The Diocese of Gary’s Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program is designed for two audiences:
- For those who are currently working or hope to work someday as lay ecclesial ministers in the Diocese of Gary. This includes but is not limited to service as a pastoral associate, liturgy coordinator, parish catechetical leader, Catholic School principal, youth ministry leader, director of pastoral music, and parish business manager.
- For those who aspire to the Diocese of Gary’s Deacon Program for which the Diocese’s Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program is a prerequisite.
Prospective participants apply for admission to the Diocese’s Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program while participating in the Introduction to Catholicism course.
The Diocese’s rigorous Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program is comprised of four components: five academic courses; monthly formation sessions; practica or service experiences in parish and diocesan settings; and two retreat experiences. The LEM program is 3 years (6 semesters) long.
Program Curriculum
- Academic Courses
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- Lay Ecclesial Ministry
- Old Testament
- New Testament
- Moral Theology
- Life in the Spirit: The Sacraments and Spirituality
- Formation Sessions
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- Prayer
- Diversity
- Theological Reflection
- Administrative Best Practices
- Ecumenism
- Balance in Ministry
- Practica/Service
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- Liturgical Service
- Faith Formation
- Charity
- Evangelization
- Social Justice
- Retreats
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- The Beatitudes: a Foundation for Christian Discipleship
- An Exploration of Calling
Admission Procedure
The next LEM cohort is scheduled to begin classes in September of 2024.
If you have any questions about admission to the Lay Ecclesial Ministry program or are in need of more information, please contact Fr. Leo Gajardo at lgajardo@dcgary.org