Baptismal Call
Diocesan Certification Program
The goal of the Lay Ministry Formation program of the Diocese of Raleigh is two-fold:
- To train volunteer ministers for parishes who will respond to the diocesan goal of continued service to a growing Catholic population with a diminishing number of religious and clergy.
- To offer all adults in our parishes training which will enable them to live out their baptismal call to ministry in their day to day lives.
In order to provide adults with a broad background in the study of their faith, there are six core courses in the Lay Ministry Formation Program:
- Catholic Identity: Foundations for Adult Faith
- Prayer and Spirituality
- Leadership and Communication
- Understanding Sacred Scripture
- Sacraments and Worship
- Christian Moral Life
Core courses are offered at parish sites throughout the Diocese. No special educational background or experience is required. Those who wish to pursue certification can obtain an application through the Office for Lay Ministry at the start of their first course.
Certification candidates:
- Must meet with and be recommended by their pastor/pastoral administrator
- Commit to two years of service in their parish
- Attend all sessions
- Write a two-to-five page reflection paper for each course
- Take part in the ministry formation mentoring program.