The Cathedral Chant School is working in conjunction with the diocesan Office of Divine Worship to present “Mass Inspiration: A Series of Talks on the Mass” at the Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 N.E. Madison Ave., Peoria.

All of the sessions in the six-part series, which will be held on Wednesday evenings, will begin at 8 p.m. Dates, topics and speakers include:

— Sept. 29: “Introduction to the Liturgy” with Msgr. Stanley Deptula, director of Office of Divine Worship and executive director of the rchbishop Fulton J. Sheen Foundation.

— Oct. 27: “Introductory Rites” with Father Christopher Layden, who holds a degree in liturgy and sacraments from the University of St. Anselm in Rome and is a member of the diocesan Liturgical Commission.

— Dec. 1: “Liturgy of the Word, Part I” with Father Paul Carlson, parochial vicar at St. Jude’s Parish in Peoria and chaplain at Peoria Notre Dame High School.

— Jan. 26, 2011: “Liturgy of the Word, Part II,” also with Father Carlson.

— Feb. 16: “Liturgy of the Eucharist, Part I” with Father Layden.

— March 30: Liturgy of the Eucharist, Part II” with Father Robert Lampitt, parochial vicar at St. Matthew’s Parish in Champaign and chaplain at The High School of Saint Thomas More, Champaign.

— April 20: “Concluding Rites,” also with Father Lampitt.

Organizers said the series offers an opportunity for people to explore the wealth of the liturgy as the Diocese of Peoria prepares to implement the new translation of the Roman Missal. Each session will delve into the symbolism and development of the Mass parts, as well as their spiritual meaning.

The talks are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the Cathedral Music Office at (309) 672-6447, ext. 22.