WE BELIEVE
that all Catholics are called to ministry by Jesus.
WE BELIEVE
that the Sacrament of Baptism empowers us as disciples to share in the priestly, prophetic and servant roles of Jesus.
WE BELIEVE
that all ministers in a leadership capacity, in the Diocese of Lansing, are entitled to have their gifts developed through theological study, spiritual reflection, and the nurturing of pastoral skills.
THEREFORE
The Diocese of Lansing Department of Formation, in collaboration with other diocesan departments, Siena Heights University and Loyola University Institute for Ministry, will provide opportunities for ministers, both commissioned and diaconal, of the diocese to prepare themselves to fully participate as effective Catholic leaders in the Mission of the Church.
What is Lay (Ecclesial) Ministry
A Lay Ecclesial Minister is:
- a fully initiated Catholic Christian
- formed, educated, and trained for ministry
- gifted for pastoral leadership
- entrusted with a stable public ministry by a competent Church authority
Lay Ecclesial Ministers serve in three areas of pastoral ministry:
- Religious Education/Faith Formation
- Liturgical Celebration
- Social Ministry
Lay Ecclesial Ministers are a diverse group, including:
- both men and women
- married, single, and consecrated single
- full-time salaried employees as well as part-time volunteers
- career professionals and those starting a second career
A Call to Service
A person called to ecclesial lay ministry should:
- be committed to living the message and mission of Jesus in an intentional way
- be a person of prayer committed to growth in knowledge and experience of the Catholic faith
- be involved in ministry in their parish, workplace or community
- have a desire to serve God through public ministry in the Church