This is not registration - you still need to contact the instructor.
PURCHASE OF TEXTBOOKS:
Students should obtain their own copy of the textbook.
LATIN I: Beginner
Instructor: Rupert Ward
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Classes start January 14, 2023
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This course is a continuation of the class that began in September 2023. It is a first introduction to the Latin language. We will continue to cover the most basic elements of Latin grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, using as our textbook Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin and beginning, I anticipate, in Unit 5. 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.
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Classes will be held on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. Classes meet in the St Joseph Building at 1025 W. Fry St., Chicago, IL. Enter the building from the south door between the St Joseph Building and the Church. There is no entry directly from the street.
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Classes will be held in person.
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For more information contact Rupert Ward at rupertward28@gmail.com
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​The cost is $50.00 for the class. Students should obtain their own copy of the textbook.
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Please pay for the class through our payment platform https://www.cantius.org/latin?form=Class. Note, however, that payment is not registration.
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To register please e mail Rupert Ward rupertward28@gmail.com.
LATIN II
Instructor: Andre Mendoza
Classes start January 14, 2024
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This class is a continuation of the introductory class that began in September 2022 and is for the beginner with some prior Latin study. We will be continuing with Lingua Latina: Familia Romana, working through the book of exercises as well. By the end of the year, ending in about Chapter 15, we will cover the entire noun-declension system and verbs in the present tense.
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Classes will be held on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
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Classes will meet virtually.
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For more information contact Andre Mendoza amendoza@northridgeprep.org
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The cost is $50.00 for the class. Students should obtain their own copy of the textbook.
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Please pay for the class through our payment platform https://www.cantius.org/latin?form=Class. Note, however, that payment is not registration.
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To register please e mail Andre Mendoza amendoza@northridgeprep.org.
LATIN III: Latin of the Fathers
Instructor: Christopher Jones
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Classes start January 14, 2024
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This is a continuation of the second year of a two-year class, but new joiners are very welcome.
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We will read and discuss Latin texts from the first six centuries of Christianity. In this second year we will be looking at the fourth century aftermath of the Edict of Milan, with readings from St. Optatus, St. Ambrose, Pope St. Damascus, and others.
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There is no textbook; the instructor will provide excerpts. The instructor is preparing a textbook for future students; input from this class will be a valuable part of that process. Intermediate and advanced students are welcome.
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Classes will be held on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The same class will also be held on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Participants may choose which of the two classes to attend. 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.
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​Classes will be held in person.
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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 pay for the class through our payment platform https://www.cantius.org/latin?form=Class. Note, however, that payment is not registration.
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To register please e-mail Christopher Jones jonesc@shure.com When registering, please state whether you wish to join the 9.00am or the 10.00am class.
ONLINE INTRODUCTION TO LATIN GRAMMAR CONT’D
Instructor: Richard Rodriguez
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Classes start Saturday January 13, 2024 **Note the start date**. Classes run through June 8, 2024.
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This class is for students who live outside the Chicago area and/or who have substantial difficulty in attending in-person sessions.
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This class is a continuation of the class that began several semesters ago. Please contact the instructor for evaluation if you are new to Latin or have not studied it in a while. The focus of the course will be on reading for familiarity and grammatical comprehension with the assistance of a translation (e.g., ability to more thoroughly use & appreciate Latin/English parallel text worship materials). Optional exercises will be provided upon request for students who are interested in developing a higher degree of unaided reading fluency.
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The textbook is Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin. This class will cover units 25- 35.
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Classes will be held on Saturdays ON ZOOM from 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
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Any students interested in this class should contact Mr. Rodriguez RichieJRR@protonmail.com
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The cost is $50 for the class. Students should obtain their own copy of the textbook.
Please pay for the class through our payment platform https://www.cantius.org/latin?form=Class.
Note, however, that payment is not registration.
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To register please e mail Mr. Rodriguez.
NEW – 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.
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The cost is $50.00. You can pay this fee through our payment platform https://www.cantius.org/latin?form=Class
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To register, please email Mr. Rodriguez at RichieJRR@protonmail.com. 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.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The instructor is still in the process of uploading recordings. They should be added at a pace of approximately 1-2 chapters/week until done.
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO YOUR E MAIL, PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER.