The National Pastoral Life Center serves the leadership of the church's pastoral ministry, particularly in parishes and diocesan offices. Founded in 1983 by Rev. Msgr. Philip J. Murnion with the encouragement of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops, the Center assembles the best of thinking and practice—through its studies, publications, consulting, and conferences—contributing to reflective and effective pastoral ministry. The work is carried out through a variety of programs, projects, and associations:

Publications

• CHURCH Magazine: an award-winning professional quarterly of pastoral theology and ministry
  
• Center Papers: monographs on particular issues for bishops and those in diocesan offices
  
• Books: on priesthood, liturgy, moral theology, faith formation, and laity employed in parish ministry
  
• Pamphlets: Series of tips and guides for parishioners engaged in liturgical, catechetical, and pastoral ministry; also for new pastors and those newly assigned to a parish
  
  

Conferences, Training

• Symposia for diocesan coordinators of parish services and other groups
  
• Training programs for beginning pastors, parish ministers, others
  
• Conventions for parish priests, parish ministers, lay parish leaders

Center ServiCES

• Consulting and planning assistance for bishops/religious superiors and their staffs
  
• Consulting and planning advice for organizations, foundations, and others
  
• Assistance to parish staffs
  
• Presentations--Staff are available as speakers on developments in culture, church, and parish ministry; priesthood; liturgy; parish councils; and small-community development
  
• Assistance in locating speakers, writers, and other resource persons

Catholic Common Ground Initiative

• Secretariat for Initiative founded by Cardinal Joseph Bernardin to encourage dialogue in the church
  
• National and regional events
  
• Annual invitational conference
  
• Quarterly newsletter
  
• Books and videos on the Initiative
  
• Materials for parish leaders and parishioner faith-sharing groups
  
• Training and consultation available to dioceses on request

Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors

The Roundtable is the national association of Catholic diocesan social action directors and their staffs, providing professional support to members through education, formation, professional relationships, and management development. The association is committed to deepening the capacity of social action directors to engage in the social mission of the church.

• About the Roundtable
• Virtual Roundtable blog
• Roundtable Report
• Social Action Summer Institute
• Roundtable Symposium
• Publications
• Certificate Program
• Links & Resources

On Call

Center staff is available for suggestions and referrals on pastoral issues by phone, fax, e-mail or regular mail.
Research & Analysis

• Applied research on pastoral ministry, some of it published