The Program of Formation for Lay Ministers (PFLM) was established in 1982 to provide a 2-year program of educational and spiritual formation in contemporary pastoral theology for adults who are seeking to grown in their knowledge of the faith and may have the desire to serve the Church in non-ordained ministry. Sessions meet monthly on weekends from September to April, and are held at Carroll College or other locations around the diocese. Academic credit is available through Carroll College.

The 2010-2012 program will be offered in Butte at St. Ann Parish.

• PFLM I Brochure (PDF)*
• PFLM I Application (PDF)*
• 2010-2012 Schedule (PFLM I)
• 2010 Graduation, Conrad (PFLM I)

Echoes of Faith

Echoes of Faith is the diocesan program for basic catechist and youth minister formation and certification. It is a self-directing process easily accessible for individual or small group use; Echoes utilizes video-assisted instructional modules to enable participants to develop their knowledge and understanding of the basic theological and methodological aspects of being a catechist or youth minister with young people in grades K-12. Please contact your parish Director of Religious Education or Director of Youth Ministry to access this program.

Echoes of Faith Brochure (PDF)*

Ministry Employment

Ministry employment clearinghouse services are provided for openings in pastoral and catechetical ministry in the diocese and surrounding region. While parishes and other agencies are free to conduct their own searches for prospective staff persons, we will list employment positions available or desired, and put interested parties in contact as desired.

For broader information on ecclesial employment opportunities, contact the following sites:

National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL): www.nccl.org
National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA): www.ncea.org
National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM): www.nalm.org

Training & Enrichment

Specialized skills training and enrichment in particular areas of ministry (pastoral, catechetical, liturgical, administrative, etc.) are offered occasionally throughout the year by various diocesan offices and other agencies. Consult the Diocesan Calendar of Events or the agencies' respective webpages for more information.

Contact

John Fencik
Catholic Formation Services Director
jfencik@diocesehelena.org
406-442-5820 (ext. 33)