Latin Classes at St. John Cantius Church
Have you always wanted a deeper appreciation of our Church’s languages and heritage? St. John Cantius’ language classes offer a chance to begin or to continue your study of the language and history of the Church.
We offer a range of Latin classes through which you can develop from complete beginner to fluent reader of original texts. You can progress from the beginner class through to the advanced reading classes, or you can join at any point along the way if you already have some background in the language. Classes are one hour a week, so we move at a pace that allows you to learn whilst not interfering with work and / or other study commitments.
We focus on ecclesiastical Latin – the Latin of the liturgy, Jerome’s Bible, scholastic philosophers, papal bulls, and canon law – but the course will also set you in good stead if your interest is in classical Latin. Many of the texts we read in the advanced reading classes are from the classical age.
We usually run two semesters a year: A fall class from September through December and a spring class from January through June. Beginner classes start each September.
We also offer:
Occasional classes on various topics, including the popular ‘Latin of the Mass’ class which introduces the Latin of the Mass for those who may not wish to pursue formal studies in Latin.
A series of pre-recorded lessons you can use to teach yourself or to support other classes.
Our courses are designed for adults, but we do not impose a strict minimum age.
If you would like to be added to our mailing list, please email latin@cantius.org
The 2026 fall semester begins on September 13, 2026 and ends on December 13, 2026.
Most of our classes are offered virtually. Please carefully review the description below for each class.
REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT FOR CLASSES:
Please register and pay online through our payment platform https://pci.jotform.com/form/262364828467166
If you would like to join any class after September 13, please contact the instructor.
PURCHASE OF TEXTBOOKS:
Please see the description for each class for details of textbooks. Where applicable, please purchase your own textbook.
Classes will be held online.
Classes will be held on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Chicago time.
For more information contact Rachel Chinchilla rchinchilla@luc.edu
The cost is $50.00 for the class. Please purchase the textbook yourself before the first class. It is available from online retailers.
Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform https://pci.jotform.com/form/262364828467166
This is a popular class, and we encourage you to register early. If registration exceeds a comfortable class size we will add additional classes at the same time with additional instructors.
.jpg)
LATIN I: Beginner
Instructor: Rachel Chinchilla
Classes start Sunday September 13, 2026 and end Sunday December 13, 2026
This course is a first introduction to the Latin language. Without assuming any prior experience with Latin or any other foreign language, we will cover the most basic elements of Latin grammar, pronunciation, and vocabulary, using as our textbook Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin ISBN-13: 978-0813206677. While the content will be introductory and steady, students should expect to devote at least a few hours each week to reviewing the lessons and working through the exercises.
Active participation in class is expected and will be encouraged.
Latin II: Introductory Reading Fluency in Latin
Instructor: Richard Rodriguez
Classes start Saturday September 12, 2026 and end Saturday December 19, 2026
This course will be conducted completely in Spoken Latin with the aim of developing READING fluency. It is aimed at complete beginners but is also appropriate for those with a background in Latin who would like to improve their reading speed and instinctive understanding. Our textbook is Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata by Hans Orberg and the supplementary exercise book: Exercitia Latina I
.png)
The course will use standard Italian Ecclesiastical pronunciation, but it is absolutely no problem to use Reconstructed Classical pronunciation.
IMPORTANT (1): Students are expected to participate verbally and to be prepared to ask/answer questions and repeat phrases throughout the class sessions.
IMPORTANT (2): The course will make extensive use of the supplementary exercise book, since both written and spoken drills are crucial for developing the baseline familiarity that results in actual reading fluency.
Again, the class is appropriate both for complete beginners and for those with extensive Latin experience. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the instructor with any questions.
Classes will be held online via Zoom
Classes will be held on Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to 9.45 a.m. Chicago time.
For more information contact Richard Rodriguez RichieJRR@protonmail.com
The cost is $50.00 for the class. Please purchase the textbook and supplementary exercise book yourself before the first class. They are available from online retailers including -
Lingua Latina Per Se Illustrata by Hans Orberg
Supplementary exercise book: Exercitia Latina I
Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform here.
Latin III: An introduction to St. Thomas Aquinas
Instructor: Christopher Jones
Classes start September 13, 2026 and end December 13, 2026
The class will discuss the saint and his times, reading the Latin text from his masterwork Summa Theologica covering his five proofs for the existence of God.
The textbook is “Quinque Viae: A Student’s Aquinas: The Latin text of the Summa Theologica’s Five Ways, with introductions, commentary, and vocabulary”. The text is available online for free or for a token amount at Amazon.
.jpg)
This is a hybrid class: You can attend in person or you can join the class remotely.
Classes will be held on Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Chicago time.
If you attend in person, classes meet in the Academy of the Arts (the building to the right of the Church) in the Faculty Lounge. The doors will be opened 10 minutes before each class begins.
For more information contact Christopher Jones jonesc@shure.com
The cost is $50.00 for the class. Please download your own copy of the textbook.
Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform here.
You can also register in person at the Academy of the Arts immediately before the first class.
A Recorded Introductory Latin Course
Instructor: Richard Rodriguez
This is a recorded course that covers a full year of Latin and textbook exercises in separate 30-45 minute downloadable videos, allowing you to learn at your own pace or to re-review materials covered in other classes.
The textbook is Collins’ A Primer of Ecclesiastical Latin. The course covers Units 1-19.
The cost is $50.00.
Please register and pay for the class through our payment platform here.
Please email Mr. Rodriguez at RichieJRR@protonmail.com to let him know you have registered.
Registration for the course grants you the passwords to access the video links page for two years, as well as the opportunity to email the instructor with for clarification about the videos. You may register at any time, but please do note that we will change the video passwords at the start of each semester (Spring, Summer, Fall).
Students should purchase their own copy of the textbook.
IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A RESPONSE TO YOUR E MAIL, PLEASE CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER.