Lay Marianist Formation Program

Program Information

Becoming a Lay Marianist is a journey of entering into alliance with Mary as a member of the Marianist Lay Communities.  This Lay Marianist Formation Program offered by MLC-NA is a good option for anyone who has authentically experienced our charism and discerned a vocational calling as a Lay Marianist.

This program will include 10 virtual session held by a Zoom video call.  Sessions are designed to help participants grow in their understanding and capacity to live out the Marianist mission, spirituality, and community life.  Most sessions will feature a short video presentation of the week’s content to watch in preparation for the session, with supplemental reading available.  In addition to these sessions, this program will support participants through:

  • Assistance finding and joining a suitable MLC (if the participant does not already have one)
  • Regular conversations with their sponsor or mentor
  • A mini-retreat held at the time and location of the participant’s choosing
  • A final ceremony celebrating the participants commitment as a Lay Marianist

It is possible to enter into Lay Marianist Formation without having an MLC. If this is the case, our team will work with you to meet an in-person or virtual community to join.  In some cases, we can also work with you to create a plan to start a new MLC in your area.

Get Started

Next Start Date: September 3, 2024

The next offering of MLC-NA's formation program begins Tuesday, September 3, 2024. Sessions are conducted weekly by video call on Tuesday evenings, 8:00-9:15pm Eastern (7 Central | 5 Pacific | 2pm Hawaii).

The Lay Marianist Formation Program is on a pay what you can model. (Full cost to MLC-NA is $100/participant).

Download Program Overview
Date
Session
September 3, 2024
Program Introduction
September 10, 2024
The Marianist Charism
September 17, 2024
The Marianist Mission: Alliance with Mary
September 24, 2024
Marianist Mission in Everyday Life
October 1, 2024
Break (Meet with Sponsor)
October 8, 2024
Spirituality: Marian Presence and Discernment
October 15, 2024
Spirituality: Mediation and Prayer
October 22, 2024
Spirituality: System of Virtues
October 29, 2024
Break (Meet with Sponsor)
November 5, 2024
Animating Community in the Church and World
November 12, 2024
Building Lifegiving MLCs
November 19, 2024
Practical Considerations for Participating in an MLC
Nov. 26 & Dec 3
Break (Meet with Sponsor, Mini-Retreat)
December 10, 2024
Final Ceremony

Program Requirements

MLC-NA offers a virtual formation program for individuals who aspire to join our association of the faithful and become a Lay Marianist. Discerning a call to become a Lay Marianist means that a person has:

  • Had an authentic experience of the Marianist charism
  • Is prepared to make an intentional, public commitment to joining in alliance with Mary's mission
  • Is ready to join or help establish a Marianist Lay Community

It is possible to enter into Lay Marianist Formation without having an MLC. If this is the case, our team will work with you to meet an in-person or virtual community to join.  In some cases, we can also work with you to create a plan to start a new MLC in your area.

Get Started

Complete this form to begin your application to MLC-NA's Lay Formation Program. Our team will reach out to you with next steps.
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