Mission and Benefactors
Mission and Benefactors
The National Religious Vocation Conference has a vision to set the world ablaze with the fire of God’s love through the prophetic, joyful witness of religious sisters, brothers, and priests as radical disciples of Jesus.
The National Religious Vocation Conference is a catalyst for vocation discernment and the full flourishing of religious life as sisters, brothers, and priests for the ongoing transformation of the world.
To accomplish its mission, the National Religious Vocation Conference, in collaboration with its members and strategic partners, provides professional development, advocacy, education, resources, and networking opportunities to support vocation ministry and religious life.
In presenting religious life as a viable, prophetic option that remains mystery and gift, the NRVC seeks to:
The National Religious Vocation Conference is a professional organization of vocation ministers that promotes vocation awareness, invitation, and discernment to life as a religious sister, brother, or priest. NRVC reflects all forms of religious life and provides educational opportunities, resources, and other supportive services for spiritual, professional, and personal growth. NRVC has an annual membership of nearly 1,000 women and men representing over 300 religious institutes, organizations and dioceses, most of whom are vocation ministers for religious congregations.
NRVC's Global Reach infographic
National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC)
5401 South Cornell Avenue, Suite 207
Chicago, IL 60615
Phone: 773.363.5454
Email: nrvc@nrvc.net
Click here to see a map showing where we are located.
On behalf of the NRVC Board, I am delighted to announce that the board of directors of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation has awarded NRVC a $2 million dollar grant to continue to build our organization’s capacity and sustainability. This generous grant will provide NRVC with additional personnel, the ability to create an effective development program, resources for the Year of Consecrated Life, and other important vocation-promotion services over the next three years (2014-16).
NRVC will implement the following objectives over a three-year period:
1. Restructure and expand its administration: NRVC currently operates with a 25-year-old staffing structure that does not adequately meet the needs of our current expanded mission, programming, and services. This grant will assist in underwriting the restructuring of the NRVC administration over the next five months. The following updated organizational structure was developed with the help of a professional management consultant firm:
Executive Director: The Executive Director will remain as the CEO of the organization, but the balance of the position’s focus will shift from internal to external operations. Upcoming projects that will receive particular attention will be a comprehensive development program for the NRVC and the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV). In addition, the Executive Director will continue international outreach for collaborative efforts in professional development and vocation promotion; relationships with significant partners, major donor initiatives, and sustainable organizational strategies.
Executive Assistant:The Executive Assistant will serve as the conduit with all NRVC directors to oversee daily administrative responsibilities of the NRVC office. Primary responsibilities will include administrative and clerical support to the Executive Director and special projects.
Director of Member Relations and Services: This position, formerly Associate Director of Programming and Resources, includes developing and overseeing programming, resources, membership, and current member relations.
Director of Finance & Operations: This position will require the coordination of all financial and operational functions of the NRVC, including grant oversight, investment, contractual obligations, and bookkeeping and quarterly reporting.
Director of Development and Fundraising: Because of the integral link between the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations and NRVC, this position will be filled by the Director of the NFCRV. Responsibilities for NRVC include donor development and care, grant writing, special events, and marketing and promotional efforts.
IT Manager: The IT Manager will oversee all membership, donor, and subscription databases as well as online services.
Staff Assistant: The Staff Assistant will provide assistance to all Directors in the areas of reception and clerical help.
2. Develop a broad-based marketing campaign to support NRVC, its mission, and the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV): The purpose of this campaign is to mobilize the broadest-based audience possible to take an active part in NRVC’s mission through prayer and financial contributions. This campaign will include an investment in traditional direct-marketing methods to develop strategies for continued growth. Through traditional methods of testing, NRVC will lay the groundwork for identifying major donor prospects and creating planned giving leads for both the NRVC and the NFCRV. This campaign will be quarterly and begin in the fall of 2014.
