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In most programs, the spiritual formation requirements are the same for all candidates.
Program Requirements
Percent responding "Yes"
| Are the spiritual formation requirements the same for all candidates? | 83% |
| Can a candidate receive an academic degree or certificate and not be qualified for lay ecclesial ministry? | 63% |
| Is there a process for lay ecclesial ministry certification that is separate from the program's academic requirements? | 37% |
In nearly two-thirds of lay ministry formation programs, it is possible for a candidate to receive an academic degree or certificate and still not be qualified for lay ecclesial ministry. Only a little more than a third of the program have a process for certifying lay ecclesial ministers that is separate from the program's academic requirements.
Type of Program
The spiritual formation requirements are the same for all candidates in all of the independent programs and for between 80 and 90 percent of diocesan, college or university, and CPE programs. In 39 percent of seminary or school of theology programs, however, the requirements are not the same for all candidates.
Program Requirements
Percent responding "Yes"
| Diocesan | College | Seminary | CPE | Independent | |
| Are spiritual formation requirements the same for all candidates? | 89% | 81% | 61% | 80% | 100% |
| Can a candidate receive an academic degree or certificate and not be qualified for lay ecclesial ministry? | 47% | 74% | 77% | 80% | 46% |
| Is there a process for lay ecclesial ministry certification that is separate from the program's academic requirements? | 28% | 47% | 26% | 60% | 50% |
- In about three-fourths of college/university (74 percent), seminary/school of theology (77 percent), and CPE programs (80 percent), candidates can receive academic degrees or certificates and not be qualified for lay ecclesial ministry.
- The ability to earn credentials without being qualified for lay ecclesial ministry is less common in diocesan and independent programs: fewer than half of diocesan (49 percent) and independent (46 percent) programs allow for this possibility.
- About one-fourth of the programs in dioceses and seminaries or schools of theology and nearly one-half of the programs in colleges or universities have a process for lay ecclesial ministry certification that is separate from the academic requirements of the program.