"These courses, which are open to everyone, are designed to help Catholics grow in their faith, respond to questions about the church, and make faith-filled decisions in their lives, " Sullivan said.

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, " Sullivan said.

Sullivan said the call to continued faith formation is especially timely in light of the upcoming Year of Faith called for by Pope Benedict XVI and scheduled to begin on Oct. 11. In his letter announcing the Year of Faith, the pope wrote: "We want this Year to arouse in every believer the aspiration to profess the faith in fullness and with renewed conviction, with confidence and hope."

Flyers with dates and course descriptions are being mailed to pastors, DREs/CREs and principals. To register, telephone the contact name listed on the course list (see right) or consult the flyer at the local parish office.

More information about adult formation opportunities is available at www.dio.org/catechesis.