We are the Philippine Catholic Lay Mission

Spreading the Good News of God's Kingdom to all the world!

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 we will establish in advance.