Note: Standards and competencies granted approval by the Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service retain their approval through the end of the calendar year noted on the documentation provided to the diocese or program whose standards were approved.
This is the current listing of national ministry organizations and arch/diocesan programs of ministry formation using ministry formation standards and/or procedures for certification approved by the USCCB Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service.* Learn more about how programs and organizations gain approval for ministry formation standards and certification.
Formation resourcing commended by the subcommittee, offered through CPMC:
Certifcation resourcing to be offered through NACC:
NACC website | Contact: Erica Cohen Moore, Executive Director (Office email)
CPMC Virtual Event with Cardinal Tobin: Reclaiming Wholeness - Addiction | Recovery | Community - November 1, 2022, co-sponsored by the USCCB Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service
A Catholic jail & prison ministry volunteer reflects on what drew her to this ministry and her experience working with prison residents. She also highlights the value of the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition's formation resourcing.
Certification offered: Professional Catholic Campus Minister (3 tiers: essential, integral, advanced)
Contact: Michael St. Pierre, Executive Director (Office email)
The Catholic Campus Ministry Association is committed to supporting, connecting, and forming campus ministers. Learn more about the developmental approach to ministry preparation they use for those seeking certification.
Certifications offered using USCCB-approved standards: Diocesan Director of Worship | Parish Director of Liturgy
The FDLC website includes many formation resources including these recent items:
Contact: Rita Thiron, Executive Director (Office email)
NALM promotes the use of the National Standards for Lay Ecclesial Ministry developed by the organizations which comprised the former Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers. NALM's 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. It seeks to:
NALM is developing personal and professional ongoing formation opportunities that incorporate the standards.
Contact: Bernadette Rudolph, Formation & Standards Committee Chair
Additional formation resourcing approved by the subcommittee
Contact: Erica Cohen Moore, Executive Director (Office email)
NPM supports standards through the professional development certificates it offers for music ministers serving as cantors and for those seeking to enhance their proficiency playing piano and organ for liturgy and worship. These programs enable their members to strengthen and develop skills in their particular area of expertise based on a standardized scope and sequence. NPM also supports a wide variety of ministry formation programming geared towards Catholic music ministers.
Contact: Jennifer Kluge, Executive Director (Office email)
NFCYM provides an array of online resources, events and other opportunities which help those who minister to and with today’s young people. They connect their members to ministry networks to support the development of youth and young adult ministry through ongoing conversations centering around current issues and best practices. They support ministry leaders and volunteers - to strengthen those who accompany young people as they encounter and follow Jesus Christ. Additional resources for formation in specific areas of ministry with youth are in development.
Contact: Christina Lamas, Executive Director (Office email)
Contacts: Dr. Linda Couri, Director of the Institute for Pastoral Leadership & Mr. Dave Retsek, Associate Director
Certification offered / certificación para
Programs offered in English and Spanish / Entrenamientos ofrecidos en inglés o español
Contacts / para contactar: Amy Auzenne, MSW, MACE, Director / Directora
* Use of approved certification standards by organizations does not imply USCCB subcommittee approval of any particular organization or ministry formation program, but only the standards used in such programs.
A note about the Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers: As of January 1, 2022, the Alliance (ACLEM) has concluded its joint service in the administration of national certification standards. Per the information provided to our office and posted on their website, those seeking national certification in a particular ministry role previously handled by the Alliance, or seeking to keep certifications current, should reach out to the national ministry organization that previously supported that certified role directly for more information. The standards produced by the Alliance and approved by the USCCB subcommittee remain approved and are held in-common by the several organizations of the Alliance.
A note about the National Community of Catechetical Leaders (NCCL): As of January 1, 2022, the former member organization of the Alliance, In Word & Witness (formerly the National Conference for Catechetical Leadership) has been reconstituted as the National Community of Catechetical Leaders under new board leadership. Those with questions regarding certifications previously offered through this organization should contact them through their website.