3. Promote and provide resources at the national, diocesan, and parish level for the 2015 Year of Consecrated Life to commence in November 2014: With the Year of Consecrated Life in the spotlight, NRVC and its VISION Vocation Network want to make the most of this unique educational opportunity by getting high quality resources into the hands of dioceses and parishes. This will include a specially commissioned commemorative hymn, a resource packet to be mailed to every parish in the U.S.; a media e-kit; a photo and video bank; a CARA Study to discerners, and a special expanded issue of the 2015 Vision Vocation Guide.
4. Partner with other “top tier” Catholic organizations in sponsoring the vocation program and venue at the English-language pavilion at World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland, in 2016: Building on our success in Rio de Janeiro in 2013, NRVC and its VISION Vocation Network will partner with the Knights of Columbus, the USCCB, Canadian Salt and Light TV, Holy Cross Family Ministries, and other international organizations in sponsoring the vocation venue and program for World Youth Day 2016. Participation of NRVC members in this endeavor will be given first priority.
5. Conduct research through CARA to study the influence of parents and family in nurturing vocations to religious life and priesthood: No study on the influence of parents and families on vocations has ever been done before. This research will be timely as Pope Francis will convene a Synod on the Family in Rome in October of 2014. In addition, Philadelphia will be the host city of the 8th World Meeting of Families to be held in Philadelphia from September 22-27, 2015. The three-party study will include a:
- Survey of Parents of Religious and Clergy
- Survey to a Random Sampling of Catholic Parents
- Regional Focus Groups
6. Sponsor a convening of the directors of various international religious vocation organizations, particularly from English-speaking countries (Canada, Ireland, England and Wales, Australia, and New Zealand) during the Year of Consecrated Life. The purpose of this facilitated meeting to be held in Rome in February 2015 will be:
- to gain a sense of the larger vocation picture beyond their own country;
- to identify common areas of convergence in vocation needs with suggested solutions;
- to explore future areas for collaboration in the common mission of promoting membership to religious life.
7. Convene an exploratory panel of high profile experts in media and communications to assist in defining the scope and sequence of a national communications strategy and office for religious vocations: This convening will engage the best of church communicators, journalists, and media specialists to develop a plan of communications that is inclusive of religious life in its entirety and complexity, while not falling into the same issues that trap an already divided and polarized church and religious life. The final result of this collaborative effort will be a communications plan that is hopeful, real, and focused on what unites religious.
8. Redesign the award-winning VISION Vocation Network multilingual website (www.VocationNetwork.org): This expansive redesign will provide a better visitor experience, including quicker response times, responsive design to accommodate any viewing device; and updated key features, including Vocation Match and Vocation Calendar.
9. Launch a new vocation program titled “Vocation Ambassadors. This one-of-a-kind initiative will be offered as a pilot program with a desire to offer it annually as part of the regular NRVC programming. The purpose of the program is to provide lay Catholics with media training and communication skills to represent and promote religious life in their parishes and schools and among the general public.
NRVC is the only organization in the U.S. church that directly serves the comprehensive needs of religious vocation directors and their desire to invite new members to their unique and fulfilling way of life. The vocation directors’ needs, much like the vocation question itself, continue to increase in their complexity. While there are no simple solutions, one thing is clear: NRVC and its mission must remain vital and strong for the sake of the future of religious life among its membership and beyond.
This generous Hilton Foundation grant will enable NRVC to grow as a religious and professional nonprofit organization with better organization, financial sustainability, improved services to our membership, and increased outreach to the larger church community. By increasing our influence and broadening our support, NRVC will be better positioned to serve the church, our constituents, and most especially, those who are discerning religious life.
On behalf of the NRVC board and membership, I express my heartfelt gratitude to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation Board of Directors for their vision and generous investment in the future of religious life and for their confidence in NRVC and its leadership. In particular, I would like to thank Sister Rosemarie Nassif, S.S.N.D., director of the Hilton Foundation Sisters’ Initiative, and Brad Myers, domestic program officer at the Foundation, for their immeasurable encouragement and guidance.
