Lay Ministry Programs Spur Expression of Faith, Study Shows;More That 35,000 Men,Women Involved Across United States WASHINGTON (August 27, 2001) -- Programs to educate lay men and women for ministry in the Church not only give book knowledge but also enhance expressions of faith, according to a study on spiritual formation of lay ecclesial ministers by the U.S. Bishops' Subcommittee on Lay Ministry. Lay ministry programs currently enroll 35,000 men and women preparing to work in such positions as pastoral associate, youth minister and director of religious education through the nation's 314 church-related lay ministry formation programs that lead...