Spring & summer events

Spring & summer events


2025 Talk it up Tuesdays

NRVC Member meet-up

"Talk it Up Tuesdays," are back in January 2025! These 60-minute Zoom gatherings are designed for members to learn together, encourage each other, and share ideas. 

These one-hour sessions will start at 1:00 p.m. CDT and focus on a topic in vocation ministry. The time will consist of an opening prayer, introductions, a 20-minute short presentation, 15-minute breakout groups, and 15 minutes to share the best ideas, announcements, and gratitude. Best of all, these are free for NRVC members! 

Register here for the Zoom link.
Sessions will not be recorded.

Topics and presenters for 2025

Tuesday, January 28, 2025, Found in Translation:  Navigating generational communication nuances using Canva, presented by Mr. Jorge Martins (for the O.F.M. Guadalupe Province)

Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Vicars and Vocation Ministers: Allies in the Vineyard presented by Sister Mary Beth Bromer, C.S.S.F.

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, Sources of Encouragement: Inside and Outside of Vocation Circles, presented by  Sister Judith Blizzard, C.S.S.F.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025, Enhancing Vocation Culture through Youth Ministry: Accompaniment, Empowerment, and Possibility presented by  Brother Rafael Vargas, S.D.B.

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, We’re All Connected:  Involving Community and non-Community members in Vocation Ministry, presented by  Sister Mary Jo Curtsinger, C.S.J.  and Sister Erin McDonald, C.S.J.

Tuesday, March 4, 2025, Keeping the Conversation Going: Leadership and Vocation Ministry in Collaboration presented by  Brother John Skrodinsky, S.T.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Sometimes you need to pivot – incorporating non-religious tactics into vocation ministry, presented by  Father Paul Shelton, SJ

Tuesday, March 18, 2025, Being the Voice of Hope: Navigating Vocation Ministry Challenges from Multiple Sources, presented by Father Stephen Sohe, S.S.J.

Tuesday, March 25, 2025, Full of grace: Incorporating Marian traditions in Vocation Ministry presented by  Brother Mark Motz, S.M.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025, You Have What the World Needs: Conversations about Charism, presented by Sister Heather Jean Foltz, O.S.B.

Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Capture the Moment: Unplanned Instances of Inspiration, presented by Sr. Carolyn Martin, lsp

We look forward to seeing you for this interactive winter gathering! If there is a topic that you are willing to present, let us know and we will add it to the schedule. 

Register here for the Zoom link.

Remember these sessions will not be recorded. Please refer all questions to Sister Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net 




Catholic Sisters Week

March 8-14

By National Office

About Catholic Sisters Week

Catholic Sisters Week (CSW) invites all to celebrate women religious (Sisters and nuns) from March 8-14. CSW is an annual celebration that began in 2014 to honor women religious with a series of events that instruct, enlighten, and bring greater focus to the lives of these incredible women. It’s a chance to recognize this valuable vocation with the hope that more people will learn about women religious, and invite others to follow their example.


Visit the CSW website to learn about Catholic Sisters Week,  post or find an event near you, and join in celebrating the vocation of Catholic Sisters. You can post your event for others to see here. 

Additional Resources can be found through the numerous VISION Vocation Network articles, Global Sisters Report Resources, the Leadership Collaborative video series, A Nun's Life videos, and this great video from Pope Francis

Additionally, the NRVC has published 77 videos centered on the theme of Abundant Hope. All can be accessed directly through the National Religious Vocation Conference YouTube Channel and shared publicly to amplify hope for religious life. One idea is to share one video a day on your social media platforms throughout Catholic Sisters Week or suggest a few videos to share in classrooms, on campuses, at Board meetings, and at parish events. 

Ideas to Celebrate CSW

Host a book club throughout spring using Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister's highly acclaimed 64-page book entitled, What are you looking for? Seeking the God who is seeking you.  Another 99-page book to consider using is Your One Wild and Precious Life written by Father Mark David Janus, C.S.P.  

Donate books about your founder, community history, and Catholic sisters to college campus ministry houses, school libraries, Adoration Chapels, and parish centers. 

There are over 500 religious institutes for women religious in the United States. Check out these links to learn more about cloistered nuns, missionary sisters, apostolic sisters, evangelical sisters, monastics, and sisters in societies of apostolic life. Choose to "like" their social media pages and keep updated on their mission, charism, and spirituality.

