Certified Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program

What is a Certified Lay Ecclesial Minister?

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 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.

Characteristics of a Lay Ecclesial Minister

The sacramental basis of their ministry is based on the Sacraments of Initiation not the Sacrament of Ordination.

According 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

What does the formation for a Lay Ecclesial Minister Look Like in the Diocese of Rapid City?

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

Cor ad Cor Spirituality Program

The Cor ad Cor program involves a weekly small group meeting; participants commit to 20 minutes of daily prayer and receive formation on how to grow in prayer. Participants will be led through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius and Rules of Discernment. If it’s been over 5 years of completing Cor ad Cor we recommend going through the program a second time.

Veritatis Splendor Institute (VSI): Basic Certification

The Veritatis Splendor Institute (VSI) is a yearlong program that meets once a month on the first Saturday of the month. Students receive courses on the basics of the Catholic faith, participate in small group formation advisory sessions, and attend a weekend retreat.

Summer Online Courses through Franciscan Catechetical Institute

Participants will complete two summer online courses related to their ministry through the Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University.

Ecclesial Pastoral Formation Year

Students in this 3^rd year of formation gather one Saturday a month, September through June, from 7:30am – 5:00pm at Terra Sancta Retreat Center (please see the 2026-27 dates below). In addition to the Saturday formation days, students will attend either the Fall or Spring Vita Christi Retreat.

2026-27 Dates

Sept 11-12
Oct. 3
Nov. 7
Dec. 5
Jan. 9
Feb. 6
March 6
April 3
May 1
June 5