CHARLOTTE — Classes will begin in October for the Diocese of Charlotte’s Lay Ministry Formation Program, an in-depth formation program for adults who want to better understand their faith and more deeply participate in the Church’s mission.
The Lay Ministry program runs for two years, with classes held in multiple locations across the diocese. It is designed for adults at all levels – anyone who may be interested in serving the Church or who simply wants to further their understanding of Church teaching, scripture, theology and spirituality.
When classes begin formators will be using a hybrid online/in-person instruction model for the 2020-’22 program. Classes will start online in October. In 2021, depending on the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the program may be able to resume face-to-face classes. Participants take a total of 150 class hours during the two-year program of study, which follows the academic year. The program offers English and Spanish tracks.
Participants will:
- appreciate and understand more fully that they are called to and gifted for the lay apostolate by virtue of their baptism and confirmation,
- be affirmed and grow in competence and confidence in their present ministries to and with others: the Church, their families and the community,
- explore their personal gifts and how those gifts may be used in response to their baptismal call, and
- grow in their Catholic faith.
Classes are being planned for Charlotte, Greensboro, Lenoir and the Asheville area, based on the number of participants who register. In-person classes in the 2020-2022 English program will meet on designated Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an hour for lunch. Sessions average about one every three weeks within the academic year.
In-person classes for Spanish program may be held in Charlotte and Hendersonville, depending on registrations. Classes will meet weekly on Thursday evenings (6:30-8:30 p.m.) in Charlotte and on Friday evenings (7-9 p.m.) in Hendersonville.
Participants must be registered at a parish, provide a recommendation letter from their pastor, commit to actively practicing their Catholic faith, and agree to begin praying at least one segment of the Liturgy of the Hours daily as a part of their regular prayer life.
For more information, contact Dr. Frank Villaronga, diocesan director of evangelization and adult education, at 704-370-3274 or go online to www.charlottediocese.org/ev/adult-education.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
Your DSA contributions at work
The Lay Ministry Formation Program is funded in part by contributions to the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how you can contribute at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.
CHARLOTTE — The weather on July 23 was like every other day that week.
It started out sunny, then later the clouds rolled in, the thunder rumbled and rain threatened. In the Matthews/Mint Hill area, evening storms beat down on most of the community – except on the lawn of St. John Neumann Church, where a bilingual prayer service was taking place outdoors.
Approximately 150 parishioners arrived with their lawn chairs, observed social distancing practices and joined together in prayer at the two-hour liturgy, which included Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, Scripture readings, spoken and quiet prayer time and an intention cross.
The evening concluded with a healing service.
Father John Starczewski, pastor, and Father Peter Phan administered the sacrament of the anointing of the sick to those who requested it. “We heard the thunder; we felt the wind. The breeze kept us cool. There was no doubt that the Holy Spirit was right in our midst,” said one of the participants.
— Photos provided by Glenda Lliguicota
