NRVC Convocation
NRVC Convocation
Buffalo, NY , Nov. 1-5, 2018
NRVC is seeking $100,000 in Convocation sponsorships for our gatherings and youth-infused events at the Adams Mark Hotel and Canisius College:
Make an impression on current and future leaders in the Catholic Church
Simply complete and return the Sponsorship Reservation Form or contact NRVC Development Director Phil Loftus at 773-363-5454; ploftus@nrvc.net.
The NRVC is 501(c)3. All contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.
Religious Vocations: Valid, Vibrant, Valued!
REGISTER here for the 2018 convocation, Nov. 1-5, 2018 in Buffalo, NY
NRVC is seeking $100,000 in Convocation sponsorships for our gatherings and youth-infused events at the Adams Mark Hotel and Canisius College. We invite you to match your mission with ours by considering sponsorship at a level most suitable for your organization. Click here to learn more. Or complete a Sponsorship Reservation Form today!
Each presenter will speak from their professional, lived, and educational experiences focused on the convocation theme: "Walk with me: Encounter, Accompaniment and Invitation."
Father Kevin M. DePrinzio, O.S.A., Ph.D. is an Augustinian friar of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. He holds a doctorate in spirituality from The Catholic University of America. His areas of interest include mysticism, spirituality, historical theology, the history of religious life, and the mendicant movement. His dissertation topic was "Teresa of Avila’s reading of Augustine’s Confessions." Since the fall of 2017, Father Kevin has been on the faculty of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University and is part of the vocation and initial formation teams of his province. He has previously served in campus ministry at Villa Nova, on the NRVC Board, and as Region 2 Coordinator (now Delaware Valley Member Area). He was featured in the NRVC video, Religious Life: Absolutely Millennial! Father Kevin will present on Friday on The Vocation Encounter: Ministry at the Beautiful Gate.
Father Thomas Gaunt, S.J. is the Executive Director of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. Prior to CARA, he served in Jesuit governance as the Socius/Executive Secretary of the Jesuit Conference for nine years and the Formation and Studies Director of the Maryland and New York Jesuits for seven years. After ordination, he spent ten years as a pastor and as Director of Planning in the Diocese of Charlotte. Father Gaunt is actively involved with the L'Arche Communities in Washington, DC. Father Tom will present on Saturdaymorning, Pathways to Religious Life.
Sister Xiomara Méndez Hernández, O.P. is an Adrian Dominican Sister, originally from the Dominican Republic. She ministers as a Hospital Chaplain at Loyola University Health System with special focus on cancer patients. Previously, she ministered at St. Rose Dominican Hospitals in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada. She has diverse ministerial experiences in the areas of preaching, catechesis, Spanish-English interpreter, liturgical dance, and a high fashion teacher. Sister Xiomara holds a Master’s degree in pastoral studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and is a Board Certified Chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC). Before she became a religious sister, she was a fashion designer in her native country. She currently lives in Chicago. Sister Xiomara will present on Sunday morning: The Invitation: Mutual Encounter - Mutual Accompaniment.
Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Ph.D. is an associate professor of theology and religious education at Boston College, where he is also Director of Graduate Programs in Hispanic Ministry. He has written extensively on questions related to Hispanic ministry, Catholic education, evangelization, and catechesis. Dr. Ospino was the principal investigator for the National Study of Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry and co-investigator for the National Survey of Catholic Schools Serving Hispanic Families. He is currently conducting a national study on Hispanic/Latino vocations. He is an officer of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, serves on the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Educational Association, and is a consultant for the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee against Racism. Dr. Ospino will present on Saturday on Called to Accompanying God’s People in a Time of Paradigm Changes.
