The Diocese of Camden will be sponsoring a Lay Ministry Fair on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 at St. Pius X Spiritual Life Center in Blackwood.
The program begins at 9:30 AM with a continental breakfast, prayer, keynote address, roundtable discussions, lunch, and college presentations, concluding at 2 PM. A special session, “How to Do a Parish Lay Ministry Workshop” is offered immediately afterward.
Reverend Joseph T. Merkt is the author of the recently published book, Why Lay Ministry Formation? A Resource for the Inquiring. “Fr. Merkt has given us the gift of a booklet designed to guide the next steps of a baptized lay woman or man who senses a call to more…,” writes the Most Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D., Archbishop of Louisville.
Fr. Merkt’s keynote address, “Considering Lay Ministry? Turn Someday into Now!” is an engaging, personal and inspirational presentation with dialogues focused on the call to ministry and ministry formation .
Fr. Merkt, is from the Archdiocese of Louisville, and holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) from the University of Louisville and a Doctor’s degree in Sacred Theology ( S.T.D.) from The Catholic University of America. Fr. Merkt was instrumental in the development of the first common competency standards for national certification for lay ministers. He enjoys teaching the history of Vatican II as he was present for the council as a seminarian, working in the Bishops’ Press Office.
“We are certain that Father Joe’s presence will enhance the experience of those who come to the fair,” said Linda Robinson, Director of Lay Ministry Formation Programs. “We hope those considering serving in ministry will take advantage of this opportunity to meet representatives from our partnering colleges and universities and learn more about our own diocesan programs for lay ministry formation.”
“This unique day concludes with a special two-hour session in which Father Joe will explain how to do a parish workshop on lay ministry,” notes Sr. Roseann Quinn, SSJ, Delegate for Lifelong Faith Formation. Fr. Merkt shares in Sr. Roseann’s vision for this gathering. “We hope our Lay Ministry Formation Program students and graduates, our pastors, and those lay women and men looking to serve our parishes, join us on this joyful day as we become informed, involved and inspired.”
The Lay Ministry Formation Program of the Diocese of Camden provides the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation needed to serve competently and confidently in parish ministry. Students and graduates find the program to be intellectually stimulating, spiritually nourishing, and very affordable.
Pre-Registration is required. Please contact Kathia Arango at kathia.arango@camdendiocese.com or call 856-583-6135.