The Lay Ecclesial Minister

A “certified Lay Ecclesial Minister” is someone who has been formally accepted into the diocesan certification process, completed successfully all aspects of formation, and who has been “authorized” to serve in the diocese, as a Lay Ecclesial Minister, by the Bishop of Cleveland.

The service of a Lay Ecclesial Minister characterized by:

• Authorization of the hierarchy to serve publicly in the local church;
• Leadership in a particular area of ministry;
• Close mutual collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons;
• Preparation and formation appropriate to the level of responsibilities that are assigned to them.” (Co-Workers in the Vineyard, page 10)

How do I know if I am called to Lay Ecclesial Ministry?

The call to Lay Ecclesial Ministry is a gift from God that is discerned by the individual in conversation with their parish priest, other ecclesial ministers, their spiritual director and the Church. The Diocese Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry  serves as part of the discernment once other, more personal, conversations have occurred. These discussion will help to identify specific characteristics that may assist in the process of discernment. These qualities need to be evident in the individual as they seek application to the Diocesan Certification Process and will be further developed during formation.

Essential characteristics of a Lay Ecclesial Minister

• Be a fully initiated member and/or in full communion with the Catholic Church for at least 5 years
• Posess a willingness to serve the mission of the Church joyfully and faithfully within the hierarchical communion
• Strong commitment to consistent personal prayer and frequent participation in the Eucharist and other Sacraments
• Emotional maturity in sustaining personal and professional relationships
• Stability in their home and personal life,
• Desire to grow and change in response to formational input and to seek assistance when needed
• Experience in ministry and demonstrated ability to take initiative, lead, train, motivate, and collaborate well with others in a ministerial setting
• Interest in studying theology in a consistent and demanding way
• Ability to implement what has been learned; relating theory to practice and academic study to active service
• Define and achieve personal goals in a timely fashion
• Differentiate one’s self from one’s ministry