Lay Pastoral Ministry & Leadership Formation Programme - November 2026 - May 2029

Recruiting now...

At the Diocesan Synod in 2016 a clear call was heard to devise a faith development strategy prioritising adults, to train what were variously termed ‘lay catechists’, or ‘animators’ or ‘co-ordinators’ – essentially lay people who would take on a significant role in the community around faith development and ministry. We have committed to responding to this call in our Diocesan Pastoral Plan. This is an urgent need and has also been expressed by Pope Francis who says in Evangelii Gaudium that the mission of the laity is not always expressed in “the same way in all places. In some cases, it is because lay persons have not been given the formation needed to take on important responsibilities." (EG 102)

Part of our response in Limerick was to launch a programme of formation in lay pastoral ministry and leadership. This programme is designed and developed as an initiative across the Dioceses of the Cashel Province in association with the Irish Institute for Pastoral Studies at Mary Immaculate College. 

We are now recruiting for another intake. The programme provides training for those who are interested in working as volunteer catechists or lay pastoral workers at parish and pastoral unit level. It combines rich academic content with pastoral skills and promotes the personal and spiritual development of the participants

The programme runs for 30 months and normally runs one weekend per month (Friday evening and all-day Saturday for 8 months per annum). After an initial period of discernment the candidate enrols in an accredited Certificate in Pastoral Ministry at Level 6 awarded by Mary Immaculate College.

I am interested, what do I need to do?

• Speak to your local Priest and Moderator to seek their support and endorsement.
• Attend an information session on 21st of October, Limerick Diocesan Centre (V94 925C), 7.30 pm.
• Complete an online application form at: Diocese of Limerick Lay Pastoral Ministry Programme – Fill out form or scan this QR code below.