Commissioned Ministry
Leadership Formation Program
The Commissioned Ministry Leadership Formation Program is a three-state college credit certificate program designed for women and men who have experience as a parish minister, have demonstrated effectiveness in ministry and seek to develop as ministerial leaders. The program is sponsored by the Diocese of Green Bay in collaboration with Silver Lake College.
The CMLFP is accredited by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Commission on Certification and Accreditation, 3211 South Lake Drive, Suite 317, St. Francis, WI, 53235-3702 (414-486-0139).
In addition, a person may use these courses:
- as credentials for various church ministries
- as credits applied to a Bachelors Degree
- as credits fulfilling pre-requisites for a Masters Degree
- as continuing education opportunities
- as core curriculum for diaconate formation
(To learn more about the Green Bay Diocese's Diaconate, click here).
The program is designed:
- To be a resource for parishes and other church organizations in preparing persons for leadership roles.
- To provide opportunities for persons to acquire knowledge, develop skills and respond to the call of discipleship in order to be effective leaders in specific ministries.
The student will demonstrate:
- growth through participation in personal and spiritual experiences, in academic studies, and in the supervised practice of ministry.
- a deeper understanding of scripture and theology.
- skills to carry out ministry competently and professionally.
- the ability to integrate both personal/communal prayer and theological reflection in the faith experience of being a disciple.
Courses are offered September through May on Saturdays, and Monday evenings
and on weekdays and evenings during June and July.
Classes are usually held in Green Bay on the Diocesan Campus. In the future
courses may be offered through a Distance Learning Network.
One-time Application Fee -- $10.00
*Courses -- $215.00/credit
Yearly Activity Fee -- $50.00
Books Approximately -- $60.00/course
*This tuition/credit is a discount offered by Silver Lake College for students in this program.
Upon successful completion of the program requirements, the student will be commissioned by the Local Ordinary and will be presented with a certificate identifying the specialized area of ministry.
Write or call for an application packet:
Diocese of Green Bay
Department for Lay Ministry Formation
P.O. Box 23825
Green Bay, WI 54305-3825
920-437-7531 Ext. 8268
e-mail layministry@gbdioc.org
Application deadlines:
- July 1 for Fall admission
- November 1 for Spring admission
- March 1 for Fall admission
Return the completed application form with a non-refundable $10.00 application fee.
Interview with the Admissions Committee, which will assess:
- personal and spiritual maturity
- active participation in the sacramental life of the church
- desire for renewal and growth
- positive attitude toward church and ministry
- past and present engagement in parish life
- ability to communicate and collaborate with other ministers in the church and marketplace
- ability to pursue college level education
- psychological stability
Receive the Admission Committee's decision
Develop a plan of study with the Program Director.
Register for classes beginning the following term.
Attend an orientation meeting.
Participate in a study skills workshop if deemed necessary.
A student is required to pursue a process of personal and spiritual formation. This three-stage process involves evenings and days of reflection (2 or 3 per year), personal growth workshops, academic coursework, spiritual direction and self-evaluation.
In the third stage of the program, the student will develop and implement a
Learning Covenant with the assistance of an advisor, peer sponsor, and
pastor/parish director.
Silver Lake College, in cooperation with the Catholic Diocese of Green Bay,
offers a sequence of Scripture and theology and specialized courses that
prepares students for ministry in a parish.
THEOLOGY/SCRIPTURE
CORE COURSES
(12 credits required)
RLS 130 Ecclesiology/Ministry
RLS 131 Integrative Spirituality
RLS 230 Sacramental Theology
RLS 231 Scripture/Old Testament
RLS 232 Moral Theology/Social Justice
RLS 233 New Testament/Christology
SPECIALIZED REQUIREMENTS
(6 credits in ONE of the following areas)
PASTORAL MINISTRY
RLS 166 Collaborative Leadership
RLS 136 Liturgy and Prayer: Part I
RLS 137 Liturgical Rites: Part I
RLS 138 Pastoral Care Skills: Part I
RLS 238 Pastoral Care Skills: Part II
RLS 269 Introduction to Adult and Family Ministry
LITURGY
RLS 166 Collaborative Leadership
RLS 136 Liturgy and Prayer: Part I
RLS 236 Liturgy and Prayer: Part II
RLS 137 Liturgical Rites: Part I
RLS 237 Liturgical Rites: Part II
RLS 268 Preparing Parish Worship
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
RLS 166 Collaborative Leadership
RLS 136 Liturgy and Prayer: Part I
RLS 261 Catechetical History & Resources
RLS 239 Program Development
RLS 167 Catechetical Ministry to the Catechist
YOUTH
RLS 166 Collaborative Leadership
RLS 136 Liturgy and Prayer: Part I
RLS 262 Principles of Youth Ministry
RLS 266 Pastoral Care: Youth
RLS 239 Program Development
BUSINESS
RLS 166 Collaborative Leadership
RLS 135 Church Personnel Management
RLS 235 Church Business Management
RLS 265 Parish Finances and Accounting
The following chart identifies examples of various parish ministries according to ministry areas and the appropriate formation:
AREA OF
MINISTRY |
GROUP I:
PARISH MINISTERS
(Parish/Diocesan Formation Recommended) |
GROUP II:
PARISH MINISTRY LEADERS (Diocesan Program Required) |
GROUP III:
PARISH MINISTRY LEADERS
(Masters Degree Required) |
| ORDAINED |
Deacon |
Priest |
|
<| APPOINTED |
|
|
Parish Director
(without resident pastor) |
| PASTORAL |
Pastoral Care Ministers
Human Concern Ministers
Family Life Ministers
Evangelization Ministers
Parish Pastoral Council Member |
Pastoral Ministry Coordinator |
Pastoral Associate |
| WORSHIP |
Liturgical Ministers
Liturgy Committee Member
Baptismal Prep Leader
Leader of Initiation
Leader of Prayer |
Liturgy Coordinator |
Liturgist |
| RELIGIOUS EDUCATION |
Facilitator*
Catechist*
Aide/Volunteer
Board Member
Secretary |
Religious Education Coordinator* |
Director of Religious Education* |
| SCHOOL |
Teacher*
Board Member
Aide/Volunteer
Secretary |
|
<Principal* |
| YOUTH |
Youth Minister*
Adult Advisor |
Youth Ministry Coordinator* |
Director of Youth Ministry* |
| BUSINESS |
Secretary
Bookkeeper
Finance Council Member
Trustee |
Business Manager |
Business Administrator |
* State Religion Certification Requirements still apply for
teachers/catechists/education administrators/youth.
We also work very closely with the two Catholic colleges within our Diocese, St. Norbert College in De Pere, and Silver Lake College in Manitowoc.
| 
2008– 2009 COMMISSIONED MINISTRY 
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM CALENDAR