Sister Mary Pellegrino, C.S.J. is a Sister of St. Joseph of Baden, PA. In September 2018 she will complete 10 years of leadership ministry as her community’s Congregational Moderator. In addition, she will complete her term as past-president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in August 2018. Sister Mary holds an M.A. in Christian spirituality and a certificate in spiritual direction and retreat direction from Creighton University, an M.S. in religious education from Fordham University, and a B.A. in journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to ministry in elected leadership, she served in parish youth and young adult ministry, campus ministry, vocation, and formation ministry. In 2004 she was the recipient of NRVC’s National Outstanding Recognition Award. Sister Mary will present on Sunday afternoon on Living No Longer for Ourselves: Communion as Vocation.
Cardinal Joseph William Tobin, C.Ss.R. is the sixth Archbishop of Newark and was named to the College of Cardinals in 2016 by Pope Francis. Within the Redemptorist Community, he has served as Provincial Consultor, General Consultor, and Superior General in Rome. Pope Benedict XVI named Cardinal Tobin to the Roman Curia, where he served until 2012 as Secretary of the Congregation for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life (CICLSAL) and titular Archbishop of Obba. He has been a member of the Canon Law Society since 1985. He serves as the Chairman on the USCCB Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations. Cardinal Tobin speaks English, Spanish, Italian, Frenchand Portuguese, and reads several other languages. He was a keynote presenter at the 2012 NRVC convocation. Cardinal Tobin will be the presider at our opening Mass on All Saints Day.
NRVC members and Member Areas may nominate NRVC members for outstanding recognition awards and the Mustard Seed Award. These awards are selected by the National Board at its August meeting from the nominations submitted. The awards are given at the convocation banquet. Nomination requirements and forms are available here for Outstanding Recognition and here for the Mustard Seed Award.
NRVC member early registration rate: $595 includes lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday dinner banquet
Non-member early registration rate: $892 includes lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday dinner banquet
NRVC member rate: $175 includes lunch on Thursday
Non-member rate: $265 includes lunch on Thursday
Commuter fee (only for those not staying at the hotel) $100
Rate after October 1: $100 more
Cancellation fee: $100
Hotel Accommodations: $129 per night (without taxes).
There is no hotel shuttle, however the hotel is just 12 miles from the airport. Parking is $5 per night for hotel guests. Fitness Center and Internet in the bedrooms is complimentary.
On Monday, November 5, 2018, you are invited to a bus trip to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. To participate in this OPTIONAL excursion, you will need your passport with you. The bus departs at the hotel at 9:00 a.m. for arrival at the Falls at 10:00 a.m. You will have time to explore until 2:00 p.m. to meet the bus which will take you back to the hotel at 3:00 p.m. Feel free to eat lunch at your own expense at area restaurants.
Price includes: Round trip transportation services, services of a fully licensed driver, and all gratuities, tolls, and parking fees. $35.00 per person (no refunds for inclement weather or personal decision not to attend).
Register for the workshop while completing your Convocation registration here.
NRVC member rate is $175 and includes lunch on Thursday.
NRVC non-member rate is $265 and includes lunch on Thursday.
Technology, from smartphones to social media to virtual reality, is impacting our lives in ways no one could have predicted. While there are certainly benefits to these advances, being overly engaged with technology in its various forms can have long-term negative consequences for psychological and emotional health. This workshop will address the impact of being “plugged in” all the time and offers strategies for managing technology use effectively. It will cover topics such as the emotional/psychological impact of different types of social media content, the impact of digital/social media on interpersonal communication and online addicted behaviors. This is an excellent workshop for those who may be experiencing Facebook fatigue, for those curious about the personal impact on the minister, not those we access.
Dr. Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist on the clinical staff of Saint Luke Institute. She also is an assistant clinical professor of clinical psychology at The George Washington University Professional Psychology Program. She received a doctorate in clinical psychology from Chestnut Hill College and completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology at Boston Medical Center, along with a post-doctoral fellowship at The George Washington University Professional Psychology Program. Prior to becoming director of the Caritas Counseling Center, Dr. Taylor-Dietz was a member of the residential treatment staff of Saint Luke Institute. Her research and clinical interests include issues related to multicultural diversity, the intersection of spirituality and psychology, social justice and wellness promotion.
