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Program History


The Lay Formation Program in the Archdiocese of Dubuque has been in existence for 31 years. Over a thousand have completed the program.


The Archdiocese of Dubuque in 1979 established a subcommittee of the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council to develop a program for adult faith formation to enable adults to understand and deepen their understanding of the Catholic Church and their faith so as to take an active role in sharing their faith in their families, the local communities and the global world.


In 1980 a two-year lay ministry program began. Since its origin, an active lay-formation advisory board of adults has continued to develop and direct the focus. Adult faith formation has been given the highest priority. Twenty percent had completed the program in the 1980s.


In 1988 the Lay Formation process was evaluated. Again there was a need to expand, this time to a three-year process that includes emphasis on the baptismal call to serve and to lead. Lay formation continues to draw large numbers of adult men and women who want to deepen their awareness of this call.


In 2005 we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Lay Formation. The Lay Formation Program continues with undiminished response. This program has touched the lives of nearly 1500 individuals since its conception in 1980. In the 25 years we realize the blessing of having access to qualified professors from each of the three Catholic Colleges in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. All other staff members have a Master’s or Doctorate degree in the area in which they teach.


An intensive survey sent to a thousand alumni was completed in 2008. Overall, a large majority is satisfied with the Lay Formation Program as it is. The survey affirmed no significant change in the Lay Formation Program. The survey validated the continuance of a three-year Lay Formation Program as it now exists under the direction of a Lay Formation Director.


People want more lifelong adult faith formation. It is the parish’s responsibility to prepare people for Lay Formation by providing adult faith formation programs.


In its 31-year history, Lay Formation has now included close to two thousand men and women in 27 sites throughout the Archdiocese of Dubuque. With the support of Archbishop Jerome Hanus O.S.B. we continue to provide ongoing faith formation and spiritual enrichment to the laity.


1/1/2011