For Lay Ministry

For Over 50 Years

Since 1976...

The National Association for Lay Ministry traces its roots back to a group of lay people, vowed religious, and clergy who began meeting annually to share their expertise and support for one another. They shared a common goal of establishing and improving programs of lay ministry formation. Today, the vision has expanded to include lay ministers serving parishes, dioceses, Catholic education, healthcare, and prisons throughout the U.S. and the world.

NALM continues to be an active association focused on the growth of fellow ministers - coworkers in the vineyard of the Lord - AND the ever-important mission of the Catholic Church as performed by its lay ministers. At the heart of the meaningful work is advocacy for the people and the purpose, facilitating formation, and setting universal standards to ensure ongoing excellence in lay ministry.

Guided by NALM's mission, vision, and values, our members make a lasting impact by teaching, learning, and serving together.

The National Association for Lay Ministry is a collaborative organization of lay, religious, and ordained ministers that empowers, advocates for, and develops lay pastoral leadership and promotes the growth of lay pastoral ministry in the Catholic Church.

The National Association for Lay Ministry promotes the co-responsibility of ordained and lay ministers to embody the saving mission of Christ for the World.

NALM is a strategically guided by its Board of Directors. The Board, together with its Executive Director and an episcopal advisor from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, furthers the mission, values, and goals of NALM through visioning, planning, and implementing the day-to-day operations of the organization.

Click the Photos Below to Learn More About Our Leaders

LEADERSHIP

• To responsibly work within the parameters of NALM bylaws, mission, vision, and values.
• To participate in and plan recurring calls, meetings, and NALM’s annual conference.
• To be active on at least one NALM committee and accept board assignments.
• To participate in the fundraising and development efforts of NALM.
• To support the Executive Director in furthering NALM’s mission, vision, and goals.
• To assist in the growth and quality of board communication, processes, effectiveness, life, and diversity.
• To assure the good stewardship of NALM’s financial resources.
• To be an advocate and spokesperson for NALM in the wider Church and local faith communities.

If you’d like to become a board member, please contact our Board Chair, Jane Cruthirds, via chair@nalm.org.

BOARD Responsibilities Summary

View Important Organizational Documents

Click here to view our “Engage” page and the full list of NALM Committees.

Engagement

The collective vision of NALM takes root when our members enter into the spirit of our community through service. Stewardship through one of our Committees is how our peers in ministry can share their voice and find their place in our mission. Contributions are made in the areas of:

Partner ASSOCIATIONS

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.