Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors

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This workshop is intended for new and recently appointed vocation directors. Its goal is to provide participants with the skills, context, theory, challenges and practicalities of contemporary vocation ministry. Topics will include foundational elements of vocation ministry; assessment of inquirers and discerners; application and admission process; vocation promotion, ethics and boundaries, resiliency and self-care of the vocation director.

Please note this workshop ends at 4:30 p.m. on July 13. Overnight accommodations are contracted for 6 nights, arrival on July 8 and check out on July 14.

Workshop fees

Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, facility rentals and lunch. The fees do NOT include supper. Residents are provided with a continental breakfast. 

Commuter:       $875 NRVC member             $1,300 Non-NRVC member

Resident:          $1,565 NRVC member           $1,990 Non-NRVC member            

Late registration

Registrations received after June 22 incur a $100 late fee. 

Cancellations

Cancellations for workshops and accommodations must be received in writing to debbiesscm@nrvc.net before June 23 to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 23., all fees are non refundable. 

Presenters:

Sister Deborah M. Borneman, SS.C.M. began working for the NRVC in 2011 and presently serves as the Director of Member Relations and Services. A Sister of Saints Cyril and Methodius, she served 10 years as vocation director for her community and is currently serving on her congregational leadership team. Sr. Debbie has previous ministerial experience in pastoral care, youth ministry, college campus ministry and immigration advocacy. She has presented on various topics in vocation ministry in Ireland and throughout the United States. Sr. Debbie holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies (Loyola University, Chicago).  

Father Adam MacDonald, S.V.D. is a native of Flint, Michigan and ordained for the Society of the Divine Word.  Since 2011, Fr. Adam has served as a Vocation Director for his congregation. He previously served in the Philippines, on the Provincial Council for the Chicago Province and as Vice-Provincial. Fr. Adam holds a Master of Divinity degree (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago) and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Center for Spiritual Development, California. He currently serves on the NRVC National Board executive committee and has previously served on the NRVC Editorial Board and the Vocation Ambassador Design team. 

Brother Chris Patiño, FSC is a De La Salle Christian Brother and currently serves as Director of Vocation Ministry for the Christian Brothers’ U.S.A. western province. He previously served in education and on his Provincial Council. Br. Chris holds an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies (University of Arizona) and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (Loyola University, Chicago).  In addition to his responsibilities as vocation director, he serves on the Board of Trustees of De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland, the Religious Brothers Conference Board, and as NRVC West Coast Member Area Co-coordinator.

The content was excellent, and the resources helped to deepen understanding and engagement with the topic. The presentations were clear, concise, giving opportunity to interact with everyone. 

–Sr. Carmel Ryan, D.C. from Vocations Ireland

The program was very informative and helpful. The schedule was perfect, a good balance to work, play and pray. I found the resources to be informative and helpful and a nice combination of presentations. 

–Brother Al Rivera, FMS from New York City

This program went beyond my expectations. I couldn’t imagine not taking this course. The information is very helpful and eye opening. I appreciated very much that the 3 presenters were very knowledgeable and truly enjoying their ministry. It is evident that the presenters are genuinely concerned about our growth and learning. 

–Father Sebastian Sandoval, OFM from Los Angeles, CA

Workshops are designed from the NRVC three-component 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. Please read the terms and conditions of all NRVC programs and events.

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This workshop is also offered October 15-19, 2019