Respond to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Cuts

As federal food-assistance programs face reductions, Catholic organizations nationwide are stepping up with food drives, emergency aid, and advocacy for vulnerable families. Guided by Catholic social teaching, ministries are reminding us that feeding the hungry is both a work of mercy and a matter of justice. Readers can also find links to Catholic Charities and local food-aid resources within the article to learn how to help directly. (READ MORE)

Apostolic Exhortation Dilexi Te of The Holy Father Leo XIV
To All Christians on Love to the Poor

Pope Leo XIV wrote this exhortation to not only remind us of how we are called to care for the poor, but very clearly tells us we must speak out for the poor and the vulnerable. Our voices must be strong and prophetic in speaking out against the injustices in our world.

He ends with the following:

120. Christian love breaks down every barrier, brings close those who were distant, unites strangers, and reconciles enemies. It spans chasms that are humanly impossible to bridge, and it penetrates to the most hidden crevices of society. By its very nature, Christian love is prophetic: it works miracles and knows no limits. It makes what was apparently impossible happen. Love is above all a way of looking at life and a way of living it. A Church that sets no limits to love, that knows no enemies to fight but only men and women to love, is the Church that the world needs today.

121. Through your work, your efforts to change unjust social structures or your simple, heartfelt gesture of closeness and support, the poor will come to realize that Jesus’ words are addressed personally to each of them: “I have loved you” (Rev 3:9).

Given in Rome, at Saint Peter’s, on 4 October, the Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi, in the year 2025, the first of my Pontificate. (READ MORE)

Hallowtide Celebrations Around the World

In this month dedicated to remembrance, we look back on Hallowtide (the days of All Hallows’ Eve, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls’ Day) as a time when the Church across the world prays for the dead and honors the saints who have gone before us. From ancient Christian roots in Europe to living traditions in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, the faithful have found diverse ways to mark these days through prayer, song, food, and family gatherings. (READ MORE)

Apostolic Letter DRAWING NEW MAPS OF HOPE of Pope Leo XIV
on the occasion of the 60th Anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration
Gravissimum educationis

On October 27th, the 60th anniversary of the Conciliar Declaration Gravissimum Educationis, Pope Leo XIV signed an Apostolic letter titled Drawing New Maps of Hope.  This letter stands as an affirmation and reminder to all who participate in the work of Catholic Education, that our work “forms the very fabric of evangelization.”  Pope Leo calls education the “highest expression of Christian charity,” a form of hope this world needs. (1.1). (READ MORE)

USCCB Asked, NALM Responded!

Shortly after the Spring Conference, NALM received an invitation from the USCCB Committee on Laity, Marriage, Family Life, and Youth to host listening sessions that will help inform the bishops’ discernment process. This process will guide the drafting of a new pastoral letter on the laity, a successor to Co-Workers in the Vineyard... (READ MORE)

Standards & Formation

The Standards and Formation Committee invites you to join in a momentous project, the revision of the National Standards for Lay Ministry.  

Why is it important for you to participate? These standards began as an expression of the vocation of lay ministers in the decades when lay ministry was new to the Catholic Church. (READ MORE)

Did you know the Church has introduced a new Mass for the Care of Creation? Pope Leo XIV celebrated it for the first time at the Borgo Laudato Si’ in Castel Gandolfo, calling for a “contemplative gaze” that restores our relationship with God, neighbor, and the earth. The new formulary, rooted in Laudato Si’, invites Catholics to integrate ecological conversion into prayer, worship, and daily life.
(VATICAN REPORT | USCCB REPORT | POPE'S HOMILY)

Did you know all four retreats on the National Certification Standards (Human, Spiritual, Intellectual, and Pastoral) are now available? Along with the comprehensive Day Retreat on all four standards and the Personal Reflection resource, these formation materials help ministers deepen their call and grow in every dimension of ministry. Each resource is downloadable and perfect for personal or group use. Standard and Sustaining Members receive $5 off all materials.
(VIEW ALL GUIDES)

What’s Happening in the Vineyard?

From 2025 Summit participant feedback:

“I loved the diversity of perspectives and the genuine kindness I encountered in every personal conversation. Even the side discussions felt rich and varied, which made the Summit truly inspiring.”

Stay tuned! More stories and insights from the Summit are on the way!

Committee Corner: Newsletter

We are piloting a new format for our newsletter with one goal in mind: improving your reading experience. Instead of long quarterly editions, you can now expect shorter monthly updates that are easier to scan and act on, with rotating sections and quick links for deeper reading. ( READ MORE)

National & Universal Church News

Did you know about this resource offering support to victims of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church? Awake is a community of abuse survivors, concerned Catholics, and allies founded in 2019 to address the wounds of sexual abuse in the Catholic Church. Pope Leo responded to letters written by survivors and delivered to him by Awake Executive Director Sara Larson. (READ MORE)

Resources For You

As summer comes to a close, we are welcoming new members into our community. To help everyone connect more easily, we are sharing a short tutorial on how to update your member profile. Accurate and complete information, especially in the optional sections, helps foster meaningful connections across NALM. (WATCH NOW | UPDATE YOUR PROFILE)

NALM is restoring the newsletter after a three-year-long hiatus to help re-engage and grow our membership.

You can find all of our previous issues of NALM News and Notes on our Community Newsletters page.

If you are interested in contributing content for future publications, please reach out to our Communications Specialist, Patrick Parris at patrick@nalm.org.

Table of Contents

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Our Beautiful Tapestry of Faith

By Nelsa Elías, Yolanda Madrid & Dorothy Mensah-Aggrey 

"Co-Responsibility. What is it, and what does it mean for NALM Members and NALM as an organization? How does co-responsibility in the Church and cultural diversity go hand in hand?"

Upcoming Events

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9/26/2023
I am a US archbishop attending Pope Francis' synod. Here's how I am preparing.

9/25/2023
Cardinal Mario Grech: Central figure in pope's plan to change Catholic Church

9/19/2023
Caring For Creation: XVI Synod of Bishops' Ordinary General Assembly's commitment

9/15/2023
Without Prayer, There Will Be No Synod

More News

1. Exploring the Website - Tutorials to help members navigate our website

2. Sharing Your Gifts - More spotlighting our gifted members and committees

3. The Archives - Highlighting some great moments in NALM's history that still apply to today

What content would you like to see? Send your thoughts to patrick@nalm.org

Find us online @forlayministry