Presented byPresented byDr. Charlotte McCorquodaleDr. Charlotte McCorquodaleMinistry Training SourceMinistry Training Source

National Certification Standards

&Process

for Lay Ecclesial Ministers

The Alliance for the CertificationThe Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers of Lay Ecclesial Ministerswww.lemcertification.orgwww.lemcertification.org

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Where are you from and what type of

ministry do you do on behalf of the

Church?

In your experience, what is one of the most important

issues that needs to be addressed by the Church regarding lay ecclesial ministers ?

What is one thing you hope we discuss regarding national

certification?

What questions do you have What questions do you have about being nationally about being nationally

certified?certified?

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Purpose of Today’s Purpose of Today’s WorkshopWorkshop

Provide an overview of the new national certification process and national standards.

Share the context for understanding national certification by the Alliance including a brief history and review of terms.

Reflect on the role that certification plays in the development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry.

Answer questions about national certification.

19621962 Vatican IIVatican II

1980 1980 Called & Gifted Called & Gifted

19991999 State of the questionsState of the questions

20052005 Co-workers in the vineyardCo-workers in the vineyard

20112011 National CertificationNational Certification

20252025 What is the future of LEM?What is the future of LEM?5

“It calls Church leaders, ordained and lay, to become more intentional and effective in ordering and integrating lay ecclesial ministers within the ministerial life and structures of our dioceses.”

From Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord

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Worthy GoalWorthy Goal““A Culture of A Culture of Competence” Competence”

(Not (Not Certification)Certification)

Certification is not an “end” unto itself, but a means directed at the “end” of

ensuring faithful, effective and fruitful ministry with God’s people.

The Alliance for

Certification of Lay

Ecclesial Ministers

Alliance = Common Alliance = Common PurposePurposeA common approach for assessing

competence for ministry for each ofthe following specialized ministries:

Director of Worship (FDLC)Parish Life Coordinator (NALM)Pastoral Associate (NALM)Director of Music Ministries

(NPM)Parish Catechetical Leader

(NCCL)Youth Ministry Leader (NFCYM)

Including Pastoral Juvenil HispanaDiocesan Youth Ministry Leader

(NFCYM) Including Pastoral Juvenil Hispana

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National National Certification Certification Standards & Standards & ProcessProcessThree goals:

1. To give direction to the future of lay ministry,

2. To recognize and affirm those persons already in ministry, and

3. To promote faithful, competent, and accountable lay ecclesial ministry.

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Who is a lay ecclesial Who is a lay ecclesial minister?minister?

Authorization of the hierarchy to serve publicly in the local Church

Leadership in a particular area of ministry

Close mutual collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons

Preparation and formation appropriate to the level of responsibilities that are assigned to them including; human, spiritual, pastoral, and theological dimensions

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LEM

Evolution of Evolution of CertificationCertification

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3rd Decade: Movement into

Certification2010 Consultation2011 Approval by

Alliance members & USCCB/CCA2012 Begin

implementing certification

2nd Decade: InterorganizationalCollaboration•1999 Common Competency Project•2003 National Certification Standards•2005 Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord•Alliance becomes official entity

1st Decade: Establishing

StandardsFrom 1990 on,

national ministry organizations

begin developingcertification

standards

Structure of Revised Structure of Revised StandardsStandards

Alignment with Co-Alignment with Co-WorkersWorkers

5 Standards (2003)

Personal & Spiritual Maturity

Lay Ecclesial Ministry Identity

Catholic Theology

Pastoral PraxisProfessional

Practice

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4 Standards 4 Standards (2011)(2011)

(to align with 4 (to align with 4 Pillars of Pillars of

Formation from Formation from Co-WorkersCo-Workers):):

HumanHuman

SpiritualSpiritual

Intellectual Intellectual

PastoralPastoral

Standard One Human: Lay ecclesial ministers

demonstrate the qualities of human maturity needed for

fruitful ministry with the people of God.

