The grants are part of an ongoing effort of the Office for Catechesis to support the teaching mission of the church, according to Jonathan Sullivan, director.

Parishes will use the grant monies to fund projects such as producing a baptismal preparation video for parents; providing Theology of the Body training for catechists; sponsoring participation in the diocesan Lay Ministry Formation Program; upgrading hardware for educational presentations; and purchasing materials to support Generations of Faith activities.

“We are very excited by these proposed projects,” said Sullivan. “They demonstrate the creativity and vitality of the catechetical programs in our diocese and we are confident that they will help parishioners develop a deeper love and understanding of our Catholic faith.”

The grants are funded by contributions to the Harvest of Thanks, Springtime of Hope campaign. Parishes will be required to complete an evaluation of their project next year.

Parishes receiving grants are:

•    Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Assumption

•    St. Thomas, Camp Point

•    Ss. Mary and Joseph, Carlinville

•    Ss. Peter and Paul, Collinsville

•    Holy Family, Our Lady of Lourdes and St. Thomas the Apostle, Decatur

•    St. Boniface and St. Mary, Edwardsville

•    St. Francis of Assisi, Hardin

•    Our Saviour, Jacksonville

•    St. Francis de Sales, Moweaqua

•    Holy Family, Mt. Sterling

•    St. Mary of the Assumption, Neoga

•    St. Louis, Nokomis

•    St. Aloysius, North Arm

•    Blessed Sacrament, Quincy

•    St. Michael, Sigel

•    Blessed Sacrament and St. Joseph, Springfield

•    Holy Trinity, Stonington

•    St. Francis of Assisi, Teutopolis

•    St. Jerome, Troy

For more information on the grant program for parishes, call Sullivan at (217) 698-8500 or e-mail him at .