Church
Ministry Office
Kathleen B. Heffern - Director
Phone:
716-847-5531 / Fax 716:847-5593
E-Mail:
kheffern@buffalodiocese.org
This office develops and coordinates educational programs that assist the laity in both volunteer and professional ecclesial ministry and "marketplace ministry." It also offers placement assistance for lay ministers and women religious. Specific services include:
 | Offers Foundations in Ministry course for persons interested in lay ministry and those interested in applying for the Permanent Diaconate Formation Program. |
| Coordinates Southern Tier Certificate in Pastoral Studies Program. |
| Coordinates The Diocesan Lay Ministry Formation Program in the Northern Tier |
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Collaborates with Christ the King Seminary in the enlistment of students for certificate and graduate programs. |
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Offers the Pastoral Visitation Skills Course for parish ministers and collaborates with two area hospital Departments of Spiritual Care in regard to other levels of training ministers to the sick. |
| Acts as a liaison with the Commission on Women in Church and Society and with the Domestic Violence Awareness Task Force for the Diocese. |
| Makes available resources (books and videos) on Lay Ministry, Parish Councils, Parish Ministry, Ministry in the Marketplace, Catholic Social Justice Teachings and issues in Social Justice (especially world debt relief and sweatshops). |
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Acts as clearinghouse for information on opportunities for volunteer ministries. |
| Offers annual conference on issues related to ministry (Parish Study Day). |
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| Acts as a liaison and is affiliated with the National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM) and coordinates activities of the Diocesan Association for Lay Ministry (DALM) |
The Office of Church Ministry is affiliated with the
National Association for Lay Ministry.