Equipping the Called
The Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certification Process is designed to ensure that appropriate formation is provided for all who serve the Church of Detroit at various levels, equipping many to build a joyful band of missionary disciples for many generations to come.
Lay Ecclesial Ministry certification in the Archdiocese of Detroit is established and conferred by the Archdiocese of Detroit Department of Evangelization and Missionary Discipleship (EMD), and administered by Sacred Heart Major Seminary (SHMS).
Attainment of Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certification does not provide any guarantee of employment at a parish or any other institution within the Archdiocese, nor does it provide any guarantee of compensation. It does acknowledge that a candidate has attained the standards and competencies consistent with an area and level of ministry.
Pastors, Administrators, Priests in solidum, principals and those charged with hiring staff should use these certification levels and standards as a guideline for evaluating and hiring staff, as a way of encouraging ongoing formation and development of staff and to promote pastoral excellence. However, this document does not supersede a pastor’s authority, nor does it prevent a priest or administrator from hiring someone without certification, hiring someone and making the attainment of certification in the future a requirement, or choosing to have their staff formed by other means.
Benefits of Certification
Benefits to Priests, Agencies, Institutions and Parish Communities
Certification benefits priests, agencies, institutions and parishes by assuring that each certified person has the appropriate intellectual and pastoral formation for the role they are seeking. This process also provides pastors and other leaders with a pool of certified leaders with specialized competencies.
Benefits to the Archdiocese of Detroit
The certification process offers the candidate the education, formation, and professional skills necessary to serve in a particular ministerial-catechetical role. This process provides an opportunity to grow and be prepared for the work of the New Evangelization as outlined in the pastoral letter Unleash the Gospel.
Benefits to Academic Institutions
The certification process enhances collaboration with academic institutions such as Sacred Heart Major Seminary and other accredited colleges and institutions where applicable.
Benefits to Lay Ecclesial Ministry staff and volunteers
Certification recognizes and validates the specific vocation of lay ministers. Lay ministers are recognized as well-prepared in their particular area of ministry. The process allows for self-reflection and discernment necessary for all in ministry.
