Standards for those Certified in previous versions of Certification
Anyone who was certified by the Archdiocese in a previous version of lay ministry certification prior to July 1, 2025, regardless of when they were certified or when that was set to expire, is considered to be certified and those certifications will expire June 30, 2028.
As of July 1, 2028, anyone certified prior to 2025 can apply to be newly certified under the new process. This may involve submitting new official transcripts of academic work and other documentation depending on the level and type of certification being sought.
Anyone who was certified by the Archdiocese in a previous version of catechist certification (20 Topics, Advanced Catechist Certification, On Fire for the Faith, etc) prior to July 1, 2025 is to be automatically considered certified at the Initial Level and does not need to be newly certified in the new process.
Certification Renewal Standards
As of July 1, 2025 Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certification for the staff, coordinator and director levels will be granted on a 5-year basis, with a renewal possible provided that the candidate applies for such renewal within 5 years of the expiration of their initial certification. Initial level certification does not expire and, therefore, does not require renewal.
The standard of renewal is demonstrated through ministry specific intellectual or pastoral formation totaling 2 academic credit/audit hours or 30 contact hours. Contact hours could include:
SHMS Courses (credit, audit or free online classes)
Mission Direct In-Services
Evangelical Charity Workshops and Gatherings
Cultural Diversity Workshops
Engaging the Young Church Conference
Sacred Heart Major Seminary Speaker Series
Archdiocese of Detroit Days of Reflection
Disabilities formation days
Unleash the Gospel Conference
Marriage and Family conferences and workshops
Catechist formation workshops, retreats, and In-Services
Archdiocesan Discipleship Formation/Youth Ministry Functions
Youth Ministry/Discipleship Formation Retreat
Evangelization courses Alpha, Acts XXIX, Life in the Spirit Seminar, Marriage enrichment, Encounter School of Ministry, etc.
Other equivalencies or exceptions would be reviewed by the SHMS Dean of the Institute for Lay Ministry.
Endorsements can be attached to the staff, coordinator and director levels of certification, and upon Certification renewal, 10 of the 20 renewal training hours should be specific to that ministry are required to maintain the endorsement. Endorsements can be added at any time for those who already have a prior or existing level of certification by the renewal of their existing certification.
For a detailed check list of the requirements for Certification Renewal CLICK HERE.
Who can be certified?
Candidates for certification renewal must meet the following qualifications:
- Attained a previous version of lay ecclesial ministry certification in the Archdiocese of Detroit.
- A fully initiated Catholic in good standing
- Someone currently volunteering or employed at a Catholic parish, school or organization IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF DETROIT under the supervision of a priest, principal, DRE or other delegated staff member
- Has a valid baptismal certificate, background check and completion of Protecting God's Children on file at the parish, school or organization at which they work or volunteer
- Has completed required formation and able to receive the required reference from supervisor
Certification Advancement Standards
Those who have been certified in the current or previous versions of Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certification in the Archdiocese of Detroit who wish to advance their level of certification should apply for advancement at the level for which they currently qualify by completing the Renewal/Advancement application process listed below. They will be required to demonstrate the criteria for that level according to the guidelines in Appendix 1.
Equivalencies
Equivalencies for any standard or element of certification at any level can be granted by the Dean of the Institute for Lay Ministry at Sacred Heart Major Seminary prior to or during the application process for certification. Those who wish to have equivalencies reviewed prior to applying for certification can email the SHMS Registrar Office at: [email protected] or call 313-883-8512 to begin the process.
