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Lay Leadership Program

  • Two-year program designed to form the laity for ministry within the Catholic Tradition
  • Serves students including:
    • Adults in volunteer parish ministries
    • People who seek high-quality Catholic enrichment
    • Members of religious orders seeking to fulfill part of their novitiate formation
  • Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a Certificate of Studies from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake.

This program is designed for people seeking to:

  • Grow in their faith and spirituality
  • Grow as human persons in the Divine Image as a Missionary Disciple.
  • Engage in deep, systematic study of the Scriptures, Church History, Catholic Doctrine, the Sacraments, and the Catechism
  • Take classes with top scholars and Archdiocesan leaders, including faculty from the University of Saint Mary of the Lake
  • Develop confidence and practical skills for active participation in the life of the Church
  • Participate in a cohort, learning in a supportive community and building valuable relationships with other Catholics who are passionate about their faith
Parish Ministry Programs

Lay Leadership

Catechetical Coordinator
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Elizabeth Madeo, Program Coordinator

For more information, contact:



admissions@usml.edu

Academic Overview:

Classes consist of lecture, small and large group discussions as well as written integration assignments. While this is a non-graded program, students are evaluated at the end of each course as to their successful completion and comprehension of the content, both academically as well as personally and pastorally.

Classes meet weekly on Monday evenings throughout the academic year. Locations include:

  • University of Saint Mary of the Lake, Mundelein
  • Various sites around the Archdiocese of Chicago
  • Remote learning to be determined based on enrollment

Academic Courses include:

  • Skills in Ministry – Year I
  • Old Testament – Year I
  • New Testament – Year I
  • Church History – Year II
  • Liturgy and Sacramental Theology – Year II
  • Spirituality – Year II

Formation Component:

The formation process engages students in the four dimensions of ministry formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral.

All students begin the year with an Orientation Day in August and an Opening Retreat weekend in September.

In addition to the annual retreat, participants join together on one Saturday each month for a Formation Day of prayer, input, and reflection. Many graduates reflect upon Formation Days with fond memories of insightful conversation, intellectual growth, and a renewed sense of belonging. These monthly Formation Days begin with Mass at 8:30 am and conclude at 3:30 pm.

Formation Activities Include:

  • Opening Retreat, Year I & II
  • Formation Days
    • The Dimensions of Formation
    • Human Formation I & II
    • Spiritual Formation I & II
    • Intellectual Formation
    • Pastoral Communication Skills for Ministry
    • Pastoral Formation
    • Catholic Identity
  • Integration Reflection Day, Year II

Continuing Education Units

Students who want to take the courses as Continuing Education Units can audit the sessions and do not participate in the Formation Days.  Students are not required to complete homework assignments or participate in class discussions. The fee for this is $560 per year. 

Application Process

Applications are accepted through August. Early applications are encouraged.

The following materials are needed for a complete application:

  • Application Form (one-time fee)

Late applications will be considered based on availability, yet we encourage everyone to apply.

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