The diocesan Office for Catechesis is sponsoring free workshops on "The Role of Parents in Catholic School Enrollment Management," according to Barbara Burris, associate director of school planning. Those invited include parents, school board members, development directors and supporters of Catholic education.

The workshop will be held four times: on Monday, Sept. 8 at St. Dominic School in Quincy; on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at St. Ambrose Parish Center in Godfrey; on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at St. Anthony Parish Center in Effingham; and on Thursday, Sept. 11, at Christ the King Parish Center in Springfield.

All sessions will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

The presenter will be John Cooper, who leads the Institute of School and Parish Development's Division of Catholic School Enrollment Solutions. Cooper has worked with over a thousand Catholic schools across the country and has over 15 years of marketing and enrollment management experience.

"For many Catholic schools, enrollment is a serious concern," Burris said. "We hope this presentation will inspire parents to renew their commitment and support for our Catholic schools. A stable and healthy Catholic school enrollment can be reached with the support and involvement of the entire Catholic community."

Burris said that on the dates of the four presentations, local principals, faculty and school staff will attend an afternoon session on "The Role of Faculty in Catholic School Enrollment Management."

Funding for the Effingham workshop is through the Annual Catholic Services Appeal. Funding for the Quincy, Godfrey and Springfield workshops are through the Tracy Family Foundation.

"We encourage parents to come and see how to help spread the good news of Catholic education," she said.