Where Foster departs from most Latin teachers is his reliance on authentic Latin literature from Day One. He has never used a textbook, and varies reading selections from year to year. Father Foster is also a firm believer in spoken Latin. He provided handouts of some of the Latin authors he has used recently to teach students. Father Foster believes in using the entire range of Latin literature.
Students have dictionaries and grammars for reference only.
These include challenges involved in drafting encyclicals and other documents, expression of modern terminology and jargon in Latin, as well as problems resulting from lack of familiarity with Latin among modern-day clergy, which he claims is reaching crisis proportions. Following this was a session dealing with spoken Latin. Father Foster used a statement from Cicero to spark controversy and debate. The day was brought to a close by Latin Mass celebrated in the university chapel. The Mass was beautiful, complete with Gregorian chant, organ music played by Dr. Traupman, and Latin hymns.