Invite coworkers, associates, students, and nones into a conversation using the NRVC Study and Reflection Guide, which features 8 topics with comments from newer entrants to religious life, reflection questions, and inspirational quotes.

Write a poem and encourage others to publicize your poetry! Here's a beautiful poem written by NRVC member, Sister Cathy K. Tshitenge, f.m.m. to share with others:

Who is a Catholic Sister?
She is a woman of faith, strength, courage, and vision.
A follower of Jesus and doer of the Word of God,
A daughter attentive to the cries of the poor, women, children, and migrants.
An advocate of keeping our planet and environment healthy and clean.
A person who prioritizes personal and communal prayer.
A voice for the voiceless and outcasts of society.
A fearless woman of hope and peace.
A caregiver, a listening ear, and a compassionate person towards the sick, children, and the aged.
Let us Celebrate our Catholic Sisters now and always…


Quotes from the NRVC Focus groups of newer entrants
who entered religious life from 2003-2018

"When I met our Sisters, I was not discerning, but I was very struck by how authentic they were, that they were each totally themselves, and they were really happy, and joyful, and normal, and so that was what drew me to our community."

"I saw the passion of our sisters who fight for social justice whether it be the unborn, or those at the border. And that passion for social justice is filled with compassion. Passion with a lot of compassion. That's what fires me; that is what keeps me here."

"I just attended the final profession Mass for four women. Every Sister from around the country came. After they took their final vows, they stood at the front of the Church. Every Sister in the Church got up and walked to them. It took over an hour just to do that. All I could think of is, "This is why I'm here." I didn't know ten people in the whole Church. I just knew I wanted to be part of that."



Religious Brothers Day

May 1

Religious Brothers Day is held annually on May 1, the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker.  All religious brothers are recognized during this international event. Prayer services and reflections for celebrating this day are available at ReligiousBrothers.org 

 

Some ways to celebrate Religious Brothers Day are:

 

  1. Choose a community from the list below to learn more about the vocation of Brother. 
  2. Write a note of gratitude for Brothers to post on your social media and/or mail to a Brother.
  3. Ask to pray with the Brothers at one of their many ministries.
  4. Watch several videos about Brothers and share them with friends.
  5. Learn more about the contributions Brothers have made over the years.
  6. Invite someone to consider learning more about Brothers and to consider discerning their vocation as a Brother.
  7. Reach out to a vocation director who is a Brother and ask for some promotional materials to include in your own table of resources.

Quotes from the NRVC Focus groups of newer entrants
who entered religious life from 2003-2018


"The laughter, the prayer, age was never an issue for me. The one thing that was consistent was the relationships and the mentorships. And that real sense of just being Brother. Centered in Christ, first and foremost, and then with the community life, being able to take it to the apostolate and to give witness, as a community, was probably the best thing" (about being a Brother).

 "To see these men, priests and brothers, working together on a project that seemed worth doing. They were very, very much individuals, unique, bringing very different things to the work, bringing different gifts to a work that seemed desperately in need of being well done."

"I did not know religious life where I was growing up because there was no  religious around the area. It wasn't until later in life that I found out that there was religious, and there were also religious Brothers. That's really what attracted me to the community was more of the sense of family, the sense of prayer, and a sense of equality."


Additional Resources

The NRVC has published a series of Abundant Hope videos which includes Brothers. The following videos are publicly available to share for Religious Brothers Day and at other events to promote the vocation of Brother:

  1. Brother Joseph Bach, O.S.F.
  2. Brother Alfred George, fms
  3. Brother Peter Lamick, C.S.V.
  4. Brother Paschal Listi, fbp
  5. Brother Antony Julius Milton, O.F.M. Cap.
  6. Brother Blair Paulus Nuyda, A.A.
  7. Brother Allen Agpaoa Pacquing, S.M.
  8. Brother Rafael Vargas, S.D.B.
  9. Brother Martin Zewe, F.S.C.

