LAMP is not accepting applications at this time.
An Invitation to LAMP’s Mission
LAMP (Lay Apostolic Ministries with the Poor) Catholic Ministries invites you to consider becoming a LAMP Missionary and embracing the privilege of serving the spiritual needs of the materially poor in NYC. The Holy Spirit may be nudging you—or urging you—to apply to this mission: to “leave yourself behind” and share the compassionate love of Jesus with those who suffer the most in our society—those who are poor, homeless, abandoned, sick, voiceless, elderly, or ignored. This opportunity is offered if you are a practicing Catholic adult, ages 21 to 39, and desire to deepen your faith through a 9 month or longer committed time of service, sharing faith with the materially poor.
Founded by married couple Tom & Lyn Scheuring (Ph.D.s) in 1981, hundreds of men and women over the years have chosen to follow Jesus through a time of active evangelization ministries and intentional community living, including daily Mass, and a daily hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, that are the keys to growth in holiness while in LAMP.
“LAMP is a place where I have become fully myself. I am fully alive here, thriving, and able to use all of my gifts to glorify God as I serve each day with my fellow missionaries.”
Mary Louise Kohser
LAMP Missionary 2023-Present
“Life as a LAMP missionary is a chance to leave behind every unnecessary burden in pursuit of the Heart of Jesus. Through LAMP He is healing me and teaching me how to love with His love.”
Anna Murray
LAMP Missionary 2024-Present
1 out of 5 New York City residents live in poverty.
As of January 2025 there were 120,513 homeless people in shelters in NYC. That includes homeless families with 41,651 homeless children sleeping each night in the New York City municipal shelter system.
Watch Founders Tom & Lyn Scheuring share with Cardinal Dolan about the mission and beginnings of LAMP Catholic Ministries.
LAMP’s Ministries
LAMP’s intention is to support and strengthen the faith and prayer life of those we encounter. LAMP Missionaries serve directly with the materially poor at parishes through home visiting, working with youth, religious education, Scripture-sharing groups, and sacramental preparation. We serve homeless families by providing a faith presence, especially personal sharing and prayer, in several New York City shelters as well as in hospitals and nursing homes.
“The worst discrimination which the poor suffer is the lack of spiritual care”
Pope Francis
Looking for an Opportunity to Serve Full Time in NYC?
LAMP Catholic Ministries 