Eligibility
All Lay Ministry Formation Program Students:
must be practicing Catholics in full communion with the Roman Catholic Church,
must be at least 21 years of age at time of application for University study or 18 years of age for CMIC/IMEC and must demonstrate a desire for formation,
must submit an application and a recommendation by pastor, principal or ministry supervisor,
must comply with all requirements of the program to remain in the program; the Diocese of Camden Lay Ministry Formation Program reserves the right to dismiss candidates who fail to comply.
Spiritual and Human Formation
All Lay Ministry Formation Program students are encouraged to attend Spiritual Formation Days and Relationship Skills Workshops, to have a Spiritual Director and to make annual retreats. A list of local Catholic Spiritual Directors is available through the Lay Ministry Formation Program.
Intellectual Formation
Lay Ministry Formation Program students attending University shall:
Attend only Universities who have partnerships with the Diocese of Camden for programs specified in the partnership agreement;
Receive tuition reimbursement from the Diocese only upon presenting a grade that demonstrates successful completion of the course. They must earn at least a C in their undergraduate course work, earn at least a B in their graduate coursework, and complete all course requirements. Failure to earn said grades will result in loss of all Diocesan tuition assistance for that course;
Be responsible for arranging with their parish for any available tuition reimbursement from the parish;
Report changes each semester (such as adding or dropping a course) to Director of the Lay Ministry Formation Program in a timely manner.
Note: Candidates choosing to take more than the LMFP required/approved college credits during their formation do so at their own expense.
Lay Ministry Formation Program students attending the Church Ministry Institute of Camden (CMIC/IMEC)
To earn a Catechetical Certificate or a Parish Ministry Certificate: must attend all five classes in a level. Certificates are awarded at the end of each level. Alternate Certificate option is online study through Dayton University.
For adult faith formation: may attend one, several or all of the courses offered. No Certificate will be awarded.
Responsibility for University Tuition/ CMIC Fees
University Study: Parishes in the Diocese send candidates to the Lay Ministry Formation Program. The pastor of the sponsoring parish recommends the candidate and the parish assists financially with university tuition (where possible). During their formation, all participants are encouraged to provide their pastor with periodic informal updates about their experiences in the program.
The Diocese of Camden, through the Lay Ministry Formation Program, has partnerships with Universities that result in reduced tuition for students in the Lay Ministry Formation Program. Of the tuition remaining, the Diocese will pay 1/3, the parish will pay 1/3 and the student will pay 1/3.
CMIC/IMEC fees are solely the responsibility of the student. Special arrangements may be made with Pastors who wish to help defray costs.
Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited by federal and state law. Sexual harassment is any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature. The Diocese of Camden will act promptly to investigate all allegations of sexual misconduct and will responsibly address such allegations, acting in full compliance with civil law enforcement agencies.
Non-Discrimination Statement
The Lay Ministry Formation Program does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability in any admissions or education program. This policy is in accordance with state and federal laws, including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
No Ministry Placement/Employment through the Lay Ministry Formation Program
There is no diocesan process for ministry placement of persons who have completed the Lay Ministry Formation Program, nor is there any guarantee of employment by the diocese or parishes/institutions in the diocese. A lay minister is responsible to research ministry/employment opportunities and pursue them independently.