Lay Formation Institute - To be salt of the earth for the sake of the world

By Chez Filippini & Sister Margaret Kuntz  |  The Catholic Compass  |  March/April 2023

IN NOVEMBER 1964, POPE ST. PAUL VI PROMULGATED ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS OF THE SECOND VATICAN COUNCIL, LUMEN GENTIUM (LIGHT OF THE NATIONS). THIS DOGMATIC CONSTITUTION ANSWERS THE BIG QUESTION OF EXACTLY “ WHO” AND “WHAT” THE CHURCH IS. AFTER OUTLINING THE MISSION AND IDENTITY OF CLERGY, THE COUNCIL FATHERS HAD THE FOLLOWING TO SAY ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE LAITY:

The lay apostolate, however, is a participation in the salvific mission of the Church itself … Now the laity are called in a special way to make the Church present and operative in those places and circumstances where only through them can it become the salt of the earth. Upon all the laity, therefore, rests the noble duty of working to extend the divine plan of salvation to all men of each epoch and in every land. Consequently, may every opportunity be given them so that, according to their abilities and the needs of the times, they may zealously participate in the saving work of the Church. — Lumen Gentium 33

The Lay Formation Institute (LFI) is an initiative of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee to provide quality spiritual, intellectual and human formation to lay people so they might more effectively respond to this vocation to be salt of the earth for the sake of the world.

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF THE LAY FORMATION INSTITUTE?
During the first year, a participant receives an overview of essential Church teachings that clarifies the laity’s specific mission in the world and the identity of a lay person compared to a cleric or religious. A highlight is when Institute members participate in the Siena Institute Called and Gifted workshop. Here, they identify particular charisms they believe God has placed in them for the good of the kingdom and then, through a thorough interview and discernment process, decide on a specific course of action to exercise these spiritual gifts.

The second year aims to equip participants with evangelization strategies to, as defined by Bishop Wack’s pastoral letter “Sharing the Gift,” “awaken in people’s hearts a love of God and an adherence to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.” The curriculum then concludes with a series of workshops on the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, a document that defines how politics, economics and culture should be ordered by the laity to support the flourishing of the human person and family.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS LIKE?
It is a two-year process combining reflection days and retreats, online formation courses through the Franciscan University of Steubenville Catechetical institute and workshops with live presenters from both inside and outside the diocese. Over the last two years, the Lay Formation Institute has been blessed by amazing presenters from all over the country, including Dr. Tom Neal of Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, Katherine Coolidge of the Siena Institute, Dr. Tony Marco of Marian University, Soren and Ever Johnson of the Trinity House Community in Leesburg, Virginia plus many others talented individuals from within the diocese including Bishop Wack, Theresa Prejean of St. Dominic in Panama City and Michael Barrett of the Florida Catholic Conference. 

Participants will focus on deepening their prayer life, sharpening their understanding of Catholic theology in relation to the call of the laity and growing in communion with others in the program. The curriculum is demanding but doable for those in varying seasons of life, even those with full-time jobs and/or who have young children at home.

WHO SHOULD APPLY FOR THE LAY FORMATION INSTITUTE?
Any layperson seeking to make Christ more present in their family, neighborhood, social circles, workplace and local community should consider this opportunity. A good candidate would have a strong desire to build up God’s kingdom in places where official Church ministries often are not able to reach people as well as develop a rich, well-rounded prayer life. 

READ WHAT ROBYN TICE FROM THE CATHEDRAL OF THE SACRED HEART SAYS ABOUT HER PARTICIPATION IN THE LAY FORMATION INSTITUTE.
“My participation in the Lay Formation Institute has been invaluable in spurring my spiritual growth and deepening my intellectual understanding of the Catholic faith and Church teaching. As a layperson seeking to build up the kingdom of God, LFI has provided me with a strong foundation to boldly live out my vocation as a true disciple of Christ, reflecting his presence through my daily experiences of family, work and community.” 

WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE? 
Three information sessions via Zoom will be available for anyone interested in learning more about the Lay Formation Institute on Saturday, March 11 at 1 p.m. CST, Thursday, March 16 at 7 p.m. CDT and Monday, March 20 at 9:30 a.m. CDT.