Courses
Courses in ILM are six weeks in length. Listed below is a sample of the curriculum. Integral to each session is prayer, course content, faith sharing, and large/small group discussion, which provide participants with an opportunity to make applications to their faith life and ministry.
Institute for Lay Ministry
Course Curriculum
Liturgy
This course is an introduction to the theology and pastoral practice of the Church’s liturgy, the source and summit of Christian life. Participants will explore various parts of the mass to understand them more fully and implement them more effectively in their parishes.
Sacraments
This course is an introduction to the history, theology and celebration of the Church’s Sacraments. Participants will better understand these central rituals of the Christian faith and be led to celebrate them in a full, conscious and active way.
Christian Spirituality
This course examines the method and experience, history and theology of Christian spirituality with a particular emphasis on the spirituality of everyday life. Participants explore the gifts and challenges of their individual spirituality and their subsequent call to discipleship and ministry.
Church
This course presents a theology of Church focusing on the mission of the Church as it unfolded over the past two thousand years. By studying Lumen Gentium, Gaudiaum et Spes and Called and Gifted for the Third Millennium, participants will better understand the Church as the People of God and the role of the laity in today’s Church.
Ministry Skills II
The basic skills that are needed to effectively serve in ministry are taught and practiced in this course. Communication skills including written, oral and listening are introduced. Collaboration and team formation, conflict resolution, how to prepare and run an effective meeting, etc. are a sample of the topics covered. The discernment/selection process for the Year 3 project in ministry practicum is reviewed with the participants.
Ministry Skills III – Part 1
This course focuses on assisting students in the planning and implementation of a project that integrates their three-year experience of knowledge and ministry skills. The various skills that were developed over the last two years will be reviewed, as the project plan is prepared. The course will step through implementation and will prepare participants to utilize various presentation skills that will aid students in ministry.
Catholic Morality
This course provides a basic introduction to the fundamental teachings of Catholic morality and its foundations in Sacred Scripture, Tradition and Natural Law. Participants will examine virtue, conscience formation and apply moral theology to contemporary moral issues in the areas of health care, sexuality and social justice.
The Pastoral Implications of Canon Law Workshop
This evening workshop will provide a basic overview of the general concepts of Canon Law and the pastoral implications for the Pastoral Minister. A special focus on the areas of Canon Law that relate to the Sacraments will provide the major content of the session.
Social Justice
This course provides participants with an understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and the many and varied ways to respond to the invitation to action on behalf of justice.
Integrated Spirituality
This course examines how contemplation and ministry, body, mind, and spirit are integrated and balanced in everyday life. Participants will be offered essential tools to better equip them for on‑going spiritual and psychological growth and wholeness.
Ministry Skills III – Part 2
The second half of this course will provide the participants with the opportunity to present their projects in ministry to the group. The participant will gain practical experience with public speaking that was developed during Part 1 of this course. The instructor and fellow participants will also have an opportunity to provide constructive feedback.
Post Office Box F • Allentown, PA • 18105-1538
Copyright 2003 The Catholic Diocese
of Allentown
Disclaimer
and Terms of Use | 
