Lay ecclesial ministers to be commissioned

Friday, Jul. 28, 2023

Blessed Sacrament Parish

Ministries: Restorative Justice Ministry

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister: Certification as a Lay Ecclesial Minister to me means that my diocese conforms that I have completed a formation involving theology, spirituality and leadership and they trust me to represent the Catholic Church and to minister to those inside and outside the Catholic faith. I will continue to serve in the ministry of restorative justice because I enjoy being part of their journey in the body of Christ.

St. Olaf Parish

Ministries: RCIA, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharistic, Knight of Columbus, Diocesan Art & Architecture Committee, Hospital Communion Service

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister: As a Lay Ecclesial Minister, I expect to be a better bridge between God and our community, especially those in need. The LEM program has given me a deeper understanding of our faith and brought me closer to God.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Ministries: Jail Ministry, Lector, Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister: To quote an abbreviated definition of “minister” that seems to me fits the goal of this program: “A minister is a person authorized by a church or other religious organization to perform functions such as teachings of beliefs; leading services; or otherwise providing spiritual guidance to the community.” Susan Northway said it best: “Todd, you are going to know!” She was right! Certification validates that I may speak with some authority about Catholic theology, tradition and history. The course went beyond “scratching the surface.” I hope to be as accurate as possible when discussing details of our faith. This “certification” has intensified my beliefs and confidence in our good Church and myself.

St. James the Just Parish

Ministries: Echo formation assistant, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister: Being in the Lay Ecclesial Ministry program has increased my faith, opened my mind and transformed my heart. As a commissioned LEM, I will continue the journey of listening and following the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I have a love for ministries where our faith is taught, evangelization is a priority and belief strengthened in our homes, parishes and the broader community. I want to grow in faith, share what I have learned and with the help of God, be a better witness to his love, mercy and grace for the Body of Christ.

St. James the Just Parish

Ministries: Director of Religious Education

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister:

Being commissioned as a LEM gives me confidence in my role as a new director of religious ed at St. James the Just. Although, my background is in theology, having the practical and academic training in pastoral and ministry work gives value in my faith journey. When I started the LEM program, I was not sure where it would lead me nor how it would give me direction in helping spread the gospel and working for the kingdom of God. I thought it would be a way to grow spiritually for my own personal growth. The Holy Spirit continues to work in and through me, and I am pleasantly surprised with the transformation that is happening not only with me, but with everyone in my cohort. This was the biggest gift that I have received being part of LEM cohort #4, gaining a spiritual family that will forever be part of my faith journey.

St. Martin de Porres Parish

Ministry: Director of Campus Ministry

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister: My ministry started as a resident at St. Catherine’s Newman Center while attending the University of Utah, where I got involved in music ministry; at St. Catherine’s for almost 30 years, and now at St. Martin de Porres. I have taught religion for 16 years, mostly in the middle school at St. Vincent de Paul Parish School. While there, I helped coordinate prayer and retreats for staff, students and families, planned liturgies, and helped to develop the faith formation programs for that community. I am excited to start in August as the Director of Campus Ministry at Judge Memorial Catholic High School, where I will minister to the students, staff and families of my alma mater.

St. Francis of Assisi Parish

Ministries: Eucharistic Ministry, Lector, Knight of Columbus, Jail Ministry, Parish Council, Cantor and chaplain for two police departments, Orem and Lindon City

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister: It means that I have taken one more step toward honoring my baptism and being a warrior for God. We can never know enough about the Lord unless we give ourselves permission to learn and that is what these last four years have been about for me. This certification means that I was willing to put in my time, but more than that, it tells me that I am willing to put my life on the line for God’s people and hopefully lead or give them a lane to get more involved with God and faith. I don’t know any other way to promote the word of God, other than lead by example, serve God by being involved and loving all. Giving back is a very small way for me to honor all that the Lord has done for me; it is just a start in my journey with God. I know this may sound like a cliché, but God, family, country, and in the words of one of my cohort, Bill, ‘without exceptions.’ God bless us all. Amen. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Our Lady of Lourdes Parish (Salt Lake City)

Ministries: Eucharistic Minister, Parish Council

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister: The journey to becoming a lay minister has been a sacred journey. We have discovered God-given charisms and gifts in ourselves which we did not know we had. We step forward to share God’s love and presence with our brothers and sisters in service to our faith, community and humanity. Our world and church are facing challenge and change; our laity has much to offer, and we look forward to saying “Yes Lord, we will follow you where you call.” Being a Lay Ecclesial Minister invites us to become the men and women that God calls us to be.

St. James the Just Parish

Ministry: Volunteer at large to support the growth of new leaders in the parish

What it means to be a Lay Ecclesial Minister: The LEM has given me new tools for my ministry and enables me to guide others in their respective ministries more knowledgably. I currently am a lector, usher and Eucharistic Minister as needed while finding ways to advocate for an understanding of science and faith that enhances both.