Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry - Testimonials

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