Virtual Orientation Program for New Vocation Ministers

Fall & Winter events

Virtual Orientation Program for New Vocation Ministers

October 9-13, 2023

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Registration for this virtual workshop is open in the online store.

This virtual workshop is essential for all new and recently appointed vocation directors and teams. Its goal is to provide participants with the foundational skills, context, theory, challenges, and practicalities of contemporary vocation ministry. Topics will include accompaniment with inquirers, assessment of discerners; application and admission process, vocation promotion, canon law, boundaries, animating vowed membership, relevant resources, and research, along with resiliency and self-care of the vocation director.

Please note this five-day workshop begins on October 9 at 9:30 a.m. and ends on October 13 at 3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S.

There is a 60-minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. Workshop binders will be mailed to participants at least two weeks before the workshop.

Please note: This workshop is not recorded to allow the presenter and participants the opportunity to speak authentically in a learning community. Personal recording is prohibited.

Workshop fees

Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, and postage.

NRVC member: $ 925 Non-member: $1,387

Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.

Late registration

Registrations received after October 1 incur a $100 late fee.

Cancellations

Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before October 1 to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After October 1, all fees are non-refundable.

Presenters

Brother Joseph Bach, O.S.F., is a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn and currently ministers as Director of Vocations for his Congregation. Previously, he ministered in Education as a teacher and administrator on the elementary, secondary, and university levels. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Education from St. Xavier University, a graduate certificate in Franciscan Studies, and completed a Post Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation at Boston College. He also studied at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. Brother Joseph is also a consultant for the Office of Mission, Ministry, and Interfaith Dialogue at St. Francis College, and serves on the Council of Religious for the Diocese of Brooklyn. He is serving as the Hudson Valley Member Area Coordinator.

Sister Deborah M. Borneman, SS.C.M. began working for the NRVC in 2011 and presently serves as the Director of Mission Integration. A Sister of Saints Cyril and Methodius, she served within her community as vocation director, on the formation committee, and elected congregational leadership team. Sr. Debbie has previous ministerial experience in pastoral care, youth ministry, college campus ministry, and immigration advocacy. She has presented and written on various topics in vocation ministry in Ireland, Canada, and throughout the United States. Sr. Debbie holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, Chicago.

Deacon John Eustice, C.S.V. is a Viatorian brother and has been involved in vocation ministry since 2014. He has served has as Coordinator of Vocation Ministry for five years. Br. John has an undergraduate degree in education from UNLV and holds a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, Chicago. He has served as a youth and young adult campus minister, a parish pastoral associate in Central America, and most recently, a high school administrator of mission and identity. Br. John is currently a full-time student in the Master of Divinity ordination program at Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

Financial assistance available

To assist NRVC members with their professional development, the Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available. Scholarship funds can be applied to NRVC workshops; however, they do not cover the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals, or personal expenses. If you need financial assistance to attend an NRVC workshop, please apply here.

Workshop terms and conditions

Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.

There were lots of concrete, common sense examples - personal experiences which will stay with me as I journey with discerners. There was such a breadth of experience and a willingness to be vulnerable that it gives me the confidence I can do this. Each presenter was relatable and offered common sense and yet also provided sound advice on paths to avoid difficulties.

–--Sister Mary Jones, O.P.

The wealth of information was incredibly helpful, particularly the concrete examples that the presenters were willing to share. The resources on the ethics of vocation ministry were very helpful. I also really appreciated the attention given to self-care and entering into our own vocation story as a way of better ministering to others.

--Fr. Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.

This workshop was more than I expected. It gave a lot of food for thought and also action steps to move forward with vocation promotion in my diocese. I am forever grateful for the friendship found and the great opportunities to connect with others in the pastoral vineyard. It is with great hope I launch out into the deep. Special thanks to all the presenters and staff who made this possible.
--- Rev. Kenwyn Sylvester, Archdiocese of Port of Spain

The workshop truly exceeded my expectations. I learned a great deal of new knowledge; as a result, I can now implement new resources in my work as a Vocation Minister and then be a better companion for our current and future candidates. The presenters were well prepared, they gave us precise information, and real examples to explain each topic.

–--Sr. Maria Amador, P.C.M.

Workshops are designed from the NRVC curriculum for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the complex theological, spiritual, psycho-sexual, ethical, and diversity issues often present in contemporary vocation ministry. NRVC recommends that vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to attend to their own vocation, faith formation, and to further develop their professional competencies.