Catechists and Catholic school teachers may also attend these classes for credit in the diocesan catechist formation process. All catechists and teachers are required to engage in ongoing learning in order to be more effective communicators of the Gospel to those to whom they are called to minister.

In addition to adult faith classes many parishioners will be participating in the fourth and final year of Renew International's Why Catholic? program. This year's program covers Christian prayer and the church's spiritual tradition. Last year 90 parishes and nearly 5,000 participants participated in Why Catholic?.

The diocese also partners with the University of Dayton's Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF) to offer online enrichment opportunities. Participants from the Springfield diocese can take VLCFF courses at half-price ($40 per course). Additional information, including a schedule of courses, can be found at vlc.udayton.edu.

Life-long faith formation draws people closer to the person of Jesus Christ, said Jonathan Sullivan, director of catechetical ministries.

"Our religious formation shouldn't stop in sixth grade. Christ calls us to continue to grow closer to him even as adults, which means re-discovering our Catholic faith in an adult context," he said.

Flyers of courses offered in each deanery will be mailed to pastors, DREs/CREs and principals. Please call the contact names in the schedule to register or ask for a flyer from your pastor, DRE/CRE or principal. More information about adult formation opportunities is available at www.dio.org/catechesis.