NEWS
Religious Brothers Day May 1
May 1 is Religious Brothers Day. Plan now to honor this vocation via prayer, social media, bulletin inserts, and more. The NRVC extends warm appreciation to its brother-members for their life of service and their efforts to promote this way of life. Information and ideas for shining a light on religious brothers are at nrvc.net.
NRVC part of digital conversation series "Momentum IX: Life After High School"
NRVC personnel and six members are part of a digital conversation series starting May 8 called "Momentum IX: Life After High School." The National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministers (NFCYM) invited the NRVC to participate in this series for ministers who accompany young people during transitions following high school. The following NRVC members pre-recorded two video panel discussions led by Sister Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M., director of mission integration: Friar Andre Miller, O.F.M.Conv.; Brother Luis Ramos, F.M.S., Father Joshua Warshak, O.SS.T.; Sister Laura Suhr, O.S.B., Sister Karina Montes, S.C., and Sister Symphonie GIao-Huong Ngo, C.C.V.I.
To take part in "Momentum IX: Life After High School," register here. To receive $10 off of the $25 price, use the discount code NRVC.
Resource of the month: Updated Busy Person's Retreat booklets
Our popular booklet for Busy Person's Retreats has been updated to a more versatile resource aimed at all young people ages 18 and up, instead of specifically to college students. This colorful, new 24-page booklet is entitled "Hearts Ablaze: A Retreat for Busy People." It focuses on 17 themes ranging from Mary, to growth through failure, to vocation discernment. Order yours today: $3 for members, $5 for nonmembers. Bulk orders of 100 or more are available at a discount; email nrvc@nrvc.net to inquire.
NRVC board elects new executive committee
At its April meeting the NRVC board elected the following members to its executive committee: Friar Mario Serrano, O.F.M.Conv., board chair; Sister Eileen McCann, C.S.J., vice chair; and Brother John Skrodinsky, S.T., vice chair. Deep thanks to Mr. Len Uhal for his service on the board, including as vice chair; he will attend his final board meeting in September.
Intercultural Assessment workshop to be offered in 3 locations
The NRVC is offering the workshop "Candidate Assessment Through the Lens of Interculturality," by Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m in the following locations:
June 13, Huntingdon Valley, PA
September , San Antonio, TX
October 18, Frankfort, IL
The workshop will explore how to assess candidates who come from a different culture, taking into account distinct norms and expressions, possible trauma, etc. One focus will be on how to respectfully gather information without stereotyping, generalizing, or minimizing behaviors of concern. The workshop will also explore possible blind spots and biases that can creep into assessment. Registration is open now for the June workshop and will open later in the year for the September and October dates.
Thanks to a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, this workshop is available to NRVC members and their community members for only $25. Learn more about the workshop here.
Use our NRVC Jubilee logo and stickers
Consider using the NRVC's Jubilee logo and 3-inch Jubilee stickers, which can add a vocation message to your Jubilee celebrations. The stickers use our combo logo, which fuses the official Jubilee logo with the NRVC name and logo. Visit JubileeYear2025.org to find the downloadable logo, the stickers, and ideas on relating the Jubilee to vocations.
Join us for on-site workshops at Summer Institute
Early-bird pricing is still available for the NRVC Summer Institute, which is offering three workshops at the Marillac Center in Leavenworth, Kansas July 9-20:
July 9-13, Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors
July 15-17, Behavioral Assessment 1
July 19-20, Vocation Promotion for Today’s Discerners
These workshops are an opportunity for professional growth, networking, and inspiration in a beautiful prairie setting. Register today to reserve your seat and enjoy our best prices this season.
Education debt scholarships — Apply by April 25
The National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations is accepting grant applications through April 25 to assist with education debt. Grants are available only to current NRVC members and must be used for paying educational debt of a candidate to religious life. The NFCRV has provided dozens of grants since it began in 2015. Application details are here. To learn more, contact Phil Loftus at 312-318-0180 or ploftus@nfcrv.org.
World Day of Prayer for Vocations May 11
May 11, Good Shepherd Sunday, will be the World Day of Prayer for Vocations. This commemoration is an opportunity to pray for and promote vocations to consecrated and ordained life. Consider marking the day with an online or in-person prayer service, social media posts, vocational prayers during your liturgies, presentations at Masses, bulletin inserts, etc.
The NRVC has developed a downloadable prayer intentions resource that communities can adapt (in Spanish here). Pope Francis has released a message for the occasion, which he ties to the Jubilee, calling it "Pilgrims of Hope: The Gift of Life." Find further details, resources, and ideas here.
Member Area gatherings
Collaborate and give and receive support in your vocation ministry. NRVC members are invited to log in to Member Area News to see what is happening in their area or to contact their Member Area coordinator.
Hudson Valley Member Area, April 28 at 10am – noon ET, and April 29 at 6pm – 8pm ET via Zoom
Heartland Member Area, April 28-30, St. Louis, MO
Midwest Member Area, April 30, via Zoom 2 pm EST
Mid-Atlantic Member Area, May 8, Washington DC, presentation on "Influences on Young Adults in Discernment"
