1. Presented byPresented by
Dr. Charlotte McCorquodaleDr. Charlotte McCorquodale
Ministry Training SourceMinistry Training Source
National Certification
Standards
&
Process
for Lay Ecclesial Ministers
The Alliance for the CertificationThe Alliance for the Certification
of Lay Ecclesial Ministersof Lay Ecclesial Ministers
www.lemcertification.orgwww.lemcertification.org
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2. 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?

3. What questions do you have aboutWhat questions do you have about
being nationally certified?being nationally certified?
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4. Purpose ofToday’s WorkshopPurpose ofToday’s Workshop
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.

5. 19621962 Vatican IIVatican II
19801980 Called & GiftedCalled & 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

6. “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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7. 7
Worthy GoalWorthy Goal
““A Culture ofA Culture of
CompetenceCompetence””
(Not Certification)(Not 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.

8. The Alliance for
Certification of
Lay Ecclesial
Ministers

9. Alliance = Common PurposeAlliance = Common Purpose
A common approach for assessing
competence for ministry for each of
the 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 Hispana
DiocesanYouth Ministry Leader
(NFCYM) Including Pastoral Juvenil
Hispana
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10. National CertificationNational Certification
Standards & ProcessStandards & Process
Three 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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11. Who is a lay ecclesial minister?Who is a lay ecclesial 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

12. Evolution ofEvolution of
CertificationCertification
12
3rd Decade:
Movement into
Certification
2010 Consultation
2011 Approval by
Alliance members &
USCCB/CCA
2012 Begin implementing
certification
2nd Decade:
Interorganizational
Collaboration
•1999 Common
Competency Project
•2003 National
Certification Standards
•2005 Co-Workers in
the Vineyard of the
Lord
•Alliance becomes
official entity
1st Decade:
Establishing
Standards
From 1990 on,
national ministry
organizations begin
developing
certification
standards

13. Structure of Revised StandardsStructure of Revised Standards
Alignment with Co-WorkersAlignment with Co-Workers
5 Standards
(2003)
Personal & Spiritual
Maturity
Lay Ecclesial
Ministry Identity
Catholic Theology
Pastoral Praxis
Professional
Practice
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4 Standards (2011)4 Standards (2011)
(to align with 4 Pillars of(to align with 4 Pillars of
Formation fromFormation from Co-Co-
WorkersWorkers):):
HumanHuman
SpiritualSpiritual
IntellectualIntellectual
PastoralPastoral

14. 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.

16. CULTURAL DIVERSITYCULTURAL DIVERSITY
WITHINTHE STANDARDSWITHINTHE 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
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17. What does it meanWhat does it mean
to be nationally certified?to be nationally certified?
((and, what it doesn’t mean!and, what it doesn’t mean!))


18. 18
Certification:Certification:
The processThe process
whereby a personwhereby a person
demonstratesdemonstrates
compliance withcompliance with
standards forstandards for
professionalprofessional
competence.competence.
AccreditationAccreditation
The processThe process
whereby a dulywhereby a duly
constitutedconstituted
accrediting bodyaccrediting body
gives recognition togives recognition to
education and /oreducation and /or
serviceservice
center/programscenter/programs
which meetwhich meet
establishedestablished
standards.standards.
Certificate:Certificate:
A statement that aA statement that a
program or courseprogram or course
of studies hasof studies has
been completedbeen completed
throughthrough
attendance,attendance,
participation orparticipation or
fulfillment offulfillment of
requirements.requirements.

19. How does national certification affectHow does national certification affect
my relationship with my Bishop?my relationship with my Bishop?
Co-Workers in theVineyard
of the Lord describes
authorization as including:
◦ Acknowledgement of
competence (certification)
◦ Appointment to position
(commissioning)
◦ Announcement to the
community
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20. 20
Why should IWhy should I
get certified?get certified?

21. Why NationalWhy 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

22. 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 theVineyard of the Lord, p. 8

23. Benefits of National CertificationBenefits of National Certification
IndividualIndividual DiocesanDiocesan NationalNational
National credential &National credential &
acknowledgementacknowledgement ofof
competencecompetence
Potential salary &Potential salary &
hiring impacthiring impact
Enhance confidenceEnhance confidence
and credibilityand credibility
Portable nationalPortable national
credential endorsedcredential endorsed
by USCCBby USCCB
Easier, less costlyEasier, less costly
option for offeringoption for offering
certificationcertification
Portable nationalPortable national
credential can aidcredential can aid
local hiringlocal hiring
processesprocesses
Tool for advocatingTool for advocating
for lay ecclesialfor lay ecclesial
ministersministers
Together is betterTogether is better
Establish nationalEstablish national
standards ofstandards of
excellenceexcellence
Build credibility andBuild credibility and
trust for LEMtrust for LEM
Contribute to theContribute to the
development of LEMdevelopment of LEM
within the Churchwithin the Church
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24. 24
Are you
certifiable?

