The term lay ecclesial minister reflects "certain key realities: The ministry is lay
because it is service done by lay persons…The ministry is ecclesial because it has a
place within the community of the Church, whose communion and mission it serves, and
because it is submitted to the discernment, authorization and supervision of the
hierarchy. Finally, it is ministry because it is a participation in the
threefold ministry of Christ, who is priest, prophet, and king."
(Co-Workers in the Vineyard)
No, it is a certification program that offers scholarship assistance for
tuition, if needed.
No, it is not required but it is strongly encouraged. The formation that
leads to certification prepares you specifically for service in the local
Church—theologically, ministerially, and spiritually. Also, since certified
LEM’s are commissioned by the Archbishop to serve on his behalf in the pastoral
care of the Archdiocese, you are perceived as a competent and capable minister
by the Archbishops, priests and other pastoral leaders in the local Church.
There are several benefits to participating in Christifideles:
- Opportunity to get to know more about the Archbishop’s vision and priorities
for the Archdiocese and build relationships with Archdiocesan departments.
- Opportunity to pursue a graduate degree in theology and ministry with
financial support from the Archdiocese (if needed)
- Opportunity to develop your theological, ministerial and pastoral skills as an LEM
- Opportunity to build peer relationships with other LEMs in the Archdiocese
that can continue after completion of the program
"Companions in God's Service" is a certification program for LEMs that already
have a graduate theological degree.
As long as you are meeting the admission requirements from Seattle University or
the University of Portland, the Archdiocese can be flexible with the time needed
to complete the program. Specifics need to be worked out with the Christifideles staff.
You need to meet the course requirements for a MAPS or MAPM degree
(
MAPS requirements). Approval needs to be given
by your Advisor and the Christifideles staff.
Additional financial aid can be provided through your school’s Financial Aid
Office and/or the Graduate School itself. You must follow their financial aid
policies, including completing the FAFSA.
Certification does not guarantee a job in the Archdiocese. However, it can
strengthen your application packet.
At this time, there are no remote opportunities for classes. But STM is working
on piloting that technology with other programs. Christifideles staff will work
closely with them as this technology continues to develop.
The graduate programs are offered at Seattle University and University of Portland.
Participants earn a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS) degree at Seattle
University’s School of Theology and Ministry or a Master of Arts in Pastoral
Ministry (MAPM) degree at University of Portland.
Both are excellent academic institutions. Seattle University is a Catholic
University founded by the Jesuits. The School of Theology of Ministry offers
a variety of class schedules: weekly, evenings, weekends, and short intense
courses during the summer. STM is also an ecumenical school that provides a
dynamic and diverse context for theological and ministerial learnings.
University of Portland is a Catholic University founded by the Holy Cross
Religious Community. The School of Theology offers the MAPM program in
bi-monthly weekend format that takes place over three years.