Discipleship Formation for Lay Leaders

In his apostolic exhortation, Christus Vivit, Pope Francis writes, “If you are to accompany others on this path, you must be the first to follow it, day in and day out” (n. 298). For those who proclaim the Gospel and teach the faith, ongoing personal formation forms part of this path.

Many dedicated lay ministers serve the People of God in our local Church, and many more proclaim the Gospel outside of formal Church settings. Thank you for your ministry and your vocation!

As a help to adults who serve in the Church, the Diocese of Cheyenne has begun an initiative to help with their ongoing formation: Discipleship Formation for Lay Leaders. This learning community aims to equip lay leaders with the spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and personal formation to help them better serve their parishes, missions, and schools under the leadership of the clergy.

We conduct our learning through the Virtual Learning Community for Faith Formation, hosted by the University of Dayton. Those who might consider this opportunity include staff or volunteers who:

• Direct parish faith formation programs
• Serve as a catechist
• Serve in administrative functions
• Coordinate or serve in liturgical ministries
• Serve as parish council members, finance council members, and school board members
• Serve in pastoral ministries such as marriage preparation and accompaniment, visiting the homebound, or offering direct service to those in need