Introductory Session Sunday, 7 February, 1 p.m. at the Catholic Church of Saint Mary the Virgin (Anglican Use)

I'm delighted that at least a dozen parishioners at Saint Mary's have expressed enthusiastic interest in the Latin class (including one or two of those mysteriously-designated "advanced adolescents"). Before we begin regular class meetings, I will present an introduction to the course next Sunday at 1 p.m. to give everyone a feel for how we will proceed, to try to reach a consensus on the best time for the class to meet (several people have suggested Sunday afternoons, which would be fine with me). My intention is to accommodate everyone who is truly interested, if at all possible. Those planning to attend should gather at the conference table in the back room where the adult Bible study meets on Sunday mornings (does this room have a name?).

Here is what I plan to cover at that time. First, some necessary nuts and bolts:

• Required textbooks (see below)
• Optional supplementary materials available
• Possible times for regular class meetings 
• Tuition cost (this will be as low as possible, to compensate a little for your unemployed Latin instructor's travel and time)

Something more interesting, I hope:

• A quick overview of the importance and development of Latin in Western culture
• An overview of the method we'll be using to learn Latin
• If time and interest permit, we may get in a little practice beginning to practice pronouncing Latin, as well.

What I hope to accomplish in this preliminary meeting:

• A list of those who definitely wish to commit to the class
• An agreed upon time to meet each week
• Clarification of any questions, qualms, or quibbles from prospective students
• A date & time for our first class meeting
• Sustained enthusiasm for our new undertaking!

If there is anyone who wants to join the class but who will not be able to attend the meeting on Feb. 7, please contact me by phone or email to let me know of your interest. I will post any developments here on the class blog.