In the heart of our rural communities and smaller parishes, the spirit of service is vibrant—but the resources to nurture it aren’t always easy to find. We believe that every parish, regardless of size or zip code, deserves well-formed leaders to guide our faith journeys.

The Lay Ministry Formation Fund was created specifically to bridge that gap. By focusing on the development of lay ecclesial ministers, this fund ensures that our local leaders have the tools, education, and spiritual grounding they need to serve effectively. Whether it’s initial training for a new coordinator or ongoing education for a seasoned veteran, our goal is to strengthen the “living stones” of our Church.

Key Grant Details

If you are looking to grow the leadership within your community, here is what you need to know about the fund:

• Shared Investment: Grants typically cover up to 50% of the program costs. The remaining balance is provided by local sources, such as the parish, institution, or ministry provider.

• A Focus on Community: Priority is given to formation and education at the deanery or parish cluster level, encouraging collaboration across neighboring communities.

• Sustainability: While the fund focuses on education, grants for salary assistance are available for a maximum of three years to help new positions get off the ground.

• Accountability: To ensure alignment with parish goals, all grant requests must be signed by the pastor or program supervisor.

Leadership shouldn’t be limited by a budget. If your parish or deanery is ready to invest in its people, the Lay Ministry Formation Fund is here to help you take that next step.