The Ecclesial Lay Ministry (ELM) Program
The ELM Program is accredited by the
United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Mission Statement: The Ecclesial Lay Ministry Program, rooted in service to the local Church, engages discerning Catholic adults through participation in an integrative formation experience comprised of human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral elements designed to respond to their call to holiness, renewal, ongoing conversion and ecclesial leadership in ministry.
The Ecclesial Lay Ministry (ELM) Program is the foundational formation program for laity serving in ministry in the diocese. The formation program consists of the following four components: Human Formation consisting of mentoring and supervised ministry opportunities; Academic Theology Courses (10); Pastoral and Professional Skills Workshops (14); and Spiritual Formation Assessment and Development. The ELM program is offered at sites across the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, in cooperation with Saint Joseph's College, Rensselaer, who governs and oversees the academic portion of the program. For more information about the ELM Program please e-mail the Administrative Assistant at the POC.
ELM Application
The application process for admission to the Ecclesial Lay Ministry program of the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana has three parts: Program Application, Self-Assessment, and Background Check. If you wish to have previous theology course credits transferred to this program, have an official transcript(s) sent directly to the ELM office with your application. The self- assessment provides benchmark date for you, and assists in measuring your progress. A criminal background check is required for all applicants. If you have recently completed a background check, you may submit documentation from your parish that a criminal background check has been done. It is required that all forms be completed and sent to Ecclesial Lay Ministry Office, 2300 S. 9th St., Lafayette, IN 47909-2400.
Program Application (Download form by clicking here.)
Self-Assessment (Download form by clicking here.)
Background Check (Download the information letter by clicking here.)
Academic Theology Courses (Intellectual)
Pastoral Skills Workshops (Pastoral)
Spirituality Events (Spiritual)
ELM Handbook