Most of all, I want to thank you for your membership and continued loyal support, especially during this transition year. Two years ago the NRVC made a bold proposal to increase membership dues dramatically to demonstrate to our partnering foundations that our members are equally invested in our mission and its future. Mindful of the financial sacrifices this would entail, the NRVC membership at the 2012 Convocation voted nearly unanimously in favor of restructuring membership levels and fees. Your vote of confidence was key to showing our benefactors that the NRVC mission is worthy of their investment.
As we bask in the glow of our 25th anniversary year and this glorious season of Pentecost, may the Holy Spirit fill our hearts with hope, gratitude, and awe at God’s unfolding bounty.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C. Executive Director
Please include your special intention when you offer your donation to support the work of the National Religous Vocation Conference. Or send us an email with your request for prayers.
Tony N. in Georgia – that his children find Jesus.
Mary R. in South Carolina – for her husband’s recovery and for world peace.
Mary Ann R. in New York – for living and deceased family members, for Linda who is suffering from cancer, for Gene and James.
Dan M. in Ohio – for family, friends, and pets.
Laurence F. in Illinois – for the repose of the souls of Nick, Rita, Michael, and Uncle Bart,
Sister Antonia in New Jersey – for her special intentions.
Dan M. in Ohio – for the security of his family.
Stanley D. in Texas – for all those trying to discern God’s call.
John E. in Pennsylvania – for his daughter’s pregnancy and the health of friends and family.
Alfred D. in California – for the health and happiness of friends and family and in thanksgiving.
Lucille in Illinois – for all those suffering from Parkinson’s disease and for their families.
Raymond J. in Oregon – that the power of Christ be with us.
Rocco G. from New York – for the family of Rocco and Teresa and friends and neighbors.
Mother Magda in New Mexico – for vocations for the Sisters of Our Lady Guadalupe and St. Joseph.
Alfred D. in California – for the health and happiness of friends and family, religious world peace, and for inactive Catholics.
Gerald S. of Minnesota – for deceased parents.
Roger M. of Arizona – for Pope Francis, persecuted Christians in Middle East, and for Bishops Strickland, Robinson, Grom and Wallace.
Hardar F. of Michigan – for the Sadeer family.
Nancy S. of Illinois – for the repose of the souls of her husband, her father, and her grandfather, and for unity within the family in faith.
John E. in Pennsylvania – for his family members, deceased and living, increased devotion to prayer life, and the well-being and intentions of clergy and religious.
Edward L. in Pennsylvania – for his family, Pope Francis and health.
Lawrence F. in New Jersey – for his son Thomas who suffers from autism, his daughter Alyssa who suffers from cysts, and his cousin Anthony who is sick with cancer.
Edward L. in Ohio – for his family, their faith life as well as health, and President Trump.
Laurence F. in Illinois – for the repose of the souls of family and friends.
Vincente G. in Michigan – for peace in his own family and the world, especially for his son Andrew and himself.
Joshua C. in Indiana – for his own peace, for Father Timothy and Lisa.
Mary W. in Wisconsin – for her family.
Donald S. in Michigan – for his own healing as he recovers from cancer, help with his finances, direction and discernment and that he find his cat.
Joseph M. in Michigan – for the health of Donna.
Silma K. in Illinois – for the repose of the soul of Lisa Therese Sasing Kuivinen who passed away August 16, 2016.
J. G. in Illinois – for vocations.
Barbara M. in Illinois – for her family’s health.
Constance S. in Michigan – for recovery from cancer.
Liz H. in Michigan – for her grandchildren, especially those in college, for her nephew who is battling cancer, and her son’s return to the church.
Steve F. in New Jersey – for his own vocation.
Alfred D. in California – for the health and happiness of his family; priests and religious; and the poor souls in purgatory.
Donna A. in Michigan – for her three oldest children and for her youngest son who has physical and mental health problems.
Maria S. in Wisconsin – for all priests and religious; an end to abortion; and that those in the new administration be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Ann M. in New Jersey – for the catechists she teaches.
Laurence F. of Illinois – for the recovery of Mike S., repose of the soul of Rita F., for unification of his family, for people to return to church and the end of abortion.
Aurura P. of California – for her health (especially her migraines) and her family (especially her daughter).
