Who are lay ecclesial
ministers?
"Lay ecclesial minister" is a generic
title that refers to those women and men who serve the Church in leadership
roles, such as RCIA team member, coordinator of bereavement ministry, director
of religious education, youth minister, coordinator of parish outreach. These
persons may be full-time or part-time ministers, volunteers or paid. Their
ministry may be focused on a particular segment of parish life or it can
encompass the total parish.
For whom is the diocesan program intended?
The diocesan program for lay
ecclesial ministers is intended for women and men who will assume leadership for
a segment of parish life. They will minister in collaboration with other members
of the staff in promoting the mission and vision of the parish community.
Persons who complete the diocesan program are prepared to coordinate a
particular ministry within the parish such as baptism preparation, care of the
sick, bereavement ministry, marriage preparation, parish outreach etc. The
pastor, in collaboration with the parish staff/team and in dialogue with the
program participant, determines the ministry to which the lay ecclesial minister
is called.
Who will select the participants?
The pastor in collaboration with the parish team/staff
selects the persons whom they feel will benefit from the program and who have
the potential to assume leadership for a particular ministry in the parish. The
parish sponsors the candidate and offers guidance and mentoring throughout the
formation process and discernment for ministry.
What does the diocesan program look like?
The formation program for lay
ecclesial ministers is a two-year program covering four semesters and totaling
130 hours. It includes theological content (theology of lay ministry,
ecclesiology, Christology, moral theology, scripture, ecumenism/inter-faith
relations), spiritual formation (days of reflection, journaling, mentoring,
etc.) and pastoral skills common to all ministries
(communications/listening, group dynamics, etc.).
Where are the classes held?
Classes are scheduled in each of the
four vicariates to make transportation as convenient as possible. The schedule
includes week-night and Saturday options.
What is the cost of the program?
The financial cost of the
program is the responsibility of the parish, the participant and the diocese.
Each parish contributes $100 per semester for each person it sponsors; the
participants pay $50 per semester and the diocese covers the remaining cost. Financial
assistance is available through the Alive in Hope fund for parishes or
individuals who cannot make the full contribution.
What will this program do for a parish?
The program provides parishes with
ministers who are capable of coordinating a particular ministry in the parish.
They will bring to that responsibility a foundation in theology, experience in
spiritual formation and the skills and competencies required by that
ministry.
How do lay ecclesial ministers differ from Parish Associates and Directors of
Religious Education?
Lay ecclesial ministers have limited
program responsibility and decision-making authority. They function in
collaboration with the parish staff.
How does a person join the program?
The pastor in collaboration with the
parish staff/team recommends the candidate to the Pastoral Institute by sending
the appropriate form. We send the candidate an application form and information
about the interview process.
Whom do we contact for further
information? The
staff of the Pastoral Institute can be contacted at (718) 229-8001, ext. 350 or
by fax at (718) 281-4290.
