As the new year begins it brings with it a host of programs and roundtable discussions in the “Let My People Come” series.

Planned by Dr. Vincent McClean, director of the diocesan Office of Catechetics in conjunction with the six regional directors of religious education, the continuing education offerings began last fall and will continue through October. Everyone, whether or not they are involved in a parish religious formation program or RCIA process, is welcome at any of the sessions.

There is no charge to attend, according to McClean.

Following is information about the programs being offered in January, February and March:

— Thursday, Jan. 13, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., St. Paul’s Motsett Center, 1303 N. Walnut, Danville. A sacramental roundtable discussion is planned.

— Thursday, Jan. 20, 7 p.m., St. Columba’s, 122 W. Washington St., Ottawa. Regional director of religious education Alan Anderson will discuss “Cultivating a Grateful Heart — the Seven Gifts.”

— Thursday, Jan. 27, 6:30 p.m., St. John the Baptist, 1416 Third Ave., Rapids City. Father Steve Loftus, pastor, will offer an explanation of the Mass, including information about vestments and sacred vessels.

— Thursday, Feb. 10, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Spalding Pastoral Center, 419 N.E. Madison, Peoria. The group will view and discuss Father Robert Barron’s DVD, “Seven Deadly Sins, Seven Lively Virtues.”

— Monday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., St. Valentine’s, 1109 Pulaski St., Peru. Father Don Roszkowski, pastor of St. Mary’s in Metamora, will present “Spirituality for Catechists.”

— Thursday, March 3, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., St. Philomena’s, 3200 N. Twelve Oaks Drive, Peoria. An evening for catechists is planned and the theme is “Using the Bible for Lent this Year?”

— Friday, March 11, 5:15 p.m., St. Patrick’s Church of Merna, 1001 N. Towanda Barnes Road, Bloomington. Father Brian Brownsey, director of vocations for the Diocese of Peoria, will offer an explanatory Mass.

— Thursday, March 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Holy Cross, 405 W. Clark St., Champaign. A First Communion roundtable discussion is planned.

— Thursday, March 24, 6:30 p.m., Cleary Hall of St. Anne’s Church, 555 18th Ave., East Moline. Tim Roder, director of the diocesan Office of Marriage and Family, will present “Life Issues: Reasonable Answers to Crucial Questions.”

— Thursday, March 24, 7 p.m., Immaculate Heart of Mary, 2401 N. Broad St., Galesburg. “Priesthood and Religious Sisterhood, Celibacy and Virginity” will be addressed by Father Tony Trosley, pastor in Nauvoo, Dallas City, Carthage, Warsaw and Hamilton.

— Tuesday, March 29, St. Michael the Archangel, 801 Lundy St., Streator. Dr. Vincent McClean will lead a discussion of “Best Practices.”

For more information on these or any session in the “Let My People Come” series, call the Office of Catechetics at (309) 671-1550.