Lay Pastoral Ministers
Lay Pastoral Ministers are volunteers who serve the Church in various ministerial roles. You will find them serving as RCIA team members, youth ministers, coordinators of parish outreach, bereavement ministers, and in many other positions.

Affirming the role of the laity in the Church, the United States Catholic Bishops in Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium (p. 24), have said: "For our part we bishops cannot imagine ourselves entering a new millennium, embarked upon a new evangelization, unless we walk side by side with our lay sisters and brothers. For together we stand at the threshold of a 'great venture, both challenging and wonderful a re-evangelization so much needed by the present world.'" (Christifideles Laici, no. 64).

Our lay formation program seeks to bring this vision to reality by preparing lay people for their ministerial roles in our parishes.

Sponsorship of Candidates
Parishes or diocesan agencies sponsor candidates for the Lay Leadership Formation for Ministry Program. These sponsors also mentor the participants during their formation and help them to discern future ministerial responsibilities. Parishes also make a financial contribution toward the cost of preparing the lay minister. Each candidate pays a nominal fee with financial assistance provided for those who need it.

Interested?
Information Sessions are held each spring to provide an overview of the program for interested persons. Parishes or potential candidates may also contact the Pastoral Institute at any time for information.