Standard Two Spiritual: Sharing in the common priesthood of all

the baptized, a lay ecclesial minister demonstrates Christian spirituality as foundational to ministry,

integrated in service with the people of God, and

possessing a sacramental view of the world that

recognizes the world can be a vessel of God’s presence and God’s transforming grace.

Standard Three Intellectual:

A lay ecclesial minister demonstrates understanding

of the breadth of Catholic theological and pastoral

studies as well as the intellectual skill to use that knowledge in ministry with God’s people from diverse populations and cultures. Standard Four Pastoral:

A lay ecclesial minister demonstrates a range of leadership and pastoral skills needed for functioning

effectively in ministry.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY CULTURAL DIVERSITY WITHIN THE STANDARDSWITHIN THE STANDARDS

Core competencies reflect realities and expectations of ministry in diversity of cultural communities

Indicators include examples of inter-cultural competence from diverse cultural contexts and settings

Specialized competencies and distinct portfolio requirements for Pastoral Juvenil Hispana

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What does it meanWhat does it meanto be nationally to be nationally

certified? certified? ((and, what it doesn’t and, what it doesn’t

mean!mean!) )

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Certification:Certification:

The process The process whereby a whereby a person person demonstrates demonstrates compliance with compliance with standards for standards for professional professional competence. competence.

AccreditationAccreditation

The process The process whereby a duly whereby a duly constituted constituted accrediting body accrediting body gives recognition gives recognition to education to education and /or service and /or service center/programs center/programs which meet which meet established established standards.standards.

Certificate:Certificate:

A statement that A statement that a program or a program or course of studies course of studies has been has been completed completed through through attendance, attendance, participation or participation or fulfillment of fulfillment of requirements.requirements.

How does national certification affect How does national certification affect my relationship with my Bishop?my relationship with my Bishop?

Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord

describes authorization as including:

◦ Acknowledgement of competence (certification)◦ Appointment to position

(commissioning)◦ Announcement to the

community

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Why Why should I should I

get get certified?certified?

Why National Why National Certification?Certification?

“Lay persons who devote themselves permanently or temporarily to some special

service of the Church are obliged to acquire the

appropriate formation which is required to fulfill their function properly and to

carry it out conscientiously, zealously, and diligently.”

Code of Canon Law, Canon 231

Why National Certification?Why National Certification?

Lay ecclesial ministers’ functions of collaboration with the ordained require of lay ecclesial ministers

a special level of professional competence and presence to the

community. . . . For these reasons, their roles often require

academic preparation, certification, credentialing, and a

formation that integrates personal, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral dimensions.”Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, p. 8

Benefits of National CertificationBenefits of National Certification

IndividualIndividual DiocesanDiocesan NationalNationalNational credential National credential & & acknowledgementacknowledgement of competenceof competence

Potential salary & Potential salary & hiring impacthiring impact

Enhance Enhance confidence and confidence and credibilitycredibility

Portable national Portable national credential credential endorsed by endorsed by USCCBUSCCB

Easier, less costly Easier, less costly option for offering option for offering certificationcertification

Portable national Portable national credential can aid credential can aid local hiring local hiring processesprocesses

Tool for Tool for advocating for lay advocating for lay ecclesial ministersecclesial ministers

Together is betterTogether is better

Establish national Establish national standards of standards of excellenceexcellence

Build credibility Build credibility and trust for LEMand trust for LEM

Contribute to the Contribute to the development of development of LEM within the LEM within the ChurchChurch

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Are you certifiable?

