We are the Philippine Catholic Lay Mission
Spreading the Good News of God's Kingdom to all the world!
We are a community of devoted lay disciples of the Risen Lord, embracing our identity as gifts to the Church. We endeavor to live out the values of the Kingdom, share the Good News with the poor, and stand as shining witnesses of God's unconditional love for all.
Are you called to a life as a lay missioner? Talk to our vocation coordinator!
Who We Are
What is PCLM?
The Philippine Catholic Lay Mission (PCLM) is a fully lay and fully Filipino missionary organization founded by the Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers on March 1, 1977. Its purpose is to train and send lay missioners to establish and strengthen Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs) and to provide socio-pastoral care to marginalized communities in the Philippines and overseas.
What is a lay missioner?
A lay missioner is a Catholic who serves the Church while remaining in the lay state, rather than entering religious life as a priest, nun, brother, or sister.
Do lay missioners take religious vows?
No. Lay missioners are not required to take vows of poverty, celibacy, or obedience.
What do lay missioners do?
PCLM lay missioners primarily support parishes and dioceses in the Philippines that seek assistance in establishing and strengthening Basic Ecclesial Communities (BECs). Additionally, those who are assigned abroad often provide socio-pastoral care to various groups, including migrant Filipinos, HIV survivors, and hill tribes.
What is a Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC)?
A Basic Ecclesial Community (BEC) is a small group of Catholics within a specific community who come together regularly to worship, share the Word of God, and celebrate the Eucharist. These communities foster a strong sense of belonging, promote spiritual growth, and encourage active participation in their parish and the wider world. The Second Vatican Council emphasized the importance of the Catholic laity taking a more active role in the Church, particularly due to a shortage of priests. BECs serve as a concrete expression of this vision. A lay missioner is tasked with establishing, strengthening, and nurturing these communities.
How long is the training and formation process to become a lay missioner?
Once your application is received, our vocation director will meet with you in person to learn more about you. Additionally, you will be required to take a basic written exam to assess your intellectual and psychological preparedness.If you pass the exam, your journey to become a lay missioner officially begins with our formation and training process. The PCLM Formation House is located in Davao City, and the program lasts approximately six months. It consists of four phases, focusing on psycho-spiritual grounding, basic theology, socio-pastoral skills, and mission orientation.After successfully completing the formation program, you will be recognized as an official PCLM lay missioner and will then be sent on mission.
How long will I have to be in mission?
Your contract as a lay missioner lasts for two years. During this period, you will be assigned to a specific parish or diocese in the Philippines, where you will work closely with the parish priest to address the needs of the Catholic community.At the end of the two-year term, you have the option to renew your contract or to conclude your mission. There is no permanent commitment required.If you're interested, you may also apply for an international mission in one of our partner countries or for any office staff positions within PCLM.
Do I get an allowance?
During the formation and training program, you will be accommodated at our Formation House in Davao City, where meals and lodging will be provided for free.Once your mission contract begins, the receiving parish priest is required to give you an allowance based on an agreement that will be established in advance.
Go on an adventure with Jesus!
PCLM welcomes both single and married individuals, as well as professionals and non-professionals! They must be...
A practicing
Filipino Catholic
Between 23 and
45 years old
Faith-motivated and
people-oriented
(preferably with
pastoral experience)Physically fit and
psychologically ready
for mission
Stories of the Heart, Treasures of the Soul
The God of the Nations
Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!Psalm 96:3
No Turning Back
No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.Luke 9:62
The Wages of Faith
For by grace you have been saved through faithEphesians 2:8
The Divine Physician
He took our infirmities and bore our diseases.Matthew 8:17
Support our lay missioners by becoming a mission partner!
If you are unable to serve as a missioner, you can still participate as a mission partner. Your prayers are greatly valued and crucial for the success of our shared mission.PCLM also does not receive any subsidies and relies entirely on the generosity of Catholics. Donations help supply the needs of our lay missioners in the field, cover operational costs, and support the training of new workers for the Lord.Thank you for your kindness!
Bank Details
Account Name: Philippine Catholic Lay Mission, Inc.
Account Number: 0211-0307-71 (Manila Office) or 9443-0340-02 (Davao Office)
Bank Name: Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
SWIFT Code: BOPIPHMM
PCLM Staff Cynthia Martal with PCLM Mission Partner Dr. Jessica Galicia Jaen at her dental clinic in Davao City. She has been supporting our missioners since 1994!
Modesta Espino, a PCLM Mission Partner and retired teacher, gives her donation to PCLM Staff Evangeline Pico. She began with 50 pesos and made a promise to God to increase her contribution until she reached 500 pesos per month. She achieved her goal!
Take the First Step! Get in touch!
For inquiries about becoming a lay missioner or mission partner, please contact us at:Manila Landline: (02)7799-2375
Manila Cellphone: (+63)9324847595
Davao Landline: (082)296-0807
Davao Cellphone: (+63)9619399704Email: [email protected] or [email protected]