Do you seek deeper participation in the life and love of Jesus?

Whoever had the idea for the Lay Formation program, and all of you who saw it through and put your hearts and souls into sharing such a rich treasury of information and teaching us how to seek out and find that information on our own – you can't even begin to imagine what a ripple you have started here in our archdiocese. It goes beyond information to a real relationship with Jesus Christ, as was modeled to us through the dedicated teachers and lay men and women who shared and witnessed to us over those three years.

The Lay Formation was where I learned God always loved me and He wants me to share His love with others.

It’s the everyday situations that we need to be there for people. I used to be someone that liked getting a pat on the back when I did something kind of helpful. I don’t want to be that person anymore. My joy comes from within, from my relationship with God. I want to share that joy with others. I want to help shine the light on their path. I want to help lead people back home to the Catholic Church. I pray that, by God’s grace, I am given the opportunity to do so.

Lay Formation has been the greatest blessing to me. I had been seeking stronger relationship with God, but didn’t know how to get there. This program allowed me to learn more about my faith and contemplate how God wanted me to be His hands and feet in this world, as well as helping me to understand the gifts He has given me. The fear that sometimes kept me from being all that God wanted me to be has loosened its grip on me. I know that God has called me to use the gifts He has given me to serve others. …I can truly say that I have a prayer life now. I was never consistent before Lay Formation.

This program has changed me so much that my goal is to see Jesus in all people, starting with my family, co-workers and others.

This has been an amazing opportunity for a Catholic who was in the shadows, afraid to go all the way to proclaim the good news. Everyone of all ages needs to have education about what it is to be a good Catholic, to have a personal relationship with God, and to be an instrument of God using all our God given talents, gifts to build our church and community. Best three years of my life!

Three years ago when I said “yes” to participating in this program, I wasn’t really sure what I was getting myself into. I knew it was a three year commitment and we’d meet once a month, with summers off. And, I knew that I would be expected to give back to the parish in some regard when it ended. Now as the end of my time with the program is in sight, I can honestly say that it was a life changing experience! … This program brought me to the realization that no matter our vocation in life, that not only are we called to bring others to Christ but also we need to be willing to let others bring us to Christ!

I know, the more I learn, the more I realize I don’t know and therefore, I want to learn more. It is that Thirst and Hunger for the Lord because I feel it, I have been Hard-wired to want to spread the good news of the Lord and I am ever grateful to be given this opportunity and foundation to have the confidence to do so.

This formation experience continually shows me how deep and beautiful the Catholic faith is. I feel compelled to find ways to share my love for the faith, and a better understanding of it with my fellow parishioners.

Lay Formation has helped me see people, no matter where they are, through the eyes of Christ. For the first time, I take all this into consideration when I communicate with anyone.