Designing & Leading Rites of Passage: Basics Training for Lay Chaplains, 2026
Saturday, April 11 –Â 9:00 am PT | 10:00 am MT |Â 11:00 am CT | 12:00 pm ET |Â 1:00pm AT | 1:30pm NT (6 hours)
Sunday, April 12 –Â 11:30 am PT | 12:30 pm MT | 1:30 pm CT | 2:30 pm ET | 3:30 pm AT | 4:00 pm NT (3.5 hours)
Saturday, April 18 – 9:00 am PT | 10:00 am MT | 11:00 am CT | 12:00 pm ET | 1:00 pm AT | 1:30 pm NT (6 hours)
Why Rites of Passage Matter, and Why Lay Chaplains Are Essential
Across every culture and era, people turn to ritual to mark the moments that change us: births, unions, transitions, losses, new beginnings. These ceremonies are not simply events; they are meaning-making spaces, helping us honour what is sacred, hold one another through change, and name the threads that bind us to community.
Within Unitarian Universalism, Lay Chaplains carry the profound responsibility of creating these thresholds with intention, care, and deep listening. They are often the first UU presence someone encounters. Their ministry ripples outward — strengthening congregational visibility, embodying our theology of inclusion, and offering pastoral presence to those who may never step inside a sanctuary but still seek spiritual grounding.
This Basics training exists because these rites matter. The people who lead them matter. And how we prepare them matters.
About the Training
This workshop is designed for:
- Individuals discerning a call to lay chaplaincy
- Newly appointed lay chaplains
- Members of Lay Chaplaincy Committees
- Congregants who feel drawn to the art of crafting meaningful ceremonies
The training provides foundational guidance on both the spiritual craft of designing and leading rites of passage, and the practical stewardship of a congregation’s lay chaplaincy program.
Because most lay chaplaincy terms last six years, regular training is essential to ensure continuity, depth, and preparedness. The Basics course is offered only once each year, making early planning important for congregations anticipating transitions.
If your congregation appointed lay chaplains in 2018 or earlier, they may be nearing the end of their term. Now is the time to check in, plan ahead, and invite those with the gifts of compassion, presence, and creativity to consider this role.
Who Should Attend
While this course is a requirement for all incoming lay chaplains, it is also strongly recommended for:
- Members of Lay Chaplaincy Committees
- Congregants who feel called to support or co-create rites of passage
- Anyone curious about the spiritual, relational, and communal impact of ritual work
All participants must be endorsed by congregational leadership and must complete the Lay Chaplaincy Quiz before registering.
Why Participate
Becoming a Lay Chaplain, or supporting those who do, is a profound ministry of accompaniment. It is spiritually enriching work that deepens your own understanding of meaning, community, and the sacred.
This training prepares participants to:
- Hold space for individuals and families at vulnerable and transformative moments
- Craft rituals that reflect UU values and the unique stories of those they serve
- Represent your congregation with professionalism, compassion, and integrity
- Strengthen your community’s presence and impact beyond Sunday mornings
We warmly encourage all who feel called to this meaningful work to join us.
Participants must complete the Lay Chaplaincy Quiz in advance of registration.
Deadline to register is: Monday, April 6, 2026 midnight EDT
Registration Fee: $100, $125, $150, or $175 (sliding scale)
About Registration Fees & Our Sliding Scale Philosophy
In the Canadian Unitarian Council, we strive to make our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstance. A sliding scale is one way we live out our commitments to equity, interdependence, and shared care. It recognizes that people have different levels of financial access and that communities thrive when everyone can participate fully.
We only charge fees for events where we compensate facilitators for their skill and labour, or where we must cover specific program costs. The sliding scale allows each participant to choose a contribution that is sustainable for them, while still supporting the collective cost of offering high-quality, spiritually grounded programs.
A sliding scale is a tiered system that offers several price points — including, when needed, the option to attend at no cost. Those with greater financial means are invited to select a higher tier, helping to offset the cost for others. Those with limited means are welcome to choose a lower tier without explanation or justification.
This approach reflects our belief that everyone deserves access to spiritual growth, community, and learning, and that we share responsibility for making that possible.
Learn more about how our sliding scale works.Â
** Participants will receive a detailed schedule, in advance of the event, noting breaks, so that they can plan their weekends