Dear Friends in Christ,

The Second Vatican Council recognised that lay people share in the mission of the Church, by virtue of their baptism. In an apostolic exhortation, Pope John Paul II wrote,  "Lay people as well are personally called by the Lord, from whom they receive a mission on behalf of the Church and the world . . . Through baptism the lay faithful are made one body with Christ and are established among the People of God. They are in their own way made sharers in the priestly, prophetic and kingly office of Christ. They carry out their own part in the mission of the whole Christian people with respect to the Church and the world" (Christifideles Laici # 2, 9). 

We are pleased to announce that the diocese will continue to offer formation for parish leadership.  The Lay Apostolate Formation process is offered cyclically.  Last year (2007-08) Sacred Scriptures + Sacraments was offered and this year (2008-09) Theology will be offered.  We are presently in a position to recruit participants to begin a year of formation in the area of Theology.

The Lay Apostolate Formation is designed for Catholic laity interested in deepening their understanding of the Catholic faith, Sacred Scripture, theology, and spirituality. One criterion for acceptance is the desire to render service to the Church. This will provide the kind of formation that prepares laity for their unique role of evangelisation. "The lay faithful ought to regard themselves as an active and responsible part of this venture, called as they are to proclaim and to live the gospel in service to the person and to society while respecting the totality of the values and needs of both" (Christifideles Laici, # 64).

We urge parishioners to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Diocesan Faith Development and Evangelisation Office, thereby enriching themselves and the Church. Lay Apostolate Formation will assist our Catholic laity in becoming more effective collaborators with clergy (bishops, priests, and deacons) in a lived faith that is nurtured by vibrant faith communities firmly rooted in the Gospel of Christ.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Jean-Louis Plouffe,  Bishop of Sault Ste. Marie.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lay Apostolate Formation Application Form