They may, moreover, be appointed by the hierarchy to certain ecclesiastical offices which have a spiritual aim. The National Coalition for Church Vocations, a coalition of organizations promoting vocations for the church, have published a catalogue which includes materials for all church vocations, including lay ministry. The 40 page brochure includes accounts written by 12 lay ministers about their call and life in ministry. From Around the World . . . Note that the third highest issue selected by U.S. Bishops was also formation.
Spiritual formation is to be key, in addition to academic formation.
They recommend that classes or courses on lay ministry be taught in all seminaries. In addition, they are insisting on increased interactions between lay ministers and seminarians as part of seminary training. Note that this helps to address the U.S. bishops' second highest issue, relationship between lay and ordained ministers. The issue of the theology of lay ministries was also noted as being an important issue. This was the top issue selected by U.S. bishops.