This presentation will focus on assisting vocation directors in determining the suitability of individuals seeking to enter religious life. It will specifically examine factors that enhance and detract from the suitability of a candidate. We will address concerns regarding personality disorders, sexual abuse, Asperger’s Syndrome and the use of pornography / social media. Come with your questions, doubts and grey areas in screening and assessing candidates before application. This is an excellent workshop for all those who desire clarity in candidate assessment.
Dr. Eran Talitman, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in the province of Ontario. He has been working at the Southdown Institute since 1998 and is currently the Clinical Team Leader. He provides assessment and psychotherapy services to religious and clergy as well as consultation services to leadership. Eran has offered seminars and workshops on Intimacy, Healthy Sexuality, Effective Leadership, Responding to the Call to Healthy Priesthood, Navigating Personality Styles and Disorders, Resilience, Conflict Management, Keeping Our Soul Alive, and Developing Healthy Ministerial Boundaries.
This workshop will treat those aspects of law as they pertain to vocation ministry from the corresponding areas of civil, canon and immigration law. Some areas to be covered will include: assessment policies and record keeping; internal vs. external forum in candidate assessment; policies and practices regarding a candidate’s financial assets; salary and tax issues during the formation period; special issues regarding older, widowed and divorced candidates; readmission and community transfers. The morning session will focus on immigration law for religious institutes. It will treat working and discerning with foreign-born candidates; clarification of key immigration terms; documentation and tracking immigration status, long-term immigration planning; and legal responsibilities of the religious institute and the candidate. This is an excellent workshop for new vocation and formation ministers, as well as those in leadership.
Sr. Deborah M. Cerullo S.S.N.D., JD.., J.C.L., served as an attorney and canonical consultant in her private law practice from 2002 -2016, representing primarily religious institutes. A member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, she currently serves on the provincial council of the Atlantic- Midwest Province. Sister Deborah received her BA from the University of Rhode Island, her civil law degree from Boston University and her canon law degree from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy. Prior to her law practice, she served on the law faculties of the University of Notre Dame and Boston College. Sr. Deborah is a member of the faculty of the Institute of Law and Religious Life held each year at Misericordia University in Dallas PA.
Mr. Miguel A. Naranjo is the Director of the Religious Immigration Services section of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC). Miguel leads a group of immigration attorneys who practice exclusively in religious immigration law. They represent over 170 archdioceses, dioceses, and religious communities throughout the United States, assisting them in bringing international priests, brothers, sisters, novices, seminarians, and other religious workers into the United States to serve the Church. He joined CLINIC in 2006 and has been practicing immigration law since 2002. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
This workshop will address the ups and downs of vocation ministry. ROI is an acronym for return on investment. In vocation ministry, the best programs do not always guarantee success, the best candidates may change their minds. Therefore, this workshop will explore themes of community expectations alongside societal/cultural realities of young and middle adulthood, the changing landscape of religious life in North America and best practices for human development and self-care in vocation ministry. This is an excellent workshop for those who have been in vocation ministry for two or more years.
Fr. James J. Greenfield, O.S.F.S., Ph.D., is serving as president of DeSales University. He served previously as provincial of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and as president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM). Fr. James was an adjunct lecturer at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., The Catholic University of America, and the former Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C., where he taught required courses in human development. Fr. Greenfield earned his bachelor’s degree in politics (1984) at DeSales University, a Master of Divinity degree (1990) at the DeSales School of Theology, a master’s degree in counseling (1992) and a doctoral degree in human development (1998) at The George Washington University.
