Lay Ecclesial Ministry Formation PDF Print E-mail

DIOCESAN LAY MINISTRY FORMATION PROGRAM

The lay apostolate, however, is a participation in the salvific mission of the Church itself. Through their baptism and confirmation all are commissioned to that apostolate by the Lord Himself. Moreover, by the sacraments, especially holy Eucharist, that charity toward God and man which is the soul of the apostolate is communicated and nourished. Now the laity are called in a special way to make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can it become the salt of the earth. Thus every lay person, in virtue of the very gifts bestowed upon him, is at the same time a witness and a living instrument of the mission of the Church itself "according to the measure of Christ's bestowal". Lumen Gentium, 33

The Program is designed to provide formation for the Lay Apostolate by focusing on the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral elements of the call to holiness. It is an academic and pastoral formation program for Catholic laity interested in service to the Church and personal enrichment. The Program will assist laity in their life-long journey of faith formation by deepening their understanding and appreciation of the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church: scripture, theology and authentic spirituality. This process of formation seeks to develop their skills and abilities in order to become more efficacious signs of Christ's presence among all of God's people.

The participants will:

  • appreciate and understand more fully that they are called to and gifted for the lay apostolate by virtue of their baptism and confirmation;
  • be affirmed and grow in competence and confidence in their present ministries to and with others: the Church, their families, and the marketplace;
  • explore their personal gifts and how those gifts may be used in response to their baptismal call;
  • grow in their Catholic faith

 

Participants must be registered in their parish, provide a letter of recommendation from their pastor, commit to actively practicing their Catholic Faith, and agree to begin praying at least one hour of the Liturgy of the Hours daily as a part of their regular, planned prayer life.


The Core Curriculum of 150 Class hours covers a 2-year span which follows the academic year.
Courses offered:

Year I

Orientation 5 hours
Introduction to the Lay Apostolate 5 hours
Introduction to Sacred Scripture 20 hours
Christology 15 hours
Ecclesiology 5 hours
Church History 15 hours
Two Days of Recollection 10 hours

 

Year II

Councils of the Church 10 hours
Liturgy and Sacraments 10 hours
Life in Christ-- Part I
Catholic Moral Teachings		 10 hours
Life in Christ-- Part II
Catholic Social Teachings		 10 hours
Prayer and the Spiritual Life 10 hours
Lay Apostolic Work
Discernment
Theology of Ministry
Service in the Church		 15 hours
Two Days of Recollection 10 hours

There will be five sites for the 2010-2012 Program, pending a minimum number of participants: Arden, Bryson City, Hickory/Lenoir, Greensboro and Charlotte. Classes meet on designated Saturdays from 9:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. with an hour
for lunch. Sessions average about one every three weeks within the academic
year.

Costs are:

  • $40.00 Annual Registration fee (payable each year at time of
    registration)
  • $175.00 per year tuition (tuition is payable in full or
    various installments)
  • Books (varies but it will be about $65 per year)

If you are interested in the program, you may fill out the online application. If you prefer, you may download the printable application and mail it to the Office of Lay Ministry.

For more information, please contact:

Frank Villaronga, D.Min
Office of Lay Ministry
1123 South Church Street
Charlotte, NC 28203
Phone: 704-370-3274
Fax: 704-370-3291
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