Rite of Calling for Lay Ecclesial Ministers

On May 20th, at the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception on the University of St. Mary of the Lake campus, 27 graduates from the Institute for Pastoral Leadership participated in the Rite of Calling

for Lay Ecclesial Ministers (LEMs).

Most Rev. Bishop Jeffrey S. Grob, auxiliary bishop for the Archdiocese of Chicago, celebrated the liturgy with the candidates, surrounded by family, friends and clergy from their parishes. This was the first Rite of Calling in six years, the first since the end of the COVID pandemic.

Candidates had earned their graduate degrees in pastoral studies or divinity and completed a three-year formation program. Their roles range from volunteers in their parish and surrounding communities to professional ministry, such as directors of religious education, pastoral associates and chaplains.

We celebrate the following LEMs: Maria Arrez, Maria Brantman, Catherine Brolley, Lawrence Cubalchini, Megan Marie Daigle, Stephanie K. Gado, Colleen Hagen, Maryellen Harrington, Anastasia Jakubow, Frances M. Johnson, Marion Johnson, Akua Kankam, Doreen Kelly, Brian V. Leonard, Pamela Lynch, Therese McCall, Patty McCarthy, Krysten McOsker, Christina Norton, Imarenakhue Mary Oates, Barbara Olson, Malgorzata Pamula, Ben Paolelli, Joseph Quane, Jennifer C. Reid, and Valerie Walker.

Pam Lynch received her Masters of Arts degree in Catechetics and Evangelization from St Francis University of Steubenville in 2017 and then bridged to this Lay Ecclesial Minister program where she completed the necessary formation and other requirements.

A lay ecclesial minister is a lay person who has prepared for professional ministry in the Church (USCCB).