Links to Religious Institutes of Brothers

Alexian Brothers

Brothers of Saint John

Brothers of the Christian Schools

Brothers of the Christian Schools, Eastern North America

Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Province of the United States

Christian Brothers Conference, Regional Office

Congregation of Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice Christian Brothers)

De La Salle Christian Brothers, Midwest 

De La Salle Christian Brothers, San Francisco, New Orle

Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn

Franciscan Brothers of Peace

Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God

Marist Brothers

Xaverian Brothers

 

Links to Religious Institutes of Brothers and Priests 

Augustinian Friars

Augustinian Friars, Western Province

Augustinians of the Assumption

Benedictine Monks, Assumption Abbey

Benedictine Monks, Christ the King Priory

Benedictine Monks, Glastonbury Abbey

Benedictine Monks, Mount Michael Abbey

Benedictine Monks, Newark Abbey

Benedictine Monks, Portsmouth Abbey

Benedictine Monks, Saint Procopius Abbey

Benedictine Monks, Saint John Abbey

Benedictine Monks, Saint Meinrad Archabbey

Canons Regular of the Holy Cross

Capuchin Franciscans, Custody of Puerto Rico

Capuchin Franciscans, Province of St. Joseph

Carmelite Fathers and Brothers, Province of St. Elias

Carmelite Friars, Most Pure Heart of Mary Province

Claretian Missionaries

Clerics Regular of Saint Paul

Congregation of Holy Cross

Congregation of the Holy Spirit

Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood

Congregation of the Resurrection, CA

Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary

Crosier Fathers and Brothers

Discalced Carmelite Friars, Oklahoma Province of St. Therese

Dominican Friars, Saint Martin de Porres

Franciscan Friars of the Atonement

Franciscan Friars, Conventual, Our Lady of Consolation

Franciscan OFM Friars - U.S. 6

Glenmary Home Missioners

Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, Central and Southern Province

Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, East Province

Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, Midwest Province

Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, Western Province

Jesuit Fathers of Canada

Josephite Fathers and Brothers

Marianists

Marianists, Province of Meribah

Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers

Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette

Missionaries of the Precious Blood

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate

Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Canada

Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity

Missionhurst Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

Nortbertines of St. Norbert Abbey

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Wilmington-Philadelphia

Order of Friar Servants of Mary

Order of the Most Holy Trinity

Pallotines, Immaculate Conception Province

Pallotines, Mother of God Province

Passionists, Holy Cross Province

Passionists, Paul of the Cross Province

PIME Ministries

Priests of the Sacred Heart, Dehonians

Redemptorists

Redemptorists, Edmonton-Toronto Province

Salesians of Don Bosco, Eastern Province

Salesians of Don Bosco, Western Province

Society of Jesus, East Province

Society of Divine Savior

Society of the Divine Word

Somascan Fathers and Brothers

Sons of Our Mother of Peace

Trappist Cistercian Monks, New Clairvaux

Trappist Cistercian Monks, New Mellerary Abbey

Trinitarians

Viatorians

Vincentians, Eastern Province

Vincentians, Western Province

Xaverian Missionaries



World Day of Prayer for Vocations

May 11, 2025

About World Day of Prayer of Vocations

On this 62nd anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, also liturgically known as Good Shepherd Sunday,  we are invited to pray for and promote all vocations.  Initiated by Saint Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council in 1964, the purpose of this day is to help all of us respond to God's call and to support in prayer all those who are discerning how to best respond to the needs of today in the vocation God calls them to be.

Participating in parish life is a way individuals can discern their vocation and receive prayerful support from parishioners. Matter of fact, people in parishes are more likely to encourage someone to discern their vocation than their own family members! Consider connecting with parishes and asking for opportunities to share information and resources about religious vocations. Examples include:

  • Speaking before, during, or after liturgical celebrations.
  • Presenting in youth and young adult religious education classes.
  • Sharing NRVC resources as bulletin inserts. See a list of NRVC resources below.
  • Facilitating communal prayer services on college campuses and spaces where young adults gather.
  • Sharing your favorite vocation discernment prayers or songs.
  • Taking photos of people specifically praying for vocations to post on social media. 
  • Showcasing your Chapel and sacred spaces available for others to join you in praying for vocations. 

Many parishes and religious institutes commemorate this day by praying for vocations and supporting vocation promotion events. Considering that 73 percent of women and men professing final vows participated in one or more parish activities and 88 percent served in one or more parish ministries before entering religious life, our presence and participation in activities that mark this special day are essential.

Of particular note, respondents to the 2020 NRVC/CARA Study of Recent Vocations to Religious Life reported that the day-to-day rhythm of communal prayer is paramount in community life. Below are the types of prayer preferred by newer entrants:

Prayer is essential in all of our lives, join a global effort in praying for vocations on May 11, 2025!

Quotes from the NRVC Focus groups of newer entrants
who entered religious life from 2003-2018

"I think it was the 80-year-old Brothers, the wisdom figures of the community that were always the first in the Chapel and the last at the dining room table. I would always try to get there before them and never could. They were always there and you could count on them." 

