Lay Marianist Formation Program

Program Information

Becoming a Lay Marianist is a journey of entering into alliance with Mary as a member of the Marianist Lay Communities.  This Lay Marianist Formation Program offered by MLC-NA is a good option for anyone who has authentically experienced our charism and discerned a vocational calling as a Lay Marianist.

This program will include 10 virtual session held by a Zoom video call.  Sessions are designed to help participants grow in their understanding and capacity to live out the Marianist mission, spirituality, and community life.  Most sessions will feature a short video presentation of the week’s content to watch in preparation for the session, with supplemental reading available.  In addition to these sessions, this program will support participants through:

  • Assistance finding and joining a suitable MLC (if the participant does not already have one)
  • Regular conversations with their sponsor or mentor
  • A mini-retreat held at the time and location of the participant’s choosing
  • A final ceremony celebrating the participants commitment as a Lay Marianist

It is possible to enter into Lay Marianist Formation without having an MLC. If this is the case, our team will work with you to meet an in-person or virtual community to join.  In some cases, we can also work with you to create a plan to start a new MLC in your area.

Get Started

Next Start Date: September 4, 2025

The next offering of MLC-NA's formation program begins Thursday, September 4, 2025. Sessions are conducted weekly by video call on Thursday evenings, 8:00-9:30pm Eastern (7 Central | 5 Pacific | 2pm Hawaii).

Session
Topic
Session 1
Program Introduction
Session 2
The Marianist Charism
Session 3
The Marianist Mission: Alliance with Mary
Session 4
Marianist Mission in Everyday Life
Break Week
Break (Meet with Sponsor)
Session 5
Spirituality: Marian Presence and Discernment
Session 6
Spirituality: Mediation and Prayer
Session 7
Spirituality: System of Virtues
Break Week
Break (Meet with Sponsor)
Session 8
Animating New MLCs
Session 9
Established MLCs
Session 10
Dissolving MLCs and Retreat Preparation
Two Break Weeks
Break (Meet with Sponsor, Mini-Retreat)
Last Session
Final Ceremony

Program Requirements

MLC-NA offers a virtual formation program for individuals who aspire to join our association of the faithful and become a Lay Marianist. Discerning a call to become a Lay Marianist means that a person has:

  • Had an authentic experience of the Marianist charism
  • Is prepared to make an intentional, public commitment to joining in alliance with Mary's mission
  • Is ready to join or help establish a Marianist Lay Community

It is possible to enter into Lay Marianist Formation without having an MLC. If this is the case, our team will work with you to meet an in-person or virtual community to join.  In some cases, we can also work with you to create a plan to start a new MLC in your area.

Get Started

Complete this form to begin your application to MLC-NA's Lay Formation Program. Our team will reach out to you with next steps.
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