To assist teachers and directors of religious education as they prepare to welcome students back to class, the diocesan Office of Catechetics is offering a Catechetical Conference on Saturday, Aug. 6. It will be held at the Spalding Pastoral Center in Peoria.

“We are looking forward to the conference as it is the first time we have moved it from the three-day Summer Institute,” said Dr. Vincent McClean, director of the Office of Catechetics.

The gathering will begin with prayer at 9 a.m. and end with prayer at 3:30 p.m. In between there will be workshops by grade level — kindergarten to grade two, grades three and four, grades five and six, grades seven and eight, and confirmation.

“Each catechist will receive a packet outlining a concise version of the diocesan curriculum guide, along with the major themes to be stressed at each grade level,” according to McClean. “The packets will also contain extension materials for catechists to use with their classes.

The goal is to give them a sound theological foundation for their students and offer the tools they need to teach the essential principles of the faith, he explained.

The conference includes a session about the Mass and the changes to the liturgical texts that are coming as a result of the new translation of the Roman Missal. The presentation that the catechists will hear is designed to be used in parish and CCD programs.

In addition, publishers will be available to exhibit their products and offer workshops.

The conference fee is $20, which includes lunch. Advance registration is requested.

To register, send a check along with your name, complete address, phone number and e-mail address to Roberta Gifford, Office of Catechetics, 419 N.E. Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603. Please make checks payable to Office of Catechetics.

For more information, call the office at (309) 671-1550.