"I've noticed in the last ten years that young people seem to have a deeper interest in spirituality and what is their purpose in life. I don't know what brings that change about, I don't know whether it is the Holy Spirit at work, which I'm assuming that it would be, but there does seem to be a different attitude."

"I find most rewarding is our truly deep desire to seek God together and what God is calling us to in this time and place. I also deeply appreciate our prayer that sustains us."

"The most rewarding aspect of religious life is our community living. In community, we pray, live, recreate, and minister together. Our cohesiveness and sense of identity as religious serving others as ministers of the Gospel is wonderful!"


Cultivate within our hearts, minds, and spirits--our very selves--the disposition to fully live out our vocations, which have been planted in our hearts through our baptism,

And grant us the grace to say yes to our call daily, irrespective of how we may feel from moment to moment.

Let us know that we can come to You as we are, wherever we are, and as we accompany those discerning Your call. Help us to hear and

Listen to Your voice amid the various voices vying for our attention so that we may take the right actions that lead to abundant life.

Ignite in us a hope-filled passion for service, using our gifts to bring your Reign to fruition today and always.

Never let us forget that all we have are indeed gifts from You and that we are called to

Give all we are and have in love and service to You in our sisters and brothers. Amen.

Additional Resources

Please note: NRVC members can download these resources in the Member Toolbox as a benefit or purchase them through these links. 

Litany for Vocations Handout

Black Religious Prayer Card

Busy Persons Retreat booklet

I hope You Find prayer card

I Hope You Find prayer card in Spanish

Hearing God's Call: Thirty days of vocation discernment booklet

Listening to the Call prayer cards

Responsibilities of Members for Vocation Ministry Handout


VISION Vocation Network articles on prayer

 Resources offered by the USCCB

Resources offered by Serra International

Rosary for Vocations with the Luminous Mysteries 


Papal Messages for World Day of Prayer for Vocations

In this sense, the World Day of Prayer for Vocations has a synodal character: amid the variety of our charisms, we are called to listen to one another and to journey together in order to acknowledge them and to discern where the Spirit is leading us for the benefit of all.

At this point in time, then, our common journey is bringing us to the Jubilee Year of 2025. Let us travel as pilgrims of hope towards the Holy Year, for by discovering our own vocation and its place amid the different gifts bestowed by the Spirit, we can become for our world messengers and witnesses of Jesus’ dream of a single human family, united in God’s love and in the bond of charity, cooperation and fraternity.

This is, in the end, the goal of every vocation: to become men and women of hope. As individuals and as communities, amid the variety of charisms and ministries, all of us are called to embody and communicate the Gospel message of hope in a world marked by epochal challenges.

                 -Pope Francis,  World Day of Prayer for Vocations, 2024

2024 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message

2023 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message

2022 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message

2021 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message

2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message

2019 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message

2018 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message

2017 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2016 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2015 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2014 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2013 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2012 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2011 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2010 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2009 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2008 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2007 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.

2006 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.



2024 Workshop Information

Registrations are near capacity

General Information

In 2024, the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) will offer five on-site Summer Institute workshops at the Marillac Center in Leavenworth, KS. These workshops are designed for vocation ministers, formation teams, communicators, religious leadership, and others entrusted with the assessment of discerners and candidates. As part of the NRVC curriculum, these workshops help deepen participants' understanding of the complex theological, spiritual, psycho-sexual, ethical, and diversity issues often present in contemporary vocation ministry. 

The Mission of the NRVC reflects its commitment to providing members with educational opportunities, relevant resources, and other supportive services that strengthen and enhance the practiced ministerial skills of those serving in vocation ministry. The NRVC strongly suggests that vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to attend to their own vocation and faith formation, and further develop their professional competencies. Vocation ministers need to keep up-to-date on trends, issues, skills, and best practices in the field of vocation ministry.  

2024 Workshop Schedule

Summer Institute

Our annual Summer Institute will offer five onsite workshops at the Marillac Center, in Leavenworth, KS, July 9-30, 2024. Choose to attend one or several workshops, it's your choice. All workshops include overnight accommodations at the Marillac Center. Enjoy the convenience of having a private bedroom and bathroom, linen service, wi-fi, meals, and breaks. If you are traveling from abroad and need additional nights to adjust to the time zone change (at your expense), please let us know so we can accommodate your needs if possible.

Workshop registration is open in our online store

Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors -- Registraion is closed for this workshop since it is at capacity.
July 10-14, 2024, presented by Sister Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M., and Father Adam MacDonald, S.V.D. 

