Pastoral Ministry Resources: Professional Societies

The mission of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors is to bring healing, hope, and wholeness to individuals, families, and communities by expanding and equipping spiritually grounded and psychologically informed care, counseling, and psychotherapy.

With commitment to interfaith ministry and the professional practice of chaplaincy care, the Association of Professional ChaplainsTM serves chaplains in all types of health and human service settings. Our more than 5,000 member chaplains and affiliates are involved in chaplaincy care of all persons, respecting their diverse cultures, identities, abilities and beliefs. As a national, not-for-profit professional association, APCTM advocates for quality chaplaincy care of all persons in health care facilities, correctional institutions, long-term care units, rehabilitation centers, hospice, the military and other specialized settings.

Catholic Campus Ministry Association is the national, professional organization for Catholic campus ministers dedicated to the comprehensive vision of campus ministry outlined in the 1985 U.S. Catholic Bishops’ Pastoral letter, "Empowered by the Spirit: Campus Ministry Faces the Future" and to creating a culture of vocations on our college campuses. CCMA is comprised of nearly 1,000 campus ministers serving students on more than 955 college campuses and 119 dioceses throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

Catholic Social Workers National Association is a Professional Membership Association that was formed on the belief that professional associations should support not only your profession, but also your beliefs, values, and your faith. CSWNA has been established for social workers who are faithful to the teachings of the church and are looking for support and direction within their profession based upon church teachings. Catholic Social Workers National Association affirms and supports the teachings and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church.

National Association for Lay Ministry is the professional organization that supports, educates, and advocates for lay ministers and promotes the development of lay ministry in the Catholic Churc.

The National Association of Catholic Chaplains advocates for the profession of spiritual care and educates, certifies, and supports chaplains and clinical pastoral educators, and all members who continue the healing ministry of Jesus in the name of the Church.

Since its founding, NPM has been committed to encouraging the Church's song of praise that rises to God in the Sacred Liturgy. Today, supported by the work of NPM in forming well-trained pastoral musicians, the music of the Catholic Church in the United States is continually enriched as a vehicle for the people to sing God’s praise and to grow in holiness.

The National Conference for Catechetical Leadership (NCCL) has been a leader in Catholic religious education in the United States since 1967. It is dedicated to bringing the teaching ministry of Jesus to every Catholic child, youth and adult.

The National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry is a professional organization that participates in the mission of the Catholic Church by advocating for and supporting Catholic youth ministry on the national, diocesan, and local level.