By Lenorr Snyder

According to the USCCB document “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,” a lay ecclesial minister is someone who is authorized by the hierarchy to serve publicly in the local Church; who has leadership in a particular area of the Church; who has close mutual collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests and deacons; who has preparation and formation appropriate to the level of responsibilities assigned to them. The roles of a lay ecclesial minister are many and varied, but ultimately it implies a distinct service in the ministry of the Church.

Because lay ecclesial ministers are often tasked with leading and forming other lay faithful, it is essential that they have appropriate formation. The code of Canon Law states:

“Lay persons who devote themselves permanently or temporarily to some special service of the Church are obliged to acquire the appropriate formation which is required to fulfill their function properly” (Canon 231).

For this reason, the Church gives certain guidelines and recommendations for this formation. Based on these guidelines, the Diocese of Rapid City has crafted an initial formation program for certified lay ecclesial ministers (CLEM) based on the four areas of formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral. They are also required to receive ongoing formation to remain active in their ministry.

“To set high standards means both to provide a thorough basic training and to keep it constantly updated. This is a fundamental duty in order to ensure qualified personnel for the Church’s mission.” — St. John Paul II

The sacramental basis of their ministry is based on the Sacraments of Initiation, not the Sacrament of Ordination. Characteristics of a Lay Ecclesial Minister include:

According to the USCCB’s document “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,” the characteristics proper to a lay minister are as follows:

• Habitual prayer enriched by Scripture and Liturgy
• Knowledge and adherence to Church doctrine in teaching and discussion
• Respect and appreciation for the Traditions of the Church
• Regular celebration of the Sacraments, especially Eucharist and Reconciliation
• Participation in one’s parish community
• Ability to direct others in service
• Mature humanity — chaste living according to vocation; mature emotional balance and healthy affectivity; critical thinkers; manage stress well.
• Willingness and ability to engage in disciplined study, including academic and ecclesial subjects

The initial formation program for certified lay ecclesial ministers is as follows:

• Cor ad Cor Spirituality Year Completion
• Veritatis Splendor Institute Basic Certification
• Summer Online Courses through Franciscan Catechetical Institute
• Ecclesial Pastoral Formation Year

We encourage you to visit the diocesan website for more information and to apply.

You can reach us at:
Sr. Sara Kowal, SCTJM
Director of Pastoral Ministries and Faith Formation
Skowal@diorc.org
605-343-3541, X2243

Lenorr Snyder VSI, CLEM
Cor ad Cor/Programs & Events Coordinator
lsnyder@diorc.org
605-343-3541, X2234