Certified Lay Ecclesiastic Ministers Department
Training up lay ministers who are equipped in all four dimensions of formation in the Church—intellectual, spiritual, human, and pastoral—is the critical mission of the Certified Lay Ecclesiastic Ministers Department in the Diocese of Rapid City. The Department oversees a rigorous three-year formation program, designed to equip them for distinct service in the ministry of the Church. Recently re-vamped to better align with the USCCB document “Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord” and the needs and unique strengths of the diocese, the program currently has 15 individuals in the process of pursuing their certification as Certified Lay Ecclesiastic Ministers (CLEM). These individuals will be the first to begin the third and final year of formation that is part of the revised program in Fall 2026.
One important aspect of the new program is the ongoing formation hours required to remain active in lay ministry. This annual requirement helps existing lay ministers to continue prioritizing growth in their spiritual and ministerial lives. In the past year, approximately 60 CLEM completed their ongoing formation requirements by attending a variety of events and other opportunities. Events offered over the past year included the Refuel Conference for Religious Educators, Pastoral Ministry Days, Vita Christi Retreats, Deanery Days, Catechetical Kick-off, and New Catechist Orientation. A variety of topics were covered at these events, ranging from Catholic Apologetics, Parish Health and Dynamics, The Catechism, The Ecclesial Method, The Eucharist, and Spiritual Battle, to Catholic Mental Health/Anthropology, Finding Freedom, and Relationship/Identity/Mission, among others. Other opportunities for ongoing formation include classes offered through the Veritatis Splendor Institute, weekly small group meetings through the Cor ad Cor Spirituality Program, and online courses through Franciscan's Catechetical Institute. This wide array of offerings ensures that all CLEM can achieve their ongoing formation requirements.
Significantly, Sr. Sara Kowal, Director of the CLEM program, reported an increase in participation in the formative events and programs offered by the Department—activities she views as benefitting both individuals and parishes greatly. The Department is grateful for the financial support of the Black and Indian Mission Office and your prayers—both essential in support that activities that allow the Department to offer ongoing formation opportunities and prepare for the first offering of the final formation year that will begin in 2026.
