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.
Heart of Faith Course Registration
This class will be offered via ZOOM
Facilitator: Deacon Wally Zapotoczny
6 Weeks
Tuesdays: 6:00-8:30 PM
Aug. 11, 25; Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29
Registration Fee: $40
Required books for class
(Catechism of the Catholic Church can be purchased on Amazon)
16 Hours Continuing Education Hours
For any questions, please contact the Office of Lay Ministry/Adult Enrichment at (814) 361-2000
Heart of Faith is a six-week adult faith formation course designed to introduce
participants to the beauty, structure, and unity of the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
Rather than approaching the Catechism as merely a reference book, this course presents
it as a spiritual and doctrinal roadmap for understanding the heart of the Catholic faith.
Each session will explore one of the major pillars of Catholic teaching: the Creed, the
Liturgy, the Sacraments, the Moral Life, and Prayer. Participants will examine how the
Church professes her faith, worships God, receives grace through the sacraments, lives
the call to holiness, and enters into a personal relationship with the living God through
prayer.
Drawing from Scripture, Sacred Tradition, the Magisterium, the saints, and key
passages from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, this course will help participants see
the Catholic faith as one organic whole: what we believe, how we worship, how we live,
and how we pray.
The goal of Heart of Faith is not only to provide information about Catholic teaching,
but to deepen faith, strengthen discipleship, and invite participants into a more mature
and personal encounter with Jesus Christ and His Church.
New Testament Course Registration
This class will be offered as a ZOOM Class
Facilitator: Fr. Brian Norris
8 Weeks
Mondays: 6:30-9:00 PM
(except for 1 Wednesday class)
Aug. 3, 10,17, 24, 31; wed. Sept. 9, Sept. 21, 28
Registration Fee: $40
Required books for Class:
(Reading the New Testament in the Church: A Primer for Pastors, Religious Educators and Believers/New Testament Basics for Catholics)
Both books can be purchased on Amazon
16 Hours Continuing Education Hours
For any questions please contact the Office of Lay Ministry at (814) 361-2000
The Introduction to the New Testament course will introduce how the New Testament was formed, the Church’s instruction on interpreting the Word of God, and introduce key individual books within the New Testament to prepare students for further in-depth study in later classes.
Old Testament Course Registration
This class will be offered via ZOOM
Facilitator: Fr. Brian Saylor
(8 Weeks)
Thursdays: 6:45-9:15 PM
August 13, 20, 27; September 17, 24; October 1, 8, 15
Registration Fee: $40
Required book for Class: The Catholic Study Bible-3rd Edition
(This book can be found on Amazon)
16 Hours Continuing Education Hours
For any questions please contact the Office of Lay Ministry at (814) 361-2000