25. National Certification ProcessNational Certification Process
Application for admission to
the process
Preparation of materials
Submission of Documentation
for review and decision
www.lemcertification.org

26. National Certification ProcessNational Certification Process
Pre-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

27. The Application PacketThe 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 Ethics
Application fee ($95)

28. Application Review ProcessApplication Review Process
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29. Preparation of MaterialsPreparation of Materials
Candidates may be assigned an advisor who will assist with
the development of the portfolio

30. Preparation of MaterialsPreparation 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…

31. Why is a
portfolio
being used
for
certification?
What will a
certification
portfolio
include?
LEM

32. 32
Types of
Evidence
within
Certification
Portfolio

33. 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

34. Portfolio Requirement ComparisonPortfolio Requirement Comparison
Evidence of Theological StudyEvidence of Theological Study
PCLPCL DYMLDYML DYML/PJDYML/PJ
HH
YMLYML YML / PJHYML / PJH
PreferablyPreferably
MasterMaster’s’s
degree;degree;
equivalencyequivalency
possiblepossible
PreferablyPreferably
MasterMaster’s degree;’s degree;
equivalencyequivalency
possiblepossible
Total of 240 clock hoursTotal of 240 clock hours
or 12 credits of theologicalor 12 credits of theological
study in four (of 7) corestudy in four (of 7) core
areas; Minimum 120 clockareas; Minimum 120 clock
hours when applying withhours when applying with
additional 120 clock hoursadditional 120 clock hours
(remaining core areas)(remaining core areas)
completed before 1completed before 1stst
renewalrenewal
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35. Portfolio Requirement ComparisonPortfolio Requirement Comparison
Evidence of Specialized StudyEvidence of Specialized Study
PCLPCL DYMLDYML YMLYML
120 Hours of120 Hours of
training andtraining and
formation information in
catechesis,catechesis,
RE, orRE, or
formation. Anformation. An
additional 90additional 90
hours byhours by
recertification.recertification.
Minimum 120Minimum 120
hours of YMhours of YM
and/or PJHand/or PJH
training &training &
formationformation
Minimum 90Minimum 90
hours of YMhours of YM
and/or PJHand/or PJH
training &training &
formationformation
PJH: Evidence of study, knowledgePJH: Evidence of study, knowledge
and/or skills in: History of Hispanicand/or skills in: History of Hispanic
ministry in US, USCCB documentsministry in US, USCCB documents
on Hispanic ministry, etc.on Hispanic ministry, etc.
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36. Portfolio Requirement ComparisonPortfolio Requirement Comparison
Demonstration of CompetenceDemonstration of Competence
PCLPCL DYML orDYML or
DYML/PJHDYML/PJH
YMLYML YML /YML /
PJHPJH
Evidence ofEvidence of
successfulsuccessful
leadership in aleadership in a
catecheticalcatechetical
context (e.g. jobcontext (e.g. job
description,description,
meeting outlines,meeting outlines,
programprogram
brochures.brochures.
Overview of 3 monthOverview of 3 month
period in ministry;period in ministry;
evidence of twoevidence of two
diocesan programs ordiocesan programs or
projects, one for youth,projects, one for youth,
one for adultsone for adults
Overview ofOverview of
3 month3 month
period inperiod in
ministry;ministry;
evidence ofevidence of
twotwo
programs orprograms or
projects thatprojects that
illustrateillustrate
understandiunderstandi
ng ofng of
comprehenscomprehens
ive youthive youth
Overview of 3Overview of 3
month periodmonth period
in ministry;in ministry;
evidence ofevidence of
two programstwo programs
or projects,or projects,
one forone for
jóvenesjóvenes, one, one
forfor jóvenesjóvenes
lidereslideres
Outline of sampleOutline of sample
presentation thatpresentation that
explains the vision andexplains the vision and
implementation ofimplementation of
Catholic youth ministryCatholic youth ministry
and/or PJHand/or PJH
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37. 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)

38. Submission and ReviewSubmission and Review
of Documentationof 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

39. Submission and ReviewSubmission and Review
of Documentationof 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

40. Congrats you are nationally certified as andCongrats you are nationally certified as and
LEM in your specific role!LEM in your specific role!
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Certified LEM

41. 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

42. 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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43. What can you do to be a part of thisWhat can you do to be a part of this
national movement towards anational movement towards a
culture 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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44. To learn more about and applyTo 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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45. Once upon a time…..Once upon a time…..
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46. What is one thing from thisWhat is one thing from this
workshop that you want toworkshop that you want to
share with your pastor orshare with your pastor or
another lay ecclesial ministeranother lay ecclesial minister
about national certification?about national certification?

47. 47
Concluding PrayerConcluding Prayer
by Joseph Cardinal Bernardinby Joseph Cardinal Bernardin
O 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.

48. Thanks for participating
in this workshop!
Follow me onTwitter: @charmccor
Website/Blog:
www.ministrytrainingsource.org
Email:
charlotte@ministrytrainingsource.org
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49. Presentation CreditsPresentation Credits
The 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 CatholicYouth 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.
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