Do you desire to know more about Scripture and Church teachings?

Are you searching for some help in your prayer life?

Remember and develop the unique gifts you have to share with others.

Enjoy the challenge to deepen your faith through the Lay Ministry Formation Program.

Dare to Come & Search

What is the Lay Ministry Formation Program?

The program is focused on forming Catholic men and women to live out their baptismal commitment in a profound and balanced way in their everyday lives. There is a strong emphasis on the integration of knowledge, spirituality and community.

What are the Aims of the Program?

1.  To deepen an understanding of the church.
2. To strengthen the ability to assess one’s own gifts and talents and  how these may be used in the service of the people of God within the family, workplace, community or parish.
3.  To develop the candidate’s spiritual life-commitment to Christ.
4.  To develop some skills and working knowledge in particular areas of service.

What Does the Program Offer?

1. Updated knowledge includes:  Scripture, current theology, liturgy, sacraments, social justice, spirituality, and recognition of our gifts.
2. Prayer, individual and common in both the traditional and creative forms, is given high priority, as is the community aspect of our weekend together.  There is the opportunity to participate in and share the experience of preparing various liturgical celebrations.
3. The process may be likened to a journey - a journey inward to know who we are and what we are called to be a journey outward to help build the reign of God through ministry.

Where and When is the Program Held?

The three year program, 9 weekends per year from October to June is held at St. Michael’s Retreat House, Lumsden, SK

Weekends begin Friday at 7:30 p.m. and conclude at 1:00 p.m.

We are now accepting new candidates to the Lay Ministry Formation Program for the 2011-2012 term. All Catholics, rural, urban, single, married, separated, or divorced are welcome to apply. Candidates are asked to make a commitment of one year at a time. An initial commitment does not indicate that one is obliged to participate in the course for the full three years or even for three consecutive years.

What is the Cost?

The cost of the program is largely subsidized by the Archdiocese of Regina. To help defray expenses for the weekends, the candidate and the parish are asked to contribute:

Candidate: $500.00

Parish: $500.00

*The yearly cost is subject to increase due to inflation.

A bursary fund is available to assist both candidates and parishes with program costs. For more information, contact the office.

2011-2012 Program

The program is designed to build upon your interest in learning and loving your faith and ministry. 

Some financial assistance is available to individuals or parishes who are unable to afford their portion of the fee.

If interested please contact your pastor or parish council. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Lay Ministry Office, Regina.  Applications are received up until the program begins in October to a maximum of 25 candidates. Early registration is appreciated. 

Candidate Reflections

“Another outcome of the Lay Ministry Formation Program was the development of my prayer life. Before I never really set aside a time each day for the Lord. When asked to do this during my first year, I found it difficult. But I persisted and now I find it is an important part of my day. It gives me a chance to get in touch with myself and my God. I have continued with my prayer companion. We meet once a month. This helps to keep me focused.”

“The three years in Lay Ministry have been a revealing, often painful, learning experience for me and has most definitely changed me and my life style. It has hopefully rubbed off on my family. I certainly advocate and encourage anyone considering this program. A great three years.”

“To minister to the marginalized I had to look at my own life style. My own life, after some reflection and prayer, I realized in some ways I’m as marginalized as the people we’re (I’m) all so ready to label as marginalized. To be able to minister to others I have to be ready to let go of my addictions, hang-ups, my smallness. We all have to be able to love and reach out like Jesus.”

Lay Ministry Formation Program Pins

New pins are now available to candidates and Alumni of the Lay Ministry Formation Program. The pins have a black background with an embossed gold LMFP symbol and are approximately 1/2 inch in diameter.

The cost of the pins are $3.00 each and can be picked up at the diocesan centre or they can be mailed to you. Please enclose $1.00 for postage and handling.

For more information please call Judy or Bonnie at the diocesan centre or leave a message with our secretary Louise Molesky at 352-1651