Adult Enrichment and Lay Ecclesial Ministry - Roman Catholic Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown

Adult Enrichment

Adult Enrichment helps adults continue to learn about their faith through short-term courses. With these courses, one gains a deeper understanding of their Catholic faith and how to merge it into family, work, and social life.

If you last received formal education in your faith in grade school or high school, these courses have been developed with you in mind. The outcomes are spiritual formation, a greater love of your faith, and the development of communication and leadership skills.
You are invited to choose any course of interest. Although you will participate in classes with individuals enrolled in our Lay Ecclesial Ministry formation program, you need not follow the same sequence of courses.

Lay Ecclesial Ministry

The Lay Ecclesial Ministry formation program seeks to form laity to assist in roles in their parishes through a formal catechetical structure requiring a commitment of two years. Through theological education, study, prayer, reflection, communication, and group dynamic skills, the “LEM” process affirms the gifts of the participants who want to glorify God and serve God’s holy people by fostering a deeper appreciation of the baptismal call of the faithful to service in the Church.
Participants who successfully complete the two-year formation process earn a Diocesan certification in Basic Lay Ecclesial Ministry. Those who continue for a third year in a specialized ministry track will earn the Diocesan Advanced Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certification. Specialized tracks include Christian Initiation, Liturgical Foundations, Hospital Ministry, Master Catechist, and Advanced Bible Study.