Lay Ministry Formation Program
The Lay Ministry Formation Program (LMFP) consists of men and women preparing for a career in lay ministry in the Catholic Church. Through various opportunities for spiritual and professional development, the LMFP serves to provide a formation program that is consistent with and reflective of the emerging theology of the “lay ecclesial minister.” The term denotes theologically prepared men and women, including vowed religious, who seek to serve the People of God in public roles of pastoral responsibility and leadership. These members of the laity have responded to the baptismal call to ministry and to the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, who enables them to blend their ministries with those of the ordained into a unity of service and mission in the Church.
The LMFP seeks to integrate theological study, ministerial experience and pastoral skills development into the spiritual formation of the student. Integrated human and spiritual development is a key component of the student's emerging identity as a public minister. To pursue these goals, the LMFP has established four areas of competency that provide directive and evaluative assessment parameters for the student and the formation director. The four standards—personal qualities, spirituality and prayer, ministerial identity and vocation, and minister as person in relationship— provide a comprehensive outline for the preparation of lay ecclesial ministers. Adapted to individual needs and to the particular developmental needs of each year of study, these four areas provide the categories that will be addressed within the varying strategies of the formation program.
At the center of the LMFP is the commitment to collaboration with those preparing for ordained ministry. The LMFP is dedicated to a vision of ministry that promotes complementary and collaborative relationships within the structure of the Church. To that end, the LMFP is deeply involved in the transformation of the Church and the world as this new movement of the Holy Spirit stirs many to recognize their baptismal call to serve the People of God in a wide variety of ways.
The LMFP provides a supportive environment for integration of all dimensions of the Master of Divinity Program. This integration occurs within the context of the students lived experience, present values and future goals. The program also fosters a sense of community among the students through a variety of activities.
