We encourage our Commissioned Lay Ministers to take part in the following activities. These activities are made available in response to your requests. They will help you grow in your ministries, to interact and renew friendships, enjoy spiritual enrichment, engage in faith sharing and discuss your ministerial experience with other lay ministers throughout the diocese and in your area.
Watch your bulletins, mail, e-mail and the North Country Catholic for the following events.
Keeping Us Up-To-Date:
IS YOUR ADDRESS CORRECT?
Please make sure that the office has your current 911 address. E-mail your correct address to Formation For Ministry: jgrizzuto@rcdony.org or mail it to us at PO Box 369, Ogdensburg, NY 13669. We will then update our records. Accurate records and having a correct e-mail address helps save money and you will receive our communications in time to take part in the many activities listed below.
Lay Ministry Sunday - Wear Your Pin!
Through bulletin announcements, Eucharistic Liturgy, or a light reception your parish acknowledges and thanks the contributions of the Commissioned Lay Ministers. It is a time for your pastor and parish to thank you for all that you do in your ministry.
Regional Gatherings:
There are times when you miss getting together with other classmates or lay ministers. This is an evening that takes place in your deanery. It can be a time to fellowship with others or it can include a pot luck meal and a speaker. It is up to the group. You will be informed of these meetings through the mail or e-mail. If you know of someone who is discerning a call to lay ministry, please encourage them to come with you.
Commissioning:
Volunteer to help at the Commissioning Mass. Be a greeter, a server at the reception, or help as a reader or altar server at the liturgy. If you are willing to help make this a most memorable time for the newly commissioned lay ministers, call or contact the program coordinator or the program secretary.
Workshops and Retreat:
I hope you are planning to participate in the workshops and the June weekend retreat. The workshops and the annual retreat are wonderful opportunities to reconnect with the other lay ministers from the diocese. It is a time to renew friendships, enjoy spiritual enrichment, engage in faith sharing and discuss your ministerial experiences. There are four workshops held in the 2nd year of classes and the annual retreat is held in June at Wadhams Hall, Ogdensburg. You will receive a mailing with registrations in plenty of time to plan ahead.
Evangelize:
Posters with brochures are sent to each parish. If you know of someone who is discerning a call to lay ministry, please encourage them to enroll.
Formation for Ministry
Advisory Committee Members
Catherine Russell – Chairperson
Each Term - 3 years