Alliance Logo

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:

Latest Updates

Now available: This video discusses the value of lay ecclesial ministry certification with specific attention to pastoral leaders and various ministries.

Update information: Application and other forms are available for download on the "How Do I Get Certified?" page. Also links to Forms page.

Some Lay Ecclesial Ministers share the word at prayer.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 (National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry)
    • Youth Ministry Leader with Pastoral Juvenil Hispana
  • Diocesan Youth Ministry Leader (National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry)
    • Diocesan Youth Ministry Leader with Pastoral Juvenil Hispana

Deadlines

Applications for candidacy and portfolio completions for consideration to be certified are accepted twice a year before the following deadlines:

  • March 1
  • October 1

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.

USCCB logoThe United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Subcommittee on Certification for Ecclesial Ministry and Service (formerly the USCCB Commission on Certification and Accreditation) has approved the certification standards and procedures of the Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers through 2018. The USCCB Subcommittee national office is located at 3211 Fourth Street NE, Washington, DC 20017 (202-541-3154).

For more information go to: www.usccb.org/certification.

© 2012. National Association for Lay Ministry on behalf of the Alliance for the Certification of Lay Ecclesial Ministers