Enroll in the Lay Formation Institute
Discover the treasures of Sacred Scripture, the Catechism, Church History, Vatican II, Christian Prayer, the Vocation of the Laity, and so much more!
The Next Cycle Begins in Fall 2026
Two-year program, one weekend a month, Friday evening to Saturday afternoon, summers off.
Registration Deadline: August 1, 2026, or when the class fills (limit 30), whichever comes first.
Brief Video Testimonials:
LFI Graduates Speak about the Program
Cheryl & Lori
Jim & Linda
Stacie & Kayla
Pastor Testimonial:
LFI Participant Comments:
“As a pastor, I will always do my best to have parishioners enrolled in the Lay Formation Institute. Our RCIA team is filled with LFI graduates, not to mention all our parish ministries and committees. This is one investment that has always paid immediate and lasting dividends!” –Father Sam Martin
“The Mass has come alive for me and my parish family is closer to my heart. So much has ‘fallen into place’ that I now feel comfortable discussing and sharing my faith confidently.”
–Catechist, Parish Religious Education
“I truly fell in love with the Catholic Church during the past two years. I learned so much from such amazing disciples of Christ. It was a wonderful new beginning to the rest of my life!” –Elementary School Teacher
Spiritual and Community Formation
The goal of the Lay Formation Institute is to address not only the academic and practical formation of its participants, but their spiritual and community formation as well. For this reason, the program includes:
- Morning Mass on all the Saturdays, with LFI students assisting in the liturgies (Christopher Carstens, Director of the Office for Sacred Worship, is present each weekend to assist with liturgical formation).
- Liturgy of the Hours prayed each morning and evening on the weekends.
- Other devotions.
- Shared meals and social time.
Specialized Tracks
At the end of the two-year cycle, a weekend is devoted to specialized tracks focusing in more depth on areas of practical, pastoral service. Each participant is invited to select among these tracks, which include such areas as:
- Catechesis and Evangelization
- Adult Faith Formation
- Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
- Pastoral Care of Marriage and the Family
- Liturgical Ministry
- Catholic Social Action
- Youth Ministry
- Jail Ministry
Please note that completion of the Lay Formation Institute is a normal prerequisite for diocesan Leader of Prayer training. A significant number of LFI graduates go on to become Leaders of Prayer for their parishes.
Format
The program consists of classes that meet one weekend per month (Friday evening to Saturday evening), September through May, for two years at the Holy Cross Diocesan Center in La Crosse and St. Anthony’s Retreat Center in Marathon. A new cycle starts every two years. The curriculum covers such areas as:
- Introduction to the Liturgy of the Hours
- Sacred Scripture
- The Profession of Faith
- Liturgy and Sacraments
- Life in Christ: Christian Morality
- Spirituality and Prayer
- Church History
- Vocation of the Laity
- Vatican II
- Ministry of Charity
How to Apply
If you’re interested in joining the Lay Formation Institute, we suggest speaking with your pastor first. After that, you can get in touch with the Office of Ministries by calling 608-791-0161 or sending an email. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. Please keep in mind that space is limited and applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. The next two-year cycle will begin in the fall of 2025. Be sure to inform your pastor of your interest. Candidates from any parish or religious institution in the Diocese of La Crosse are welcome to apply. Typically, participants are sponsored by their parishes in exchange for a commitment to give service in some way. The cost for the Lay Formation Institute is $1,600 per person per year, which covers all tuition, books, overnight accommodations, and more.
Attention School Teachers, DRE’s, CRE’s, Youth Ministers & Catechists:
This Program Qualifies for Advanced Certification.
For an application, click here.
Questions? Call 608.791.0161 or email: ministries@diolc.org.
Spiritual and Community Formation
The goal of the Lay Formation Institute is to address not only the academic and practical formation of its participants, but their spiritual and community formation as well. For this reason, the program includes:
- Morning Mass on all the Saturdays, with LFI students assisting in the liturgies (Christopher Carstens, Director of the Office for Sacred Worship, is present each weekend to assist with liturgical formation).
- Liturgy of the Hours prayed each morning and evening on the weekends
- Other devotions
- Shared meals and social time
Entrance Requirements
Candidates may apply from any parish or religious institution of the Diocese of La Crosse. A candidate must be a practicing Catholic and be recommended by his or her pastor. Participants typically are sponsored by their parishes in exchange for a commitment to provide service to the parish. The cost for the Lay Formation Institute is $1,600 per person per year, which covers all tuition, books, overnight accommodations and meals.
Catholic Life Articles
Here are a few Catholic Life articles. To read the full article, click on the blue colored title.
