ALLIANCE
for the Certification
of Lay Ecclesial Ministers
The Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers (or, “the Alliance”) seeks to affirm and promote lay ecclesial ministry in parishes and dioceses throughout the United States. The Alliance is comprised of five national Catholic ministry organizations working collaboratively to produce common standards for lay ecclesial ministry and to implement and promote the certification of lay ecclesial ministers. The Alliance partners include:
- Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions (FDLC)
- National Association for Lay Ministry (NALM)
- National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM)
- National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL)
- National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM)
Latest Updates
Application and other forms are available for download on the "How Do I Get Certified?" page.
In fulfilling its mission, the Alliance has revised and updated the 2003 National Certification Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministers and has developed procedures for the certification of lay ecclesial ministers serving in the specialized ministries represented by the Alliance partners.
- Director of Worship (Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions)
- Parish Life Coordinator (National Association for Lay Ministry)
- Pastoral Associate (National Association for Lay Ministry)
- Director of Music Ministries (National Association of Pastoral Musicians)
- Catechetical Leader (National Conference for Catechetical Leadership)
- Youth Ministry Leader, including Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry)
- Diocesan Youth Ministry Leader, including Pastoral Juvenil Hispana (National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry)
In October 2011, the Committee on Certification and Accreditation of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB/CCA) granted approval of the national certification standards and procedures for a period of seven years.
© 2012. Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers