Our baptism calls us to serve others in the Church and this program prepares candidates to hear, discern and accept that call. The two-year Formation for Ministry program is for women and men who are mature, people of faith who are willing to accept responsibility for ministry in the Church.
Courses are offered in Syracuse, Binghamton and Utica across five, six-week sessions, from September through May each year. Students who are unable to take a required course in their region 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 ). Retreats and workshops are offered at various times during the year.
Upon completion of requirements, candidates are commissioned by the bishop as Lay Ecclesial Ministers in their area of ministry. Commissioned Lay Ecclesial Ministers are asked to give three years of service to their parish or sponsoring institution.
Candidates complete an application packet in order to be admitted to the program. Candidates must be recommended by their pastor or the director of a diocesan institution. Tuition is paid by the parish, by the candidate, or shared by both.
Application Materials
Packet includes all required application materials, course schedules, and tuition information. Please print the application single-sided.
Am I being called to lay ecclesial ministry?
- What is lay ecclesial ministry? (PDF)
- Lay Ecclesial Ministry FAQs
- For more information, contact our office. To view related events, visit the diocesan events calendar.
Resources
Formation for Ministry Courses
Click here to view current courses
Register
-
Track 1 - Syracuse, Binghamton, all 1st Year students: https://bit.ly/2021-2022RegTrack1
-
Track 2 - Second Year Utica Students: https://bit.ly/2021-2022RegTrack2
- Online Learning