| There was a crowd without anything to eat. Jesus said, "My heart is moved with pity." |
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Mark 8:1-2
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Mission and Overview of the Lay Formation Program
Mission
We are the people of God called by baptism to share fully in the mission of the Church–to teach, to serve, and to sanctify in ongoing conversion and transformation of the world.
Purpose
We invite the baptized to live a way of life based on the Gospel so as to
- Prepare the baptized to grow in an understanding of the mission of Jesus.
- Enter into a process of spiritual and theological formation.
- Present a vision of the Catholic Church and its relationship to the world.
- Live the mission of the church in ongoing renewal.
- Empower people of faith for service within and beyond the local church.
After completing the entire program process, individuals receive a certificate.
Overview
What Is Lay Formation?
The Lay Formation Program in the Archdiocese of Dubuque calls forth and prepares men and women to respond to their baptismal call to be a disciple of Christ. Lay Formation is a three-year process of personal and spiritual growth.
The themes for the three years of Lay Formation are:
- Living the life of faith
- Reflecting the life of faith
- Sharing the life of faith
Each year begins with a retreat weekend in September with a theme expanding the focus of the year. Groups gather monthly on Saturday for day-long sessions. Monthly preparation of reading and writing is required. Participants are selected through an extensive registration and interview process.
For further information on the retreat weekend, monthly reading and writing, and the registration process, see Registration Information and Participant Requirements. See the Letter from the Director and Lay Formation Discernment.
Contact the Office of Lay Formation, 1229 Mt Loretta, P.O. Box 479, Dubuque, Iowa 52004-0479 or email dbqclfsec@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us.