National Certification National Certification ProcessProcess

Application for admission to the process

Preparation of materials

Submission of Documentation for review and decision

www.lemcertification.org

National Certification ProcessNational Certification ProcessPre-RequisitesPre-Requisites

1.Education in a field related to one’s specialized ministry (e.g. bachelor’s degree or equivalent);

2.Minimum of 3 years full time (6 years part time) pastoral ministry experience in that specialized ministry

The Application Packet The Application Packet

Membership in Partner Organization Baptismal Certificate – long form (Evidence

of full communion with the Church)Three References (one from supervising

pastor or equivalent and two from colleagues)

History of educational background Ministerial autobiography (3-5 pages)(Arch)Diocesan verification of satisfaction

of child protection and criminal background requirements

Signed and dated Code of EthicsApplication fee ($95)

Application Review Application Review ProcessProcess

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Preparation of Materials Preparation of Materials

Candidates may be assigned an advisor who will assist with the development of the portfolio

Preparation of Materials Preparation of Materials

• Candidates pay candidacy fee ($165) which allows them one year to submit portfolio (after one year, a $100 annual candidacy fee applies)

• Additional fee ($50) applies if portfolio is submitted in paper format rather than electronically

• Begin compiling portfolio…

Why is a portfolio being used for certification?

What will a certification

portfolio include?

LEM

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Types of Evidence

within Certification Portfolio

Certification Portfolio: Documentation of Competence

1. Evidence of formal education and formation for ministry

• Theological education

• Specialized education and formation

2. Evidence of demonstrated competency in ministry in all four standards

• Compile documentation

• Create 1-3 page summary for each standard

3. Testimony / observational evidence

• Pastor (or supervisor)

• Peer or colleague

• Subordinate (volunteer or staff)

• For YML candidates, Diocesan Director

4. Self-assessment (form provided) including Ministerial Development Planning (form provided)

5. Integration Paper

Portfolio Requirement Portfolio Requirement ComparisonComparison

Evidence of Theological StudyEvidence of Theological Study

PCLPCL DYMLDYML DYML/DYML/PJHPJH

YMLYML YML / PJHYML / PJH

Preferably Preferably MasterMaster’’s s degree; degree; equivalency equivalency possiblepossible

Preferably Preferably MasterMaster’’s s degree; degree; equivalency equivalency possiblepossible

Total of 240 clock Total of 240 clock hourshours

or 12 credits of or 12 credits of theological study in theological study in four (of 7) core areas; four (of 7) core areas; Minimum 120 clock Minimum 120 clock hours when applying hours when applying with additional 120 with additional 120 clock hours (remaining clock hours (remaining core areas) completed core areas) completed before 1before 1stst renewal renewal

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Portfolio Requirement Portfolio Requirement ComparisonComparison

Evidence of Specialized StudyEvidence of Specialized Study

PCLPCL DYMLDYML YMLYML

120 Hours of 120 Hours of training and training and formation in formation in catechesis, catechesis, RE, or RE, or formation. formation. An An additional additional 90 hours by 90 hours by recertificatiorecertification.n.

Minimum 120 Minimum 120 hours of YM hours of YM and/or PJH and/or PJH training & training & formationformation

Minimum 90 Minimum 90 hours of YM hours of YM and/or PJH and/or PJH training & training & formationformation

PJH: Evidence of study, PJH: Evidence of study, knowledge and/or skills in: knowledge and/or skills in: History of Hispanic ministry in History of Hispanic ministry in US, USCCB documents on US, USCCB documents on Hispanic ministry, etc.Hispanic ministry, etc.

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Portfolio Requirement Portfolio Requirement ComparisonComparison

Demonstration of CompetenceDemonstration of Competence

PCLPCL DYML or DYML or DYML/PJHDYML/PJH

YMLYML YML / PJHYML / PJH

Evidence of Evidence of successful successful leadership in a leadership in a catechetical catechetical context (e.g. context (e.g. job description, job description, meeting meeting outlines, outlines, program program brochures.brochures.

