Lay Ecclesial Ministry Endorsement is an additional credential which can be added to the staff, coordinator or director levels of certification to demonstrate proficiency in a particular area of ministry.
An endorsement should include at least 6 credit hours of credit-bearing coursework from Sacred Heart Major Seminary, or 90 hours of non credit bearing training from SHMS or other approved schools/organizations/apostolates, or a combination of both.
Up to 2 credits, or 30 hours of an endorsement can be granted for 5 or more years of supervised employment or volunteer experience provided the applicant can produce examples of their work and a reference letter from a priest or supervisor attesting to their demonstrated abilities in the given ministry.
Endorsements can be attached to the staff, coordinator and director levels of certification, and upon Certification renewal, 10 training hours related to that specific ministry are required to maintain the endorsement. Endorsements can be added at any time for those who already have a prior or existing level of certification, even prior to their renewal of certification.