The Institute for Lay Ecclesial Ministry (ILEM) of Notre Dame Seminary is a 23-credit-hour Catholic ministry training program that combines theological studies with human, spiritual, and pastoral formation. ILEM culminates in a special commissioning by the Archbishop of New Orleans as a Lay Ecclesial Minister.

Designed for Catholic leaders and essential volunteers in ministry and teaching roles, ILEM students are immersed in a rigorous academic and pastoral formation program that includes the same four dimensions of formation that are integral to diaconate and priestly formation. After completing the program, as detailed in the USCCB document Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, new and veteran lay ecclesial ministers are sent forth to catechize, form, and evangelize others.