Working for the Church Can be a Gift

What is Working Church?

A Pledge to Serve at the Highest Level

The Working Church Pledge is a commitment to a high level of service, informed by best practices in both prayer and productivity. Print out the pledge here. >>

A Set of Skills

We teach the CALM Productivity approach to ministry and work. This simple toolkit helps to manage your work and integrate your faith into your week.

A Community of Support

The Working Church Collective is here to support you in your work within the Catholic Church.

Articles

A set of practical resources for those who work for, in and around the Catholic Church.

Podcast

Coming soon, the Working Church podcast will teach you the art and science of “calm productivity”, a simple approach to getting things done.

  • How to know when to switch jobs

  • How to structure your week

  • How to maintain your prayer life

  • How to be fully present to your family

  • And so much more…

Research

  • National Diocesan Survey:
    Salary and Benefits for Priests and Lay Personnel 2022 >>

  • Laity Working in the Catholic Church 2025 National Survey Report >>

  • CARA Report: Lay Ecclesial Ministers in the United States (2015) >>

  • The Role of the Catholic Church against Changes and Threats to the Value of Work >>

  • Principles for Managing Burnout among Catholic Church Professionals >>

  • Lay Ecclesial Ministry (USCCB) >>

“In the communion that is the Church, the laity have their own specific and indispensable part to play… to fulfil the mission of the Church they must tirelessly live the Gospel in the world of work and of ordinary life.”

-Pope Saint John Paul II

Let Us Know That You Took the Pledge

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Absolutely. Anyone who is affiliated with the Catholic Church in a ministerial role can participate.

  • No. Working Church is not an initiative designed to make money.

  • 100%. This isn’t a scheme to change Church teaching. Rather, it’s meant to shine a light on the good (and hard) work being done by laity, religious and ordained folks.

  • The Working Church initiative was born out of my (Michael St. Pierre) desire to support those who work with and for the Catholic Church.

    There is little training for Church workers when it comes to how to work effectively, how to manage time and how to collaborate with others.

Combating Burnout Among Catholic Laity & Clergy

  • “Catholics may be at higher risk for work burnout due, in part, to the unique qualities and organizational structure of the organization.” -Thomas G. Plante (source)

  • “Ministry burnout is a widespread problem, and the high turnover rate in lay ecclesial ministry is proof.” -Christopher Wesley (source)