Reflecting on Lay Ecclesial Ministry,
Preparing for National Certification
First Course: April 16-26, 2012

Be Among the First to Apply!

“Lay ecclesial ministers, just like the ordained, need and deserve formation of high standards, effective methods, and comprehensive goals” (Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, 33).

Co-Workers "calls Church leaders, ordained and lay, to become more intentional and effective in ordering and integrating lay ecclesial ministers within the ministerial life and structures of our dioceses" (6). 

"This is an exciting opportunity to build on your ministry education and take the next step in your formation on a national level" (Thomas Ryan, Director of the Loyola Institute for Ministry, Loyola University New Orleans). 

"As a member of two of the national organizations sponsoring national certification as part of the Alliance for Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers, I am proud and excited about the potential this joint effort has for shaping the future of lay ecclesial ministry in the church. I hope all lay ecclesial ministers consider becoming certified sharing in this positive direction of ensuring quality ministry for our faith communities!" (Charlotte McCorquedale, Director of Program Development, Ministry Training Source. Click here for a podcast by Dr. McCorquodale)

Overview

In response to the newly-revised National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers and the national certification process sponsored by the Alliance for Certification (http://www.lemcertification.org), the Loyola Pastoral Life Center (LPLC) and Ministry Training Source (MTS) are collaborating to pilot "Reflecting on Lay Ecclesial Ministry, Preparing for National Certification," a two-course program that will assist lay ecclesial ministers (LEMs) prepare for national certification. These online courses will engage participants in understanding the certification process while helping them build portfolios and complete all the steps necessary to apply for certification.

The courses will be offered in an online format so you can prepare for certification no matter where you are and will lead you to earning 3 continuing education units (CEUs).  Should you decide to pursue further studies, your work in these classes will also substantially form your admissions application for the Loyola Institute for Ministry, one of the largest graduate and continuing education lay formation programs in the country. 

Disclaimer:  Certification is not guaranteed and is subject to review and award by the appropriate national organization.
 
Course 1, April 16-26
Discernment and Application: Through theological, spiritual, and pastoral reflection, LEMs will articulate how God has called them and continues to call them to ministry; they will do so through the development of a ministerial autobiography and other national certification application materials. Upon completion of the course, students will be prepared for the May 1, 2012 deadline for applying for candidacy in the certification process.  This course will include three sessions, involve approximately ten hours, and be worth one CEU and cost $60.

Three Sessions:
•    Session 1—Overview of Lay Ecclesial Ministry, Co-Workers, and National LEM Certification.
•    Session 2—Examining Ministerial Call and Experience by writing a ministerial autobiography.
•    Session 3—Discerning the next steps of the call. Completion of the application materials and process.
 
Course 2
Portfolio Development: This course is open to students who have become certification candidates and will guide them in developing portfolios necessary for certification. Through theological, spiritual, and pastoral reflection, LEMs will explore the practice of ministry and what it means to be competent in ministry. It will include six sessions, be worth 2 CEUs and cost $120.

To apply, please fill out this application and mail with a check for $60 made out to Loyola University New Orleans to:
Diane Blair
Loyola Institute for Ministry
Loyola University Box 67
New Orleans, LA. 70118

Questions about the program? Please email Charlotte McCorquodale at charlotte@ministrytrainingsource.org
Questions about application and registration? Please email Diane Blair at dblair@loyno.edu

For more information about Ministry Training Source, please see http://www.ministrytrainingsource.org/. 
For more information about the Loyola Institute for Ministry, please see http://lim.loyno.edu