Florida Catholic | Synod :: Lay Ministers

'Lay Ministry Program is essential to the vitality of the Catholic Church in central Florida'

TERESA LANTIGUA PETERSON | SPECIAL TO THE FLORIDA CATHOLIC

Published: 10.19.07

One in an occasional series of follow-up stories on the diocesewide synod planning process that took place over 18 months ending in summer 2006.

WINTER PARK | It is not just priests and religious sisters who are called to serve the Lord as leaders in the church. Others are responding to God's call in new and creative ways.

Each year, more people participate in the Foundations for Lay Ministry Program to discern their gifts for ministry and discover how their gifts correspond to local needs. The program is offered by the Diocese of Orlando and it offers academic, spiritual and pastoral formation for anyone who aspires to a leadership role in parish ministry.

"The goal of all pastoral ministries is to make God present in society, in the day-to-day lives of the people we serve," said Bishop Thomas Wenski.

The program trains leaders who serve in a wide range of ministries, such as pastoral care, liturgy, faith formation and community life.

"We need to help everyone respond to the call that the Lord has given us by offering opportunities and resources for training and spiritual formation," Bishop Wenski said.

The three-year program is housed at San Pedro Spiritual Development Center in Winter Park. Residing on 480 acres of protected wetland and lush Florida forest, the facilities provide an atmosphere for prayer and renewal.

The San Pedro Center is in the midst of a renovation and expansion project that was a recommendation of the San Pedro Commission of the synod, a diocesewide planning process that took about 18 months and wrapped up in summer 2006.

"I believe the Foundations for Lay Ministry Program is essential to the vitality of the Catholic Church in central Florida. So many people have gifts to offer but the gifts need development," said Father Patrick Quinn, Third Order Regular of St. Francis, administrator of San Pedro Center.

Peterson is communications manager for the Diocese of Orlando.

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'Lay Ministry Program is essential to the vitality of the Catholic Church in central Florida'

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