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  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.

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. ACRE’s stated mission includes acknowledging its role in the Church’s 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

ALM is a professional organization established to promote the liturgical life of the Archdiocese. For over 25 years, ALM’s goals have been to create an atmosphere of support among members, drawn from the full‐time, part‐time 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

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.

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 God’s people, APM members minister through prayerfulness, the gift of being a “listening presence,” openness about their personal faith, patience, compassion and a sense of humor. APM programs provide opportunities for spiritual, educational and professional growth. apmspm.org

ASJS is the collaborative organization of parish social justice staff. Its primary functions are networking, support, and sharing of best practices. Membership is open to part-time and full time employees who lead social justice work in their parish.

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

Faith Community Nurses serve in parish settings to visit parishioners in their homes, at nursing homes and medical facilities. The parish nurse works with the pastor, deacon and members of the pastoral team to address the health and well-being of the individual and provide outreach to homebound parishioners. CFCNMA provides networking and resources to assist Catholic parish nurses through formation and education on current issues that affect professional practice.

MACFM was organized in 2004 by facility managers from six southwest metro area churches. The group was formed to share best practices and offer advice to new facility managers. Today, MACFM consists of 110 churches, of all Christian faith practices, and 70 vendor members. The group meets monthly at member churches and offers educational programs each month. Annual membership is $100 for church members. Those who are interested may attend a meeting as a guest to learn more. Meeting dates and topics are posted on the MACFM website. macfm.org

OMA’s membership includes office support staff in parishes, schools, and other Catholic institutions of the Archdiocese. The general purpose of OMA’s ministry is to broaden the individual growth of its members by providing opportunities for mutual support, networking, professional, personal, and spiritual growth.

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 group’s 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. rcianetworkspm.wordpress.com

The Youth Ministers’ 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 Ministersʹ 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

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.