James F. of Illinois – for his son who died in 2013 of a heroin overdose.
Dr. and Mrs. A. of Colorado – for the indifference they have shown the Lord, for the soul of Emma and that she be released from prison, for the sins of Earl G.; for healing for Melvin B.
Mr. John L. of Illinois – for his upcoming cataract surgery.
Mrs. Mary Ellen M. of California – that her son find suitable employment.
Deacon Charles G. of Florida – that he continue to appreciate God’s blessings and to be able to pray and receive Him every day in his own home.
Mr. William C. of New Jersey – for his family, including 13 children, 56 grandchildren and 3 great grand children.
Mr. Carlos H. of Florida – for the eternal rest of his ancestors.
Ms. Carmen G. of Illinois – for her mother Maria Gomez that she have peace of mind and that she be able to sleep all her nights in peace.
Ms. Barbara D. of New York – for the conversion of terrorists; for family members to return to the church, for the healing of relationships within her family; and for the physical healing of Don so that he may walk again.
Brother Kent C., F.S.C. of Illinois – for the young Christian Brothers coming out of formation in Chicago and for the blessings and grace they will need in their ministry.
Sister Elizabeth A. O.P. of Wisconsin – for her brother and for the Marywood Franciscan Spirituality Center.
Sr. Mary Joseph of New Hampshire – for growth in holiness and in an increase in members of their community.
Sr. Susanna E. of California – for help with the presidential election, God’s mercy to overcome violent fanatics, help and comfort for their victims, and for the souls of Sandor M., Elizabeth N. and Agnes G.
Mr. and Mrs. Steven N. of Iowa for thanksgiving for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon their family, for family members undergoing surgery, for departed family members, and for health issues of friends and family.
Mr. Richard S. of California – for Patricia, Marion and Leona S. and Rich and Joan W.
Brother Robert L., C.S.C. of Ohio – Greater courage to embrace the call of the Gospel; vocations to consecrated life, all in need of mercy.
Ms. Margaret C. of Illinois – Repose of the soul and the family of Lucas M. , Sr. Dorothy B., R.S.F.
The GHR Foundation awarded a $200,000 grant to the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) to provide extensive data mining and visual display of the responses to its 2020 Study on Recent Vocations, to be released in Spring 2020, which the GHR Foundation also helped fund.
With the goal of helping vocation directors in their ministry and using the most current data-mining and story-mapping software, NRVC will gather information on the newest entrants to religious life to create a vivid portrait of the characteristics, influences, and touch points that help shape the individual vocation journeys of men and women who chose to become Catholic religious sisters, brothers, and priests.
NRVC Development Director Mr. Phil Loftus recognizes this major gift “not only as an investment in NRVC, but as a commitment to using the latest technology to capture and share a fuller picture of religious life today. We are very grateful to GHR Foundation for their continued support of our mission."
NRVC hopes that the data-mapping program to be developed will have a broader application among religious communities and dioceses in creating up-to-date information about contemporary men and women religious and the ministries where they serve and the people whose lives are enhanced by their work.
The National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) was founded in 1988 as a professional organization of men and women committed to vocation awareness, invitation, and discernment to consecrated life as brothers, sisters, and priests. The NRVC serves its 1,000 members by providing continuing education, resources, and services for professional growth. The National Religious Vocation Conference serves as a catalyst for vocation discernment and the full flourishing of religious life as sisters, brothers, and priests for the ongoing transformation of the world.
GHR Foundation applies entrepreneurial creativity and universal Catholic values in the areas of health, education, and global development. Started in 1965 by Opus founders Gerald A. and Henrietta Rauenhorst, the Foundation seeks transformational change, and partners with the world’s experts to achieve impact. This results in a powerful exchange of ideas, and a community of thought leaders providing locally-driven solutions. GHR is anchored with a belief in responsibility, action, and the knowledge that we are all deeply connected. Despite global challenges, GHR meets each task with entrepreneurial optimism because the Foundation has seen the impact of strategic, thoughtful change.
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