It makes sense that the longest section of the document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord from the Unites States Conference of Catholic Bishops is dedicated to the formation of lay ecclesial ministers. Formation is a lifelong process for all the faithful. The bishops acknowledge that the principal agent of formation is the Holy Spirit, while the responsibility for ensuring competent lay ecclesial ministers is the duty of the bishop, as chief shepherd and teacher of a diocese. The purpose of this section of the document is to offer goals and guidance in developing models and programs to form lay ecclesial ministers.

Areas of Formation

The bishops name the four areas of formation as: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. These elements are used in training deacons and priests and can also provide the proper framework for forming of laypersons for church ministry. The standards for formation programs are to be determined by the needs of the diocese. The bishops do suggest, however, that partnerships between dioceses, academic institutions and other training programs will be beneficial, and assessment and evaluation are required throughout the formation process. Formators, those responsible for preparing candidates for ministry, must be competent in their disciplines and possess appropriate credentials. They are also asked to consider life experience, cultural milieu, and diversity when developing programs.

Let us briefly look at the four areas of formation. The area of human formation looks at the person as a physical, emotional and psychological being, spiritual formation includes the development of faith and holiness, intellectual formation deals with knowledge and understanding of the faith, and pastoral formation embraces the relational and practical aspects of ministry. Increasing growth, maturity and competence in all four spheres is necessary for proper formation. The keys to the process are balance, integration, and ongoing formation. The overall goal is to shape one into a well rounded and mature Catholic Christian, and to develop skills for ministry. The bishops round out the section with a quotation, “All formation is ultimately self-formation. ” The responsibility lies in ones openness to the Holy Spirit, and one’s own attention to proper formation as much as it lies in the hands of those charged with forming them.

Starting Points for Formation

There are many ways in which to approach the process of formation for ministry. Here are a few ideas to get started on the journey.

1. A helpful resource is the publication, National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers, originally developed by National Association for Lay Ministry, National Conference for Catechetical Leadership, and the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, and approved by the USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation. This publication offers a wealth of information including: vision statements, certification standards, core and specialized competencies, and codes of ethics that relate to lay ecclesial ministry. The specific areas of ministry covered are lay ecclesial pastoral associates, parish life coordinators, catechetical leaders and youth ministry leaders. This document, along with Co-Workers in the Vineyard, can give a picture of the types of formation needed for ministry.
2. For a listing of some academic programs that offer either certificates or academic degrees in areas of youth ministry and/or pastoral ministry, see the NFCYM website.
3. Check with your diocesan offices for information on the types of programs available through your diocese or through local academic institutions. For instance, in my Diocese of Youngstown, there are a variety of formational opportunities available both in formal certificate programs, and structured academic programs, as well as training days, mini courses, study groups, and networking /support groups. Differing levels of preparation are available in programs such as: Lay Ministry Formation Program, Christian Formation Program (catechist certification), and cooperative programs with Catholic universities both within and outside the diocese. Other offerings include opportunities such as lectures, days of reflection, retreats, library and media services, and consultations with diocesan staff. There is also encouragement to pursue ongoing formation through the support of professional organizations, such as NACYML, conferences, support groups, mentoring, personal study, theological reflection, spiritual direction, small faith communities, etc.

It is important to remember that discerning gifts for ministry, proper formation, and achieving competence is something that all persons in ministry should strive for. The pathways to lay ecclesial ministry are numerous and the process always in motion. Whether one is a volunteer or a paid employee, our best efforts at competence, wholeness, and ongoing formation help to further the professionalism of our ministries.
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Committee on the Laity of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource Guide for the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry (CVL) (Washington, DC: United States Conference of Catholic Bishops[USCCB], 2005) p.52.

CVL, p. 34-36.

Pope John Paul II, The Vocation of the Lay Faithful in the Church and in the World (Chrisitfideles Laici) (CL) (Washington, DC: USCCB, 1998) no. 63;John Paul II, I Will Give You Shepherds (Pastores Dabo Vobis) (PDV) (Washington, DC: USCCB-Liberia Editrice Vaticana, 1992) no. 69: CVL p. 53.

CVL, p. 52.