Formation for Ministry Program

Our baptism calls us to serve others in the Church and the Formation for Ministry Program prepares candidates to hear, discern and accept that call.  The two-year Formation for Ministry program prepares adults of mature faith to assist pastors to serve the needs of the church. It also serves as the first two years of preparation for the permanent diaconate.

The Formation for Ministry program provides education, ministerial training, field experience, and spiritual preparation for adult Catholics leading to certification and commissioning by the diocesan bishop in a specialized area of ministry.  The program prepares candidates to assist pastors to serve the needs of a parish or pastoral care area. The program also serves as the first two years of deacon formation.

Formation for Ministry also offers learning opportunities for adult Catholics who seek to learn more about their faith for their own personal enrichment. 

Candidates participate in a series of courses, workshops and retreats and work in ministry in their parish under the guidance of a designated supervisor. Completion leads to commissioning by the bishop as a Lay Ecclesial Minister in the chosen area of ministry (Catechesis, Liturgy/RCIA, Youth Ministry, Parish Business Administration, Pastoral Care, Family/Respect Life Ministry or Parish Service). Commissioned lay ministers are authorized to serve publicly in the local church in their area of ministry in collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons.
 
Courses are offered online over five, six-week sessions, from September through May each year. Students take one course at a time. Students who are unable to take a required course when it is offered, are able to substitute on-line courses offered through a partnership with the University of Dayton’s Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation (VLCFF – Link here). Retreats and workshops are in person at various times during the year.