LAY MINISTRY OUTREACH FORMATION PROGRAM
AIM
To provide training and support for those called by their pastor/parish community to ministries of Catholic leadership and service within the parish; to nurture the participants' spiritual lives as they seek to deepen their relationship with Christ and respond from a faith perspective to the challenges of our world today; to provide a solid, practical foundation in Catholic teachings, scripture and spirituality; to enhance participants' ability to reflect theologically and critically on their own experiences of ministry and the Catholic Christian life; to provide an environment that respects the diversity and complementary of vocations and states of life, of ministries, of charisms and of responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS
To be considered for admission to the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program, applicants are to be supported by the Pastor/administrator or delegate. They must then complete application and offer references. There are numerous criteria used to assess candidates. They include personal stability, community support, spirituality, openness to change and personal growth, and desire for experience and service; experience or desire to serve in some aspect of parish outreach ministry, normally on a volunteer basis; time, energy and commitment to complete ALL sessions; ability to listen and relate to others in a small group setting; a willingness to be of service in a specific parish/institution ministry upon completion and certification.
TIME FRAME
A two-year program with a minimum of four Saturdays plus a retreat weekend each year. Saturday sessions begin with registration at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m. A yearly schedule of dates, times, courses will be provided.
LOCATION
Sites will be located throughout the diocese where adequate accommodations and facilities can be obtained. A central location will be scheduled.
SPIRITUAL FORMATION
Lay Ministry Outreach Formation, rooted in spirituality, gives participants practical opportunities for spiritual nourishment through prayer experiences, mentoring, group interaction, and two weekend retreats. Participants are encouraged to choose a mentor (spiritual guide, companion, etc.) as part of his/her ongoing formation.
EDUCATIONAL FORMATION
Pastoral in nature, the classes combine the theological content with practical application to the participant's ministry and life experiences. Provides basic background for the various ministries found in most parish settings.
DISCERNMENT/AVAILABILITY
The program helps the participants explore their call to ministry and identify their gifts/goals. Pastors, mentors, instructors, and Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program staff may offer assistance and guidance to the participant. The office staff of Lay Ministry Outreach Formation will be available at any time to assist participants in their journey through the two-year program. Participants are encouraged to ask questions, share concerns and give feedback regarding their formation in this program.
LEARNING MODEL
Sessions employ adult education principles which respect critical reflection, human experiences and participant's input. Instructors and facilitators play a significant role in this learning model. They include prayer, presentation, small and large group discussions as part of the class design giving participants opportunities to draw implications for their ministry and personal lives. Each class may entail some preparation.
ATTENDANCE
Participants are required to attend ALL sessions and the two weekend retreats. In case of illness or emergency, it is the participant's responsibility to contact the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office regarding the need to make up the session missed to be eligible for certification.
CERTIFICATION
Upon successful completion of the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program, participants will receive a certificate of completion. Requirements include attendance at ALL class sessions and retreats. If unable to attend a session because of illness or emergency, it is the participant's responsibility to obtain a video tape of the session through the Bishop Hammes Center for Religious Education & Youth Ministry. After reviewing the tape, the participant must write a 1-2 page summary and submit it to the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office within a month's time in order to receive certification.
COST
Total cost for the two-year Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program is $250.00 a year. Half of the tuition is paid by the Lay Ministry participant and half by the sponsoring parish.
Participant
$ 70.00 each year - (4 six-hour Saturday classes)
$ 55.00 each year - (weekend Retreat)
$125.00 (Total participant each year)
Sponsoring Parish
$ 70.00 each year - (4 six-hour Saturday classes)
$ 55.00 each year - (weekend Retreat)
$125.00 (Total parish each year)
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS/ASSISTANCE
Tuition includes all courses, retreats, instructor fees and meals that are part of these activities. Payment of tuition is normally in full at the beginning of each year and is not refundable. Billing statements will be sent to participants & parishes after the first class. Payment is not to be made at weekend classes but should be mailed to the Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office. The Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office will assist participants who need financial aid to locate possible sources for such aid.
OPPORTUNITIES/BENEFITS FOR LAY MINISTRY COMPLETION
As a result of supporting a person who has successfully completed the entire program, a parish and the diocese will benefit in the following ways: have knowledgeable and skilled persons in specific areas of ministry who can lead and coordinate particular parish ministries; have persons who can assist the pastor and parish staff in bringing service to the people of the parish; have persons who can become a resource for the parish community.
Completion of the diocesan Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Program does not qualify for or oblige participants to go into formal salaried church ministry, i.e., pastoral associate, D/CRE. For these positions participants normally must seek further education consistent with the guidelines and qualifications set up by the diocese. The Lay Ministry Outreach Formation Office is available for consultation and guidance in this regard.
Opportunities for further education are available through Advanced Instruction in Ministry (AIM) classes. Watch the Catholic Herald for class announcements.