Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry - Testimonials

When I entered ILEM, I could not have known the joy I found in being so sure of God's call to serve Social Justice and Respect Life issues. I feel such gratitude for the tools given me to answer that call. I look forward to continuing my studies so I may better serve the community of God.
Susan Commini, Social Justice/Respect Life Coordinator, St. Gregory the Great, Hamilton

Through the ILEM Program I have been blessed many times over. I have met many new people. These people, both leaders and fellow candidates, have a love for God and for their ministries that radiates from them. These many rays have touched me and have helped me become more spiritual, knowledgeable, and more aware of the needs of my fellow parishioners. I have faith that I will now be better able to serve the parishioners of St. John Newmann in Mt. Laurel.
Helen Graziano, Director of Religious Education, St. John Neumann, Mount Laurel

Wherever this mission leads, I came here led by the Spirit and I will leave sent by the Spirit to serve the Church. Thank you for this unique opportunity to be formed as a laborer in the vineyard of the Lord.
Kathleen Egan-Bittner, Attorney, St. Pio of Pietrelcina, Lavalette

I deeply appreciate the solid spiritual, theological and academic foundation the ILEM program has been for my ministry. During the past three years I have had an awe-inspiring experience in personal growth. The most exciting realization lies in the fact that this part of my life's journey has just begun. I feel the Lord lifting me to heights I have never been before. Through my continual formation and discernment I have confirmed my calling to minister with the elderly. My heart is affirmed each time I see Jesus' face in the face of an elderly person to whom I minister. Chapter 6, verse 21 of Matthew's Gospel tells us: "For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be." The fruits of ILEM allow me to follow my heart and fulfill the treasures God has for me. .
Linda Lane, Minister to the Sick, Our Lady of Sorrows/St. Anthony, Mercerville

Participation in the ILEM program has made me even more proud and grateful to be a member of the Diocese of Trenton than I was before. Thank you so very much for the invaluable opportunity to participate in this program which so wonderfully affirms the place of lay ministers in our beloved Church.
Madelyn Tusay, Parish Accountant, St. James, Pennington

I am so thankful that I was given such a wonderful opportunity to participate in the ILEM program. I have grown and evolved in ways I never could have possibly imagined these past three years. I am prepared and ready to serve in the Diocese of Trenton. I have been so blessed and I am truly grateful to the Bishop for his vision and leadership.
Rosemarie O'Connor, Teacher (Middle School Religion Instructor), Trenton Catholic Academy

I am grateful to Bishop Smith for his support of a church community with increased participation of the laity, and for those who guided, prepared and supported me over the past three years. I humbly accept the privilege and responsibility of serving as a woman in ministry in the Catholic Church, and look forward to the surprises God has planned for me.
Kathy McBurnie, Pastoral Associate, St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands

The spiritual dimension of this process has changed my life. I am sharing my faith willingly and with great joy. I enjoy ministry now more than ever and believe I wil make a greater difference thanks to ILEM and the Holy Spirit.
Michele McCue, Pastoral Associate/Director of Religious Education, St. Anthony of Padua Church, Red Bank

Thank you for this opportunity to be in ILEM. The whole Process has helped me transition from a for-profit organization to Project PAUL. I have received so many gifts and blessings from ILEM and everyone involved. I will continue to serve God and my neighbor.
Lionel Menard, Executive Director, Project PAUL, Church of St. Ann, Keansburg

I am amazed at God's work in my life over these years of formation, and feel grateful for the blessing of ILEM. I pray I remain open to God's continued grace and blessing in my ministry, and always open to be and do and go wherever God leads. Thank you for this opportunity.
Mary Ann Papp, Director of Youth Ministry, St. Rose of Lima Church, Freehold

It is a great joy each time I meet with my fellow candidates and the ILEM program facilitators. Each time, I come away from our gathering enriched, either by being able to enhance my ministerial skills or to delve more deeply into my relationship with God. To be commissioned to the Lay Ecclesial Ministry of our diocese is so fulfilling, as I take my place among the ranks of people who have been led by God to a vocation in lay ministry.
Linda Richardson, Director of the Office of Family Life/Respect Life, Diocese of Trenton

I find courage and support in our Blessed Mother's fiat and I am ready to take the next step in answering this call from God, which is a fruit of my baptism - to serve the church as a lay person in the mission of Christ. In whatever capacity God's gifts to me can be used as his servant in Christ. Thank you for making ILEM a reality, which has guided me to a new level of spiritual and catechetical ministry.
Christine Scholtz, Adult Faith Formation, St. Jerome Church, West Long Branch