Between 1989 and 1994, some dioceses in the mid-Atlantic region (Baltimore, DC, Virginia, and Pennsylvania) met annually to discuss issues and topics related to Catholic facilities. During this same time period, the dioceses in the state of New York as well as dioceses in the west – Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Portland – were meeting to discuss work-related issues.

In February 1994, the Diocese of Fresno contact the Archdiocese of Baltimore to inquire about a local, non-denominational conference scheduled in Baltimore to see if it was worth attending. As a result, Catholic facility representatives met from the surrounding Baltimore area to discuss what was happening on both sides of the country. As a result of the Diocese of Fresno reaching out, the Eastern diocese were invited to a western conference of Catholic facility managers in Denver, spring of 1994.

A year later, April 1995, a Western Conference held by the Archdiocese of San Francisco was attended by approximately 50 personnel from dioceses across the country. It was at the conclusion of that conference that several attendees discussed a future course. An East coast venue for the next meeting would assist in the establishment of a national organization.

The Archdiocese of Baltimore became the host of our first national conference in April, 1996; seventy-five dioceses were represented. An ad-hoc committee was formed to plan the next conference in Phoenix and preparations began for a formal organization with a constitution and bylaws with the goal of being listed in the Official Catholic Directory. The Founding Members are Lou Baird, John Minieri, and Les McDonald (now deceased).

In 1997, the Diocese of Phoenix held the second conference drawing almost 125 diocesan representatives. The new bylaws and constitution were adopted, officers were elected, and the listing in the Official Catholic Directory was established. Not until the conference in 2000 did CCFM incorporate an exhibit hall with corporate members; a key feature of our conference today!

Mission Statement

CCFM seeks to promote the Spiritual and professional development of its members. We do this by –

• Promoting the spiritual growth of our members with prayer throughout the year and mass at our conference.
• Providing education on matters of facility, real estate and sustainability through an industry newsletter, webinars and educational sessions at our annual Conference.
• Providing networking opportunities through our website forum, member directory and at our annual Conference.