Serving in lay ministry, as a staff member or volunteer, at a parish or Catholic school? Connect with others ministering in similar roles by joining one of the many ministry groups within the Archdiocese. These ministry groups offer professional development and the ability to share best practices and connect with others serving in the Lord’s vineyard. Group descriptions and additional information may be found below. Complete this survey to get connected with ministry associations and Archdiocesan resources.ย
Ministry Associations
Coalition of Ministry Associations
Comprised of representatives from active ministry associations in the Archdiocese, the Coalition of Ministry Associations seeks to foster communication and awareness among its member associations and identify and address issues of common concern or opportunity. The Coalition ย seeks to integrate efforts at fulfilling the mission of parishes and the local Church so that staff members, parishes, and Archdiocesan efforts are all strengthened.
Association of Coordinators and Religious Educators (ACRE)
ACRE was the first lay ministry organization in the Archdiocese, established in 1973. ACRE membership is open to any individual designated as a professional director, coordinator or educator who is responsible for developing or executing faith formation processes at the parish, regional or Archdiocesan level. ACRE provides events, speakers, workshops and a yearly award to foster both professional development and spiritual growth. ACREโs stated mission includes acknowledging its role in the Churchโs mission to proclaim the Good News and to be living witnesses to the faith. ACRE strives to foster spiritual and professional growth and excellence among members. ACRE provides mutual support to educational ministers through listening and responding to their needs for training and nurturing. acremn.com
Association of Liturgical Ministers (ALM)
ALM is a professional organization established to promote the liturgical life of the Archdiocese. For over 25 years, ALMโs goals have been to create an atmosphere of support among members, drawn from the fullโtime, partโtime and volunteer ministers responsible for the liturgical life of the parish; provide opportunities for professional development; promote just personnel policies for liturgical ministers; and promote cooperation with other professional organizations. almspm.org
Association of Parish Business Administrators (APBA)
APBA is a professional development group for parish business administrators (and others who may serve that role in a parish) in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis. A variety of programs, association business and other important information are offered monthly, September to June. For $75 per year, parish business administrators receive valuable information relevant to their work and enjoy a supportive atmosphere with their peers. Visit the APBA website for more information and to register.
Association of Pastoral Ministers (APM)
APM was formally established in 1977 to serve as a support community for women and men in various pastoral ministries in the Archdiocese. APM members have an abiding concern for the spiritual, intellectual, physical, psychological and social dimensions of the human person. By bringing many qualities to their service of Godโs people, APM members minister through prayerfulness, the gift of being a โlistening presence,โ openness about their personal faith, patience, compassion and a sense of humor. APM programs provide opportunities for spiritual, educational and professional growth.
Catholic Communicators
The Catholic Communicators group is comprised of those who create communication products on behalf of their parish or Catholic organization, from the weekly bulletin to social media and website content. It is a grassroots effort to provide valuable discussion, networking, and professional development for communicators in the Twin Cities Catholic community. It is also a great place to share ideas, spark inspiration, and learn how communicators can serve their staff and communities in new and creative ways. bit.ly/catholiccommunicators
Office Ministry Association (OMA)
OMAโs membership includes office support staff in parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions of the Archdiocese. The general purpose of OMAโs ministry is to broaden the individual growth of its members by providing opportunities for mutual support, networking, professional, personal, and spiritual growth.
RCIA Network
The RCIA Network encourages, supports and educates those responsible for Christian Initiation in Archdiocesan parishes. This includes RCIA coordinators, Religious Education ministers, RCIA team members, sponsors, pastors, priests and deacons. The groupโs work is to fully implement the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and the Rite of Christian Initiation adapted for Children in the Roman Catholic Church. The RCIA Network offers two team trainings a year, as well as a Mentoring Program, and members serve as advisors to parishes and parish staff who request help.
Youth Ministersโ Network
The Youth Ministersโ Network is an association of employed and volunteer youth ministers called to serve the needs of youth ministry in the parishes and communities of the Archdiocese. The Network provides a forum for the ongoing formation of youth ministers and the development of the field of Catholic youth ministry. The Youth Ministersสน Network gathers youth ministry and faith formation professionals of the Archdiocese to build connections between individuals, to provide professional development, offer resources and tools for ministry, new youth minister mentoring, support and advocacy, spiritual enrichment, and social events. youthmn.com
Youth Ministersโ Facebook Group
The Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis Youth Ministry Leaders’ Facebook group was created to allow Youth Ministry Leaders in our Archdiocese to network with each other, to share resources, and to pray for each other. We all have so many different talents, charisms, and “tricks of the trade” to share with one another, and we wanted to create a forum where you would be able to do precisely that! Request to join the group.
