Lay Ecclesial Ministry Institute (LEMI)
Open your heart to the light of God's love through lay ecclesial ministry
The Lay Ecclesial Ministry Institute (LEMI) provides ministry formation to those who hold catechetical or youth ministry leadership positions in the Diocese of Richmond.
LEMI enables you to:
- Enhance your ministerial skills and your own spirituality
- Achieve an academic degree (Bachelor’s or M.A.) or certificate of studies
- Enjoy significant savings on tuition with subsidized rates
- Qualify for the highest level of diocesan recognition for lay leaders: Commissioning by the Bishop
- Qualify for the LEMI level of Job Classification and Compensation
First LEMI class - 2011 (Richmond)
First LEMI class - 2011 (Abingdon)
Why Lay Ecclesial Ministry?
"Lay persons who devote themselves permanently or temporarily to some special service of the Church are obliged to acquire the appropriate formation which is required to fulfill their function properly and to carry it out conscientiously, zealously, and diligently."
-- Code of Canon Law, Canon 231
Who is a Lay Ecclesial Minister?
A Lay Ecclesial Minister is a lay man or women whose ecclesial service is characterized by:
- Authorization of the Bishop to serve publicly in the local church
- Leadership in a particular area of ministry
- Close mutual collaboration with the pastoral ministry of bishops, priests, and deacons
- Preparation and formation appropriate to the level of responsibilities that are assigned to them
(Taken from the 2005 USCCB document: Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord: A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry)
Who chooses Lay Ecclesial Ministry Institute (LEMI)?
In the Diocese of Richmond, the men and women who choose formation through LEMI are:
- Directors/Coordinators of Religious Education
- Catholic Schools Religion Teachers
- Youth Ministers
- Adult Faith Formation Coordinators
- Directors of the Catechumenate
- Campus Ministers
- Explore more about LEMI: Program Structure | Application Process