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.
The Diocese’s rigorous Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program is comprised of four components: six 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.
The Lay Ecclesial Ministry program is offered in both Spanish and English tracks.
The first class (introduction to Catholicism) will be offered either in-person or online (synchronous). However, the following classes, formation sessions and retreats will be in person.