Over 400 laity have been certified for ministerial leadership in parish, diocesan and other Catholic ministerial settings since 1985.
In November 2005, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops approved and published "Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry" which acknowledges and affirms the place of lay ecclesial ministers in the life of the Church in the United States. This document also provides greater clarity to the roles fulfilled by lay ecclesial ministers and the essential elements of formation of persons, including vowed religious, who serve in these varied roles.
A “certified lay ecclesial minister” is someone “authorized” to serve as a lay ecclesial minister in the diocese by the Bishop of Cleveland.
Preparation for ecclesial ministry in the Diocese of Cleveland has four Formation components: Human, Spiritual, Intellectual and Pastoral.
The Diocese of Cleveland is dedicated to serving the mission of the Church. We welcome all questions via phone or email inquiry.
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