Latin Classes

Beginners to Advanced
“The Catholic Church has a dignity far surpassing that of every merely human society, for it was founded by Christ the Lord. It is altogether fitting, therefore, that the language it uses should be noble, majestic and non-vernacular.”
— Pope St John XXIII
Pretty-line

A Sacred Language

Latin has been the official language of the Church for centuries. The Adelaide Latin Mass Community is pleased to make available Latin classes for all parishioners who would like to improve their competency. 
The following four classes are on offer :

Language of the Church

Beginners Latin

Beginners Latin attempts to teach the basics of the Latin language, focusing on the Latin used in the Liturgy. It covers how to pronounce Latin in the ecclesiastical manner and teaches vocabulary of grammar suitable for the comprehension (after several years) of the Vulgate New Testament and the Latin liturgical texts. The necessary grammar needed to learn Latin is explained as the course progresses and no previous knowledge is required. Printed materials are made available each lesson and there are no tests or exams.

The course begins in early February. Students will not be permitted to join after Easter due to the extensive amount of coursework covered, although exceptions may be made for new students with at least 1 year of prior Latin language study.

FAQs

No. Lessons proceed on the basis that students have only ever spoken English.

Yes, Latin is difficult, being an ancient language. Those who learn it, however, have done so by persistence not academic brilliance.

Latin can only be learnt by regular memorisation of case and verbal endings. If you are good at crosswords and word puzzles then Latin is for you. How much homework you do will affect how fast you learn Latin. If you find remembering things difficult then perhaps Latin will prove very challenging.
Classes for Beginners

More information

WHEN: Tuesdays 7:00pm-8:45pm (recommencing February 2023).
WHERE: The Holy Name Church Meeting Room.
COST: No cost.
AGE: Teenagers and above.
WHAT TO BRING: Notebook, pen and the handouts from previous lessons.

For Enquiries
Ross Davies

Ross Davies

Teacher
E. rodcrd[at]gmail.com

No registration necessary but please contact Ross Davies if you wish to join.

Language of the Church

Intermediate Latin I​

Intermediate Latin I follows on from Beginners Latin. This course involves regular revision of the grammar learnt in Beginners Latin and builds upon the previously learned concepts such as the Indicative, Imperative and Infinitive Moods with all their inflections. The course also delves into the use of the Subjunctive and introduces the translation of simple texts from the Liturgy and the New Testament. Texts and printed materials are provided.

The course begins in February. Students may join even if they have not completed Beginners Latin, although they must have learned the basics of Latin elsewhere.

FAQs

Yes, if you have learnt the basics of Latin elsewhere.

Yes, if you feel that would be useful.

Classes for Intermediate Latin I

More Information

WHEN: Tuesdays 7:00pm - 8:15pm.
WHERE: The Holy Name Church Meeting Room.
COST: No cost.
AGE: Teenagers and older.
WHAT TO BRING: Notebook, pen and the handouts from previous lessons.

For Enquiries
Ross Davies

Ross Davies

Teacher
E. rodcrd[at]gmail.com

No registration necessary but please contact Ross Davies if you wish to join.

Language of the Church

Intermediate Latin I​I

After completing Beginners Latin and Intermediate Latin I, students can progress to Intermediate Latin II. This course is aimed at those who have a well-developed grasp of Latin grammar, conjugations, declensions and commonly used tenses. Students will have the opportunity to read and translate texts used in the Liturgy, particularly the Gospels and the Psalms. At this level, there is some scope for students to suggest texts they would like to read. There are also occasions for more personalised instruction due to the small class size.

Texts and notes are provided before the class and students will be expected to do at least a minimal amount of out-of-class reading in addition to some homework. Classes are held on Wednesday mornings during the school terms.

If you would like to join, please contact Felicity Millerd. Those who are interested are welcome to come and observe the class before committing.

Classes for Intermediate Latin II

More Information

WHEN: Wednesdays 10:30am-12:00pm. Classes are not held in school holidays.
WHERE: The Holy Name Church Meeting Room.
COST: No cost.
AGE: : No age restrictions.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring the reading material/notes from previous lessons, and an exercise book and a pen. It may also be useful to store resources in a plastic folder. As this is a longer class, students are also welcome to bring coffee and snacks.

For Enquiries
Felicity Millerd

Felicity Millerd

Teacher
M. (08) 8336 5149
E. felicitymillerd[at]yahoo.com.au

Those who are interested are welcome to come and observe the class before committing.

Language of the Church

Advanced Latin

Advanced Latin is open for all those who have completed the previous Latin courses. This class mainly focuses on reading and translating works written in Ecclesiastical or Classical Latin, such as the second half of Virgil’s Aeneid and the Confessions of St Augustine of Hippo. Among the works covered so far are a selection of several poems authored by the major classical poets, in addition to the Eucharistic hymns of St Thomas Aquinas, a number of Psalms in both the Vulgate and the Psalterium Pianum versions, the Gospels, and the main hymns, sequences and collects of the Church.

The class meets every Monday during term times. Copies of the texts are supplied with background notes and each member takes a turn in translating. There is some grammatical explanation provided but the course is intended for those who already have sound knowledge of Latin syntax and grammar.

Classes for Advanced Latin

More Information

WHEN: Monday 10:30am-12:00pm, during the school term. Classes are not held in school holidays.
WHERE: The Holy Name Church Meeting Room.
COST: No cost.
AGE: : No age restrictions.
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring the reading material/notes from previous lessons, and an exercise book and a pen. It may also be useful to store resources in a plastic folder. As this is a longer class, students are also welcome to bring coffee and snacks.

For Enquiries
Felicity Millerd

Felicity Millerd

Teacher
M. (08) 8336 5149
E. felicitymillerd[at]yahoo.com.au

Those who are interested are welcome to come and observe the class before committing.