Opportunities For Laity

to study in Rome here:

Join Our Student Community

If you are a lay person considering studies in Rome at one of the Pontifical Universities, Institutes or Athenae, why not consider joining our resident international student community?

A Residential Formation Program

As the constant teaching of the Church has recognized, the ecclesial mission of the laity flows from the Sacrament of Baptism. For the lay faithful to discern their unique vocations in the communion and mission of the Church, they must learn to listen carefully to the Spirit who leads them through Christ to the Father. The Lay Centre at Foyer Unitas is committed to helping lay women and men live this discernment by providing an environment which fosters an attitude of active listening. Founded in 1986 as a place for lay students from around the world to live and study in Rome, The Lay Centre's mission is to provide a program of lay formation based on the four pillars of Christian formation identified by the Church: spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral...

They also offer shorter programs for church groups:

The Lay Centre offers the laity a unique opportunity to explore the history and theology of Rome. A variety of formats include weeklong and weekend study programs designed for parishes, universities, and other organizations.   Programs are shaped by the Catholic traditions of liturgical prayer, erudite study, lively dialogue, and pilgrimage to various Christian sites in the Eternal City.

The Lay Centre’s programs are designed to open the city to you as a pilgrim. Rather than rushing from site to site with brief explanations of historical information on sites or individual works of art, we offer the chance to take time to meditate on the mystery of Christ and his Church as reflected in the city of Rome.

Uncover a layer of the city’s history as it has been inhabited and transformed by Christianity.  See the sites where popes have shaped history, where saints have fed the poor, and where mystics have contemplated the deepest mysteries of life. Our unique courses will take you on a pilgrim’s journey, allowing you the time for reflection, spiritual enrichment and prayer...