Ethical Issues in Vocation and Formation Ministry      
July 16-17 2024, presented by Rev. Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D.   

Behavioral Assessment 1
July 19-21, 2024, presented by Rev. Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D. 

Health and Wellness Issues in Candidate Assessment
July 23-24, 2024 presented by Sister Chero Chuma, C.S.J.P., D.N.P., and Sister Mary Catherine Redmond, P.B.V.M.

Being Human and Sexual: An Evolving Understanding
July 26-29, 2024 presented by Sister Lynn M. Levo, C.S.J., Ph.D.

Workshop & Overnight Accommodation fees

Workshops are open to NRVC members at a discounted rate and for non-members at an affordable price. Each workshop is $185 per person per day for members and $270 per person per day for non-members, regardless of the workshop. Summer Institute overnight accommodations are $115 per night and reserved in a blocked contract regardless of your arrival/departure dates.   If you registered for two or more workshops, you will not have to check out of your room and will provide meals between the workshops.

If you want to become a member to receive the discounted rate, click here.  

Workshop registration is open in our online store

Late registration

Summer Institute registrations received after June 30 incur a $100 late fee. 

Cancellations

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

Financial assistance available

The Misericordia Scholarship Find is available to assist NRVC members with their professional development. 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, find out more information here to apply online. 

Workshop terms and conditions

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

I registered because of the positive experiences I’ve had in previous NRVC workshops and for ongoing professional development. I found the material presented very enriching, helpful, and informative.  Also, I found the input very suitable to help myself and my community members.  Thank you very much, I thoroughly enjoyed it. ​
                       
--Sister Lucinder Mologai, S.M.S.M from Fiji

Questions about workshops?

Direct your questions to Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net



Synod

Synthesis Report

 

The General Secretariat of the Synod is encouraging further consultation ahead of October’s Second Session of the Synodal Assembly in Rome. This consultation was to be focused on the question: How can we be a synodal Church in mission? The objective of these new consultations was to identify the paths we can follow and the tools we might adopt in our different contexts and circumstances to enhance the unique contribution of each baptized person in the one mission of proclaiming the Risen Lord and his Gospel to the world today.

  • Through our unique lens as formation and vocation ministers, what does this perspective offer the Church in this Synodal moment?
  • How does our mission and ministry of accompaniment inform the Synodal journey?
  • What tools might we employ to better equip and serve God’s people?

The National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) and the Religious Formation Conference (RFC) hosted a Synodal consultation on March 20 from 6:30-8:00 pm Central Time to explore together how we can contribute to the Church’s unfolding Synodal path. The consultation offered space for brief input, shared listening, and small group dialogues. 

Given the nature of the session, it was not recorded. Notes from the session were collated and sent on to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops via Region XVI, National Catholic Organizations, and Groups. 

 Synod Website

NRVC-RFC Synthesis

 Synodal Church in Mission Synthesis Report

USCCB National Synthesis for the Interim Stage of the 2021-2024 Synod

Instrumentum laboris for the Second Session (October 2024)

For more information, reach out to Sister Debbie at debbiesscm@nrvc.net



HORIZON Fall 2024 ...
This edition focuses on discernment, particularly how vocation ministers can accompany ...  More
Convocation Gratitude ...
The National Office and Board extend its appreciation for your participation, ...  More
Nominate a board member ...
Board members have the opportunity to lead the NRVC into the ...  More
World Day for Consecrated Life ...
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Bold and Faithful Storymap ...
Our Bold and Faithful Storymap links people interested in religious life ...  More

NRVC Member Areas


Click here to locate the Member Area Coordinators in your Member Area. 

CONNECT WITH NRVC

National Office Closed

Dec. 24-Jan.1,

Christmas holiday

Southwest Member Area Gathering

January 15, 2025,

via Zoom

Talk it Up Tuesdays

Starting Jan. 28,

Mark your calendars...

Delaware Valley Member Area Gathering

February 12, 2025,

via Zoom

Pilgrims of Hope

Jubilee Year 2025,

Learn more...

Catholic Sisters Week

March 8-14, 2025,

Ideas to celebrate...

Religious Brothers Day

May 1, 2025,

Resources to celebrate...

World Day for Consecrated Life

February 2, 2025,

Plan now....

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

May 11, 2025,

Plan now....

National Vocation Awareness Week

November 2-8, 2025,

Read more...

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