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COWORKERS IN THE VINEYARD OF THE LORD

Advocate
Accompany
Empower

NALM promotes baptismal co-responsibility of ordained and lay minsters to embody the saving mission of Christ for the world.

MAKING AN IMPACT SINCE 1976...

For 50 years, the National Association for Lay Ministry and its members have worked tirelessly on behalf of those striving to serve within the Church to bring about the Kingdom of God. We do this in many ways, including:

  • Events
  • Publications
  • National Standards for Lay Ministry
  • Networking
  • Task Forces

The core of our work brings peers in ministry together. Piloted by our Board of Directors and propelled by NALM members serving on active committees. A true association, NALM members accomplish the work of the organization.

NALM provides an umbrella for much needed collaboration and (Lay) formation in the church


- Dr. Dorothy Mensah-Aggrey

OUR MISSION IS FOCUSED ON YOUR MINISTRY

Empowers

We empower lay ministers in their efforts by promoting the essential role of the laity, through the virtue of their Baptism, to use their charisms and gifts to build up the Body of Christ.

Advocates

We advocate for lay ministers at numerous national events and meetings. NALM is the organization that the US Catholic Church looks to for expertise concerning the experiences and needs of lay ministers.

Develops Leadership

We develop lay pastoral leaders so they may thrive in their meaningful ministry. NALM is an instrumental partner in setting the standards for national certification processes to ensure ongoing excellence in lay ministry.

Promotes Growth

We promote the growth of lay pastoral ministry in the Catholic Church, fostering life-long learners, capable of reading the signs of the times and advancing in their knowledge and skills for effective ministry and leadership.

Our members serve in A DIVERSITY OF POSITIONS, AREAS OF MINISTRY, And Organizations across the United States.

Ministers at a Conference Event watching a presentation
NALM EVENTS

Grow in your Ministry this year!

Join us virtually for a variety of scheduled events that aim to renew and sustain you while you grow and adapt to the complexities of lay ministry today.

SAVE THE DATE: October 22, 2026 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm ET

Radical Hospitality Workshop

Presented by Dr. Craig Ford

Event Calendar

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    EXCLUSIVE CONTENT TO INFORM YOUR MINISTRY

    Members receive access to exclusive professional development, newsletters, networking & leadership opportunities, and discounts on NALM products.


    More importantly, you will be the first to receive USCCB updates on Lay Ministry and have the chance to serve on National Task Forces that will shape lay ministry for the future.

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    Featured Resources

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    Co-Worker in the Vineyard of the Lord USCCB document cover

    Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord

    A Resource for Guiding the Development of Lay Ecclesial Ministry

    A Statement of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops

    The Church as a Field Hospital NALM document cover

    THE CHURCH AS A FIELD HOSPITAL: CARING FOR OUR OWN

    A Position Paper of the National Association for Lay Ministry, submitted to our Bishops and those tasked with carrying out their directives.

    This publication addresses situations impacting the Catholic Church and Lay Ecclesial Ministers in the United States.

    These national and regional ministry organizations are close partners with NALM in the promotion of lay ministry and the professional support of lay ministers. We are grateful to them for their partnership.

    Nature's Symphony

    Breathtaking colors of our planet
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    Faces of Humanity

    Portraits of people from around the globe
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    Beyond Boundaries

    Visual odyssey across continents
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    Sands of Time

    Stark beauty of desolate dunes
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    Partner ASSOCIATIONS

    FOR YOUR ADVANCEMENT

    vineyard of grapes

    is NALM right

    for me?

    Yes! You are a coworker in the vineyard of the Lord by virtue of your baptism.

    NALM will walk with you in ministry as you strive to support those whom you serve.

    CONTACT US

    Interested in joining NALM but have some questions first? Already a member and have some feedback about our new website? Hoping to partner with us? Want to support our mission with a donation? We are excited to chat with you! Send our leadership team a message...

    Contact Us