2020 Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors

This workshop will be offered in 2021: July 12-16 AND October 12-16, 2021. 

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.

This online workshop will keep your attention with four dynamic presenters covering over 70 topics for new vocation ministers. Participant networking is encouraged throughout the workshop with adequate screen breaks. 

Please note this workshop begins at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7 and ends at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 11 (Central time). There are 2 twenty minute breaks and a 90 minute lunch to avoid screen fatigue.

Workshop fees

NRVC member: $675                                      Non-member: $1012

Become an NRVC member to save on workshop fees.   

Late registration

Registrations received after June 30 incur a $25 late fee. 

Cancellations

Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to debbiesscm@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 30, 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 Mission Integration. 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.

Sister Minnette Welding, I.H.M. is a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Scranton, PA, and ministers as the Director of Vocations for her IHM Congregation. She has spent her religious life ministering to adolescents and young adults in college campus ministry, secondary education and parish youth/young adult ministry as well as Diocesan vocation ministry. She is also a spiritual director and retreat director. Sister has a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Neumann University concentrating in Spiritual Direction and a Master of Science Degree from Fordham University in Youth and Young Adult Ministry/Religious Education.

This workshop exceeded my expectations. It led me to consider aspects of vocation ministry which I had not considered. My eyes were opened. The presenters were excellent in terms of conveying good information in a positive and hopeful manner.

–Br. Zachary Wilberding, O.S.B.

As a beginner in this ministry, everything was totally new for me. I gained insights, information and confidence. I appreciated the topics of professional behavior, confidentiality, and best practices.

–Sr. Maria Lotica Palma, C.S.C.

I have a better understanding of the role, responsibilities and ethics of a vocation director. I found the information around marketing, communications, generational data and social media most helpful.

–Sr. Denise West, O.S.B.

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.