It is the second year in a row that the grants have been awarded. They will be used for adult faith formation and catechist training.

“Adult formation is the cornerstone of parish catechesis,” said Jonathan Sullivan, director of catechetical ministries. “The projects proposed by the parishes will build on the success we have seen from the first year of funding and continue to draw the faithful closer to Christ and into a greater understanding of our Catholic faith.”

Parishes will use the grant monies to provide Theology of the Body training for catechists; sponsor participation in the Diocesan Adult Enrichment Conference and other workshops; purchase catechist formation materials; subsidize a parish mission speaker; and host the Great Adventure Catholic Bible Study program.

Parishes will be required to complete an evaluation of their projects next year.

Parishes awarded grants are: Holy Family, Athens; Holy Cross, Auburn; Ss. Mary and Joseph Church, Carlinville; Ss. Peter and Paul, Collinsville; Holy Family, Decatur; St. Boniface, Edwardsville; St. Cecilia, Glen Carbon; St. Elizabeth, Granite City; St. Francis of Assisi, Hardin; Our Saviour, Jacksonville; St. Peter, Petersburg; St. Nicholas, Pierron; Blessed Sacrament, Quincy; St. Peter, Quincy; St. Jude, Rochester; St. John Vianney, Sherman; St. Michael, Sigel; Little Flower, Springfield; St. Aloysius, Springfield; St. Francis Cabrini, Springfield; St. Joseph, Springfield; St. Katharine Drexel, Springfield; St. Francis of Assisi, Teutopolis; St. Jerome, Troy; and Sacred Heart, Virden.