Starting this fall, Year I of the two-year lay ministry program will be offered at the Catholic Pastoral Center, 1615 W. Washington St. in Springfield. Sessions generally meet one Saturday each month (August through May) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The first year is a year of common study, taught on a college level, introducing candidates to various areas of church teaching.

The second year invites candidates to specialize in an area of pastoral ministry. Currently the Lay Ministry Formation Program offers six specializations:

• Adult Faith in Life Issues

• Catechetical Leadership Ministry

• Clinical Pastoral Care Ministry

• Liturgical Ministry: Liturgical Leadership

• Liturgical Ministry: Christian Initiation of Adults Leadership

• Youth Ministry

Men interested in the permanent diaconate in the future are encouraged to take the lay ministry formation program. Application materials for the Lay Ministry Formation Program as well as program information may be found on the diocesan web site at www.dio.org/ministryformation/home.html.

For more information contact the Office for Ministry Formation at the Catholic Pastoral Center (217) 698-8500, ext. 153.