Our Mission
LAMP (Lay Apostolic Ministries with the Poor) is a canonical ministry of the Archdiocese of New York. We offer Catholic adults the opportunity to deepen their faith through a 6 month or more committed time of service and prayer working with the materially poor in NYC and the Bronx. Founded by Tom & Lyn Scheuring in 1981, our mission is to share the compassionate heart of Jesus with those who suffer the most in our society – those who are poor, homeless, abandoned, sick, elderly, or ignored.
Watch Founders Tom & Lyn Scheuring share with Cardinal Dolan about the mission and beginnings of LAMP Catholic Ministries.
1 out of 5 New York City residents live in poverty.
As of June 2023 there were 84,526 homeless people in NYC. That includes 15,492 homeless families with 22,938 homeless children sleeping each night in the New York City municipal shelter system.
Due to COVID-19 homelessness went up roughly 72% compared to the same time last year.
Our 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.
LAMP café
(Catholic Apostolate of Food and Evangelization), is a food truck that serves lunches with the message and love of Jesus to those who are hungry/homeless on the streets.
LAMP for Life
We serve at crisis pregnancy centers, sharing the message of God’s mercy and love to vulnerable pregnant women considering abortion.
Visitations
We visit with homeless people on the streets of Manhattan to offer food, prayer, and to let people know the Lord cares for their needs and has not forgotten them.
“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?
- Experience serving the poor and the homeless in NYC and the Bronx.
- Encounter people you would not normally otherwise converse with and be blessed by them!
- Minister to their spiritual needs (read scripture, pray, listen).
- Meet fellow Catholics who share your faith and zeal for service.
- Grow in spiritual and community life.
LAMP Catholic Ministries 