Last evening I attended a celebration of Evening Prayer honoring the 2011 Recipients of the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry in the Diocese of Greensburg.  Held at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg, the prayer was led by Bishop Lawrence E. Brandt with Marsha Cable, Director of the Office of Lay Ecclesial Ministry serving as MC.  One of our parishioners, Jeff Cieslewicz, was honored.  His wife and daughter were also in attendance.

     The Certificate in Pastoral Ministry program is a joint venture of Seton Hill University and the Diocese of Greensburg. Designed originally to develop and promote competent women and men for service as lay ecclesial ministers, the program also now serves as a resource to the diocesan Office for the Permanent Diaconate.  The goal of the program is the integration of the human, spiritual, intellectual and pastoral formation of adults who are committed to the mission of Christ in the Catholic Church.  Their main focus is service of the People of God in a variety of ecclesial settings.

     Yesterday's group was the fourth in the history of the program, with just shy of fifty people  having received Certificates to date.  Last evening there were sixteen recipients honored.  The bishop spoke of the role of the laity in ministry, the history of the program, and the hope for the future.  He also gave credit to our Bishop Emeritus Anthony G. Bosco for initiating this endeavor in advance of the national efforts.  Bishop Bosco's vision was the strengthening and affirming of the roles of the laity in the Church.

     There are countless men and women serving the Church, with and without Certificates.  To all of them we express gratitude.  And to these who so certified, we offer our congratulations and prayers for their work in the future life of God's People.