Lay minister completes recertification process

Jennifer Haman, director of faith formation at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids, is presented with her certification certificate by Brenda Kresky, consultant for faith formation with Catholic Education Ministries of the Diocese of St. Cloud. (Photo submitted)

By Brenda Kresky
For The Visitor

The single most critical factor in an effective parish catechetical program is the leadership of a professionally trained parish catechetical leader, according to the National Directory for Catechesis. The Diocese of St. Cloud has a certification process for lay ecclesial ministers serving in the roles of parish catechetical leader and youth ministry leader as one way to ensure competent, faithful leaders in parishes.

Certification establishes a consistent standard of quality among lay ecclesial ministers and works toward a standard of excellence and professionalism from which our parishes will benefit. This process is based on four standards of ministry formation: human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral. These standards are the same as those in priestly and diaconate formation, approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and provide a framework for continued education and learning.

Bishop John Kinney certified Jennifer Haman, director of faith formation at Sacred Heart Parish in Sauk Rapids, five years ago. Bishop Donald Kettler approved her certification renewal on Sept. 17. Recertification requirements include 100 hours of ongoing education and a learning plan suggesting areas to focus on in the next five years.

Brenda Kresky is consultant for faith formation with Catholic Education Ministries of the Diocese of St. Cloud.

Author: The Visitor

The Visitor is the official newpaper for the Diocese of Saint Cloud.

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