What is the Ecclesial Lay Ministry Formation Program?

  • An ELM class in sessionSaint Meinrad School of Theology, designed the ELM program to serve the needs of dioceses in the preparation of quality lay ministers for the Church. The purpose of ELM is to give the local church the assurance that their lay ministers have the best possible preparation in the areas of theological education, spiritual formation, and personal and professional skills development.
  • ELM is a comprehensive, four-year formation program that integrates academic, spiritual and professional skills. It aims at forming the whole person for ministry.
  • ELM is an adult learning program that is flexible enough to meet the needs of students at all educational levels. It aims at providing the diocesan ministerial community with a common focus and experience out of which to live their ministries.
  • ELM is a cooperative program. It not only provides crucial formation for ministry candidates, it also assists the local diocese in developing support networks in ongoing formation and mentoring.

Saint Meinrad believes that formation within Church ministries means developing quality relationships. ELM limits by design the elements of the program delivered by video or distance learning technologies.  Instructors meet with ministry candidates, demonstrating pastoral skills, building relationships, and serving as resource persons for the participants.

 

 

The Archdiocese of Indianapolis Online v2.0