By Renee St. Martin Wizeman

The Program of Formation for Lay Ministers will begin in mid-September at St. Ann Parish in Butte. And Formation Services Director John Fencik wants people to know that applications are still being accepted.

The PFLM began in 1982, and offers a two-year, sustained course of study in pastoral theology. Fencik said that some of the topics have changed in their scope, with a renewed focus on the role of the laity in ministry, as identified in Vatican II and post-Vatican II papal documents.

PFLM is open to anybody, regardless of educational background. Fencik said that applicants do need to be confirmed and practicing Catholics and the application process goes through one’s pastor. Butte was “runner up” to Conrad, which was where PFLM 2008-10 took place. Pastors and pastoral staff in the Butte deanery expressed interest in hosting the program. Fencik said he’s received applications from Dillon, Bozeman and Helena, in addition to those from the Butte deanery.

“The PFLM provides a wonderful on-going adult faith formation opportunity for many of our folks, whether involved in ministry or not. Folks are hungry to grow in the knowledge of their faith and how that influences their spiritual journey, relationship with Christ and the Church.” Faculty from Carroll College’s theology department and diocesan presenters, including Fathers Ed Hislop and Leo Proxell, will teach PFLM courses. Fencik said this provides a broader spectrum of theological presentations.

“Early on, there was a correlation between involvement in PFLM and going on to work in ministry. Now we have more folks coming in who are already involved in ministry, and we have others who come for the adult faith formation aspect and may not end up immediately involved in ministry due to other schedule and commitment constraints. There’s also been a rich tradition of folks coming through this program who either are or become very active in ministry,”Fencik said.

A different formation option is available, especially for those unable to make the lenghty PFLM commitment. Fencik said he has programs scheduled for catechists and general audiences across the diocese this fall, and will be doing a lot on the Gospel of Matthew, for Year A of the Liturgical Cycle. “Whatever fits a parish’s schedule, I’m up for,” he said, noting that pastors, directors of religious education and youth ministers have all approached him to make presentations.

For more information about either the PFLM or other adult formation opportunities, visit www.diocesehelena.org and click on resources.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 8, August 20, 2010.