HICKORY — The call to follow God can often seem formidable, but for 60 men and women from across the Diocese of Charlotte, saying "yes" to God has changed their lives.
Their "yes" was taking part in the diocese's Lay Ministry Formation Program, a journey that began in 2014 and reached a milestone July 9 with their graduation.
Through this two-year formation program, laypeople learn more about the faith so they may better fulfill their baptismal call to participate in the Church's mission. It focuses on four areas of formation: human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral. The program is comprised of 150 hours of classes – everything from Scripture, Church history and Church councils, Christology, liturgy and the sacraments, to Catholic moral and social teachings, prayer and gift discernment.
For those who completed the program, July 9 was a day of celebration and anticipation about where God will lead them next. The past two years of study may have been challenging, graduates said, but well worth the effort.
"Lay Ministry has allowed me to take yet another step in my faith journey by opening my heart, nourishing my mind and soul so that I may continue walking the path as one of God's humble servants," said Hugh Holland of Queen of the Apostles Church in Belmont.
"My knowledge of the history of the Catholic Church is deeper, as is my faith. I have also met a lot of new friends from across the diocese that I wouldn't have otherwise," said Bill Youngblood of St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.
"I have been overwhelmed with gratitude for all this program has poured into me," said Carol Everhart of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonsville. "We know that by virtue of our baptism we are all called to serve, and we do, in many ways in our own vocations, but if you are ready to go deeper in your understanding and application of God's call, I lovingly encourage you to explore this program."
"For the Catholic who has always felt they need to know more about their faith, the Lay Ministry course is RCIA to the fourth power," said Hank Kaczmarek of St. Dorothy Church in Lincolnton.
"The commitment was not easy, but I believe it was worth the effort," said Patrick L. Roach of Our Lady of Fatima Mission in Winston-Salem. "I particularly feel blessed to have been introduced to the Divine Office, and I feel the whole experience has brought me closer to God. I now know that there is so much to learn about my Catholic faith, and although I have just finished two years of study the journey is just beginning."
During a Mass at the Catholic Conference Center to celebrate their graduation, graduates were encouraged to keep saying "yes" to God.
In his homily Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, reflected on the day's readings, including Isaiah 6:1-8, in which the prophet encounters God. When God sanctifies him and calls him, Isaiah responds, "Here I am, send me!"
Isaiah serves as a model of how we should respond to God's similar call to us, Monsignor West said.
"Dear friends in Christ, the very same commitment is being asked of us this morning," he said. "Christ is inviting you to work with Him to make His love and mercy a real experience for those whom you encounter on the journey of life."
"I realize that in hearing this call, it is a daunting one," he acknowledged. "Nevertheless, it is what is being asked of us as we formally embrace a life of Gospel ministry, side by side with the Lord Jesus."
In his closing comments at the graduation ceremony, Frank Villaronga, diocesan director of the Lay Ministry program, also told the graduates to keep going on their spiritual journey.
"I've heard you say 'yes' several times today," he said with a smile. "Hopefully, you'll begin to realize what that 'yes' is and continue to say' yes,' and figure out how to live that out."
— Patricia L. Guilfoyle, Editor
New classes starting
The 2016-'18 Lay Ministry Formation Program begins Sept. 24, with classes scheduled in Arden, Bryson City, Charlotte, Greensboro and Lenoir. All Catholic adults are welcome to apply.
For details, contact Frank Villaronga, director of the diocesan Evangelization and Adult Education Office, at 704-370-3274 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..