Feb. 10, 2016

Peru – With approval from Bishop Terry R. LaValley, the Eastern Region Commissioned Lay Minister Association (ERCLMA) was formed to provide support for commissioned lay ministers (CLM) from Clinton, Essex and Hamilton/Herkimer Deaneries. ERCLMA’s first event was held Jan. 15 at St. Augustine’s Parish Center. in Peru.

Much like the other two CLM associations - the CLM Association for the St. Lawrence/ Adirondack/ Franklin Deaneries and the Jefferson/Lewis Deaneries - the purpose of the association is to provide a means for area CLM’s to gather two or three times a year to support one another in ministry and participate in events encouraging spiritual growth.

The ERCLMA advisory board in chaired by Tom Hamilton of Morrisonville, who was commissioned in June, 2015. Other members are Deacon John D. Lucero, Jr., and Brenda Smith of Keeseville; deacon aspirant David Clark and Starr Burke of Plattsburgh, Mae Rasco, Redford; Deanna Kneussle, Morrisonville; and  Janice Morse, Peru.

Deacon Patrick Donahue, coordinator of the diocesan Formation for Ministry program, and St. Joseph Sister Jennifer Votraw, diocesan chancellor and coordinator of ministry to lay pastoral leaders assisted with the planning and support for the first meeting.

As participants arrived, a brief survey was given to each Commissioned Lay Minister requesting   updated contact information and asking for ideas and suggestions to improve the association as a whole.  There are no fees or membership costs to belong to ERCLMA  and it’s offered to any CLM who would like to take advantage of what it has to offer in terms of continual support for  all members.

The event was highlighted by two speakers who offered information and inspiration. Deacon Donahue explained the history of lay ministry from its beginning to present day. Father Scott Seymour from Morrisonville delivered the main address, challenging the attendees to reflect on why they became a lay minister and their expectations for ministry.

Advisory board member Mrs. Smith said, “As the evening came to a close, and judging from peoples’ comments as they left the meeting, there was a general sense of great support and enthusiasm. The remarks  were positive and people seemed to be happy to know ERCLMA  is now a reality. For many of them, they are looking forward to upcoming meetings and events.” 

In this Jubilee Year of Mercy, ERCLMA hopes to offer various event:  themed conferences with area speakers, retreats, and a possible day pilgrimage to a local area of interest. The next  meeting will be in the Spring but final details have yet to be finalized.

Further information is available from Deacon Donahue, at (315) 393-2920 (ext. 1413) or Mr. Hamilton at (518) 572-5675.