Engage
The Heartbeat of NALM:
A Call to Labor in the Vineyard
“All of the baptized are called to work toward
the transformation of the world."
- Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops
“All of the baptized are
called to work
toward the
transformation
of the world."
- Co-Workers in the Vineyard of the Lord,
United States Conference
of Catholic Bishops
The lifeblood of our association does not flow from a central office or a distant parchment; it pulses through the hands and hearts of our members. Like a vineyard that flourishes only when tended by many, the National Association for Lay Ministry draws its strength from those who choose to step forward and share their unique gifts.
Serving on a committee is more than a task — it is a way to truly enter into the spirit of our community. It is where your membership transforms into stewardship, and where our collective vision takes root.

Tending the Field Together
We invite you to find your place within our mission. Consider lending your voice and your vision to one of our committees featured below. If you feel a stirring in your heart to contribute, do not hesitate to reach out. Our committee chairs are eager to welcome you.
The Advocacy Committee supports and promotes lay ministry through its efforts to increase awareness of lay ministry, assists with the development of NALM position papers and statements, suggests issues and actions for advocacy at the local, regional, or national levels.This committee has active task force(s) for: NALM's 50th Anniversary
Chair: Janice Thornburg
Advocacy
The Advocacy Committee supports and promotes lay ministry through its efforts to increase awareness of lay ministry, assists with the development of NALM position papers and statements, suggests issues and actions for advocacy at the local, regional, or national levels.This committee has active task force(s) for: NALM's 50th Anniversary
Chair: Janice Thornburg
The Advocacy Committee supports and promotes lay ministry through its efforts to increase awareness of lay ministry, assists with the development of NALM position papers and statements, suggests issues and actions for advocacy at the local, regional, or national levels.This committee has active task force(s) for: NALM's 50th Anniversary
Chair: Janice Thornburg
Development
The Development Committee plans for the financial stability of the NALM, stewards the donations and funds, explores and secures sources of funding including grants to further NALM's mission.
Chair: Jim Hickey
Communications
The Communications Committee assists with all of NALM's communications to the membership, especially through the website, email distribution, and social media accounts. Also includes the e-newsletter committee.
Chair: Patrick Parris
Finance
The Finance Committee monitors revenue and expenses, proposes financial policies to the Board, assists in preparing the annual budget, and assures NALM maintains sound fiscal policy.
Chair: Yolanda Madrid
Intercultural
The Intercultural Committee encourages, supports, and provides for intercultural awareness throughout NALM., raises awareness of diversity issues of mission and ministry in the Church, works collaboratively with the Board and all committees to enhance the inclusivity of NALM’s conferences, programs and services.
Chair: Nelsa Elías
Membership
The Membership Committee serves to both grow the membership of NALM and to retain current members. Duties include recruiting, inviting, and welcoming new members; connecting members in kindred groups; promoting participation in committees; making known membership’s resources and benefits; promoting NALM; and communicating members’ needs to the NALM Board.
Chair: Sr. Diane Koorie
Governance
The Governance Committee supports the effective leadership and accountability of NALM by reviewing governance practices, policies, and structures, and assists the Board in ensuring that NALM operates in alignment with its mission, bylaws, and best practices for nonprofit governance.
Chair: Michael Taylor
Standards and Formation
The Standards and Formation Committee fosters a vision of competent lay ecclesial ministry deeply rooted in baptism and embracing the highest standards of generosity and service. This committee has active task forces for The Baptismal Call and Preparing to Revise the Standards.
Chair: Bernadette Rudolph
Baptismal Call Task Force Lead: Kathy Barkdull
"The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few."
We need YOUR gifts and talents to complete the work of NALM.
Discern your participation and connect with a Committee Chair by clicking their name in one of the tiles above to email them.
Cultivate the future of NALM!
A Different wAY TO SOW
We recognize that for many, the seasons of life bring varying rhythms of time and energy. If you find yourself unable to labor in the fields of our committees at this time, please know that your presence in our community remains a blessing.
You can still help our mission flourish by offering a gift of support.
Your generosity acts as the rain that nourishes the soil, allowing the work of our committees to bloom and reach those in need of our ministry.
Whether your heart is drawn to the formation of new leaders or the advocacy for the lay
faithful, a donation to a committee of your choice ensures that their vital work continues unabated.
- Support a Vision: Directly fund the initiatives that speak to your soul.
- Invest in the Future: Provide the resources necessary for our collective growth.
- Join in Spirit: Partner with us in mission, even when your hands are full with other duties.
Every gift, no matter the size, is a sacred contribution to the Heartbeat of NALM. We thank you for your enduring stewardship and for walking with us in faith.
Cultivate the Mission:
Have questions about COMMITTEES OR WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO NALM?
We’d love to TALK WITH YOU.
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