Overview of 3 month Overview of 3 month period in ministry; period in ministry; evidence of two evidence of two diocesan programs diocesan programs or projects, one for or projects, one for youth, one for adultsyouth, one for adults

Overview Overview of 3 month of 3 month period in period in ministry; ministry; evidence evidence of two of two programs programs or projects or projects that that illustrate illustrate understanunderstanding of ding of comprehencomprehensive youth sive youth ministryministry

Overview of Overview of 3 month 3 month period in period in ministry; ministry; evidence of evidence of two two programs or programs or projects, projects, one for one for jóvenesjóvenes, one , one for for jóvenes jóvenes lidereslideres

Outline of sample Outline of sample presentation that presentation that explains the vision explains the vision and implementation and implementation of Catholic youth of Catholic youth ministry and/or PJHministry and/or PJH

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Integration Paper 11-15 pages that includes:

• Description of a concrete problem or issue in ministry (1-2 pages)

• Exposition of material from Scripture, Church teaching, theology, or other pertinent areas of study that address this problem/issue (5-6 pages)

• Application of theological/intellectual insights and a resolution of the issue that reflects sound practice (3-4 pages)

• Reflection on how one’s formation helped deal with the issue and challenge one to further growth (2-3 pages)

Submission and Review Submission and Review of Documentation of Documentation

PCRC=Partner Certification Review Committee (members from partner organization

NCRC=National Certification Review Committee (consisting of the PCRC Chairs from each organization)

AC=Alliance Commission (Consisting of the Executive Directors and Chair Certification Committee from each organization

Submission and Submission and Review Review

of Documentation of Documentation All portfolio materials are compiled

and submitted online on a secure site.PCRC receives and reviews portfolio, and

makes recommendation for approval based on Satisfactory documentation of competence relative to approved standards

PCRC forwards portfolio to the NCRC for approval; after their review forward to AC

AC renders final decision regarding certification in the name of the Alliance

Congrats you are nationally certified Congrats you are nationally certified as and LEM in your specific role!as and LEM in your specific role!

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Certified LEM

To summarize…To summarize…1. Applicant applies to the Alliance Membership

Organization that is certifying the role for which you seek certification.

2. The portfolio is developed with an advisor’s assistance.

3. The portfolio is submitted to an organization’s PCRC.

4. Upon PCRC approval, the portfolio and the recommendation to approve are sent to the NCRC.

5. Upon NCRC approval, the recommendation to approve goes to the AC for final decision.

6. Upon AC decision the candidate becomes nationally certified in their role for 7 years and receives certificate noting this distinction

Our Shared Work...Our Shared Work...Building a “culture of competence” in lay

ecclesial ministry by advocating for professional, competent, faithful ministry

to the people of God!

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What can you do to be a part What can you do to be a part of this national movement of this national movement

towards atowards aculture of competenceculture of competence??

Use the standards to develop curriculum for training and formation for volunteers.

Use standards to articulate your ministerial role (job description, performance review, etc. )

Enter the certification process!Promote certification to others!

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To learn more about and apply To learn more about and apply for national certificationfor national certification

◦Available for download from www.lemcertification.org Standards Indicators Details about the Certification Process

◦Applications & portfolios to be submitted online through this web site

◦Application deadline March 1st and October 1st

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Once upon a time…..Once upon a time…..

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What is one thing from What is one thing from this workshop that you this workshop that you want to share with your want to share with your

pastor or another lay pastor or another lay ecclesial minister about ecclesial minister about national certification?national certification?

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Concluding Prayer Concluding Prayer by Joseph Cardinal by Joseph Cardinal

BernardinBernardinO Lord of the harvest, work out

your will in us, that we might prepare

others to be laborers for your harvest.

Transform us ever more completely into the image of your Son, that we might call others to ministry as He called, teach them as he taught, and form them as He did.

We make this prayer in your most holy name. Amen.

Thanks for participating in this workshop!

Follow me on Twitter: @charmccor

Website/Blog: www.ministrytrainingsource.org

Email:charlotte@ministrytrainingsource.org

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Presentation CreditsPresentation CreditsThe following persons or groups have contributed to this slide show in some way:Kathy Goller, Sean Reynolds and other members from the National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry Commission.Sr. Angela Gannon, Mike McMahon, and Rita Thiron, members from the Alliance PCRC Training committee.Charlotte McCorquodale with Ministry Training Source who serves also as a member of the two above groups (Commission and Training Committee.)

PLEASE DO NOT SHARE THIS PRESENTATION ELECTRONICALLY. 49