New Guidelines for 2025

(Click here for a Summary Chart of the New Options)

The Archdiocese of Detroit and Sacred Heart Major Seminary have partnered on new standards and processes for Lay Ecclesial Ministry Certification which take effect on July 1, 2025.

The new guidelines include:

• Baseline ministry CERTIFICATION for ALL lay ministers which has 4 levels
  • Initial/Catechist level
  • Staff Level
  • Coordinator Level
  • Director Level

• Ministry-specific ENDORSEMENTS which can be attached to staff, Coordinator and Director levels of certification. Currently there are 8 different endorsements
  • Cultural Ministries
  • Discipleship Formation (Catechesis)
  • Engagement Ministry
  • Evangelical Charity (Christian Service)
  • Family Ministry
  • OCIA
  • Worship
  • Youth Ministry