Step One

Request an application form and return it to the Lay Formation Office by May 1, 2009. Applicants will be sent registration information.

Step Two

Return all registration information to the Office of Lay Formation by June 1, 2009.

The registration information consists of a registration form, personal inventory sheets, and two letters of recommendation.

The cost is $375.00 the first year of the three-year program (subject to change). This may be paid by the parish, the individual, or split between the two. Parishes are encouraged to budget money yearly for adult faith formation. Book expense, presenter stipends, retreat expenses and other expenses for study throughout the year are covered by the registration fee. Please visit with your Pastor or Pastoral Administrator and state on the registration form whom to bill (parish and/or participant).

Two letters of recommendation are requested, one from your Pastor or Pastoral Administrator and the other from a person of your choice. Perhaps by now you have already visited with your Pastor or Pastoral Administrator and expressed an interest in participating in the Lay Formation Program. If not, it would be a good idea to do so.

Step Three

Requirements of a person participating in Lay Formation

Attendance at the entire fall retreat weekend.
The development of Christian community is central to the focus of Lay Formation. Shalom Retreat Center in Dubuque will be the site of the fall retreat. The retreat will begin Friday evening, September 25, 2009 and will continue through 1:00 P.M., September 27, 2009. The Lay Formation Board members value and support the required attendance at the retreat weekend.

The retreat weekend is based on scriptural themes and is carefully planned and hosted by a team of Lay Formation alumni. The retreat includes talks, small group sessions, time for personal reflection, morning and evening prayer, the sacrament of reconciliation, and Sunday Mass. Lodging and all meals are provided.

Monthly class sessions.
All monthly sessions will take place at the St. Pius X Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, October 2009 through May 2010. Each Saturday session will begin at 8:45 A.M. with prayer, and the day concludes by 3:15 P.M.

Monthly Preparation.
Reading assigned texts and preparing a written reflection paper are a monthly requirement throughout the program.

Meeting regularly with a spiritual director or mentor.

We look forward to receiving your completed registration and recommendation forms. We will prayerfully process the information as quickly as possible. You should be notified of your acceptance or non-acceptance after August 15, 2009. If you have not heard from the Lay Formation Office by this date, please contact the office immediately.