ILEM - Frequently Asked Questions

Is God calling YOU to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister?

Who is a Lay Ecclesial Minister?

A Lay Ecclesial Minister is a lay man or women whose ecclesial service is characterized by:

• Authorization of the hierarchy to serve publicly in the local church
• Leadership in a particular area of ministry
• Close mutual collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons
• Preparation and formation appropriate to the level of responsibilities that are assigned to them

(Taken from the 2005 USCCB document: Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord:
A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry)

How do I prepare to become a Lay Ecclesial Minister?

The Diocese of Trenton has established within the Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry, a 3-year program for the formation called ILEM-Traditional. This program consists of Spiritual, Human, Intellectual and Pastoral formation. Candidates journey as a cohort through formation. Upon successful completion of the requirements of the Institute, candidates will receive a Diocesan Certificate of Completion and may be commissioned for ministry by the Bishop of Trenton.

What are the prerequisites for application to ILEM?

• Discern a call to minister to the People of God in our diocese
• Be a practicing Catholic in full communion with the Church
• Show significant leadership in ministry
• Be committed to unity while being open to diversity in the Church

Can I complete the program if I am also working full time?

Yes. ILEM has been designed with the adult learner in mind. Courses are offered on weekday evenings or on Saturday mornings. The other elements of the program are equally accommodating to the working adult.

Is there a formation option for me if I really can't complete all that ILEM requires in the 3-year timeframe?

Sure. Within the Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry, there's ILEM-Extended (5 Year Plan) - If you seek formation for ministry but your life circumstances require that you be afforded greater flexibility in completing ILEM requirements, ILEM-Extended is for you. You will be guided to create an individualized schedule (apart from any cohort). Further, you'll be given up to five years to complete ILEM requirements - which are identical to those for ILEM-Traditional.

What if I already have the education, formation and training offered by ILEM, but I still desire Commissioning?

You may prepare for Commissioning through ILEM-Bridge, intended for candidates who have earned/will soon earn an MA, have five consecutive years of service in ministry (at least 3 in the Diocese of Trenton), and have pastoral skills training as well as significant spiritual formation.