"The integration of spiritual, academic, and pastoral
development is at the heart of our mission."
Academic and Pastoral Formation for Ministry
The first two years of the Lay Leadership Formation for Ministry Program
focus on the major areas of Catholic teaching and belief: Lay Ministry, Theology of Church, Liturgy and Sacraments, Foundations of Moral Theology, Scripture, Christology, Ecumenism and Inter-Religious
Dialogue. Opportunities for the development of pastoral skills are offered during the third and fourth semesters. The program uses a variety of adult learning styles and strategies.
Classes for the academic component are held in various parishes and diocesan facilities. Participants may select evenings (7:15 PM - 9:15 PM) or Saturday mornings (9:30 AM - 12:30 PM).
At the beginning of the first semester, participants attend a Theological Seminar that introduces them
to a theological reflection process. An overview of the documents of Vatican II and their various classifications is also included in the session.
Spiritual Formation
In addition to the theological instruction, classes also include opportunities for prayer and faith-sharing. During each semester's Days of Reflection participants have time for personal and communal prayer, quiet time, and dialogue. Throughout the program we offer resources for
spiritual direction and retreats.
Mentoring
Each participant is assigned a mentor who is selected by the sponsoring parish. Ordinarily, the mentor is a member of the parish staff. Mentoring Guidelines provide a specific topic for the
meetings between the participants and their mentors.
Time Commitment
The entire program requires a commitment of 130 hours over four semesters. In addition, there is a four-hour synthesis seminar at the end of the fourth semester.
Commissioning
Having completed all requirements of the program, participants are commissioned as volunteer Pastoral
Ministers.