Fr. Kevin Nadolski, O.S.F.S., a priest with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and a graduate of Temple University, Catholic University of America, and DeSales School of Theology, Fr. Kevin holds degrees in journalism, theology, and education administration and is eagerly awaiting the conferral of his Ph.D. in Catholic higher education from Fordham University. He has served in education as a teacher, principal, and in ministerial leadership for his community as assistant provincial, provincial councilor, director of vocations, formation, development and communications. He currently serves as the vice president for mission at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA, where he also teaches theology. NRVC honored Fr. Kevin with its Outstanding Recognition Award in 2011 for his seven years of service, including work on the NRVC editorial board.
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Top left: A panelist answers a question during the livestream broadcast of a young adult panel on discernment. Top right: participants enjoy the camaraderie of being with others in vocation ministry. Bottom left: prayer is a valued part of the convocation. Bottom right: Father Kevin O'Brien, S.J. , one of two keynoters, speaks about discernment. |
More than 300 people attended NRVC's biennial convocation in Overland Park, Kansas, October 27-31., with participants coming from the U.S. and seven other countries.
At the closing banquet, NRVC honored the following people and organizations for their outstanding contributions to vocation ministry. Catholic Volunteer Network received the Harvest Award. Outstanding Recognition Awards went to Sisters Adrienne Kaufmann, O.S.B.; Lynn Levo, C.S.J.; and Patricia Twohill, O.P. The Mustard Seed Award was given to the Dubuque Area Vocation Association. (Scroll to the end of this story for photos of honorees.) NRVC also paid tribute to Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C., its executive director from 2002 until September 2016.
Following are some follow-up notes regarding the convocation.
Please take a moment to fill out an online evaluation. NRVC is eager for feedback to guide planning for the next convocation, which is scheduled for November 1-5 in Buffalo, New York.
The convocation keynote addresses and selected reflections will be published in the Winter edition of HORIZON, which is released in early February.
CDs and DVDs of the keynote speakers and workshops can be ordered online from Audio Visual Management, by mailing this order form, or calling 888-763-1464.
Thank you to all who contributed at the final convocation liturgy to the collection for Veronica's Voice, a Kansas City area initiative that supports women escaping human trafficking. Donations totaled $1,655.
View and download photos at NRVC's Flickr site. View online the livestream interactive broadcast of "So you think you've been called" as well as videos of the convocation.
Please direct any concerns regarding your hotel bill to Nix and Associates at 800-266-0866 or 314-645-1455.
NRVC extends a final word of thanks to the following groups that helped underwrite the convocation through sponsorship or an exhibit booth. Links to their websites are here.
A Guide to Religious Ministries
Cards by Anne
Catholic Health Association
Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc.
Catholic Theological Union
Catholic Volunteer Network
Conley-Teresi Family
Communicators for Women Religious
Congregation of Holy Cross, Moreau Province
Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
Christian Brothers Services, Inc.
Heartland Member Area
J.S. Paluch Company, Inc. NVAD
Marianists
Missionaries of the Precious Blood
National Catholic Reporter
Paluch Family Foundation
Praesidium
Presence Health
Resource Center for Religious Institutes
Sassetti CPA
Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth
Sister of Mercy of the Americas
Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet
Society of the Holy Child Jesus
Southdown Institute
Smallsmall Acts
Saint John Vianney Center
Saint Luke Institute
Tau Healing Arts
TrueQuest Communications
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Award recipients each take a moment for words of thanks. Top left is Ms. Carol Lackie accepting the Harvest Award on behalf of Catholic Volunteer Network. Receiving the Outstanding Recognition awards are, top right, Sister Adrienne Kaufmann, O.S.B., bottom left, Sister Lynn Levo, C.S.J. and, bottom right, Sister Pat Twohill, O.P.
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The 2016 NRVC Convocation was held at the Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas. Questions pertaining to the hotel may be directed to Nix and Associates
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Father Kevin O'Brien, S.J. |
Ms. Sherry Weddell |
NRVC member early registration rate: $585
Non-member early registration rate: $875
Pre-Convocation Workshop member rate: $175
Pre-Convocation Workshop non-member rate: $265
NRVC member rate after October 1: $685
Non-member rate after October 1: $975
After October 1, all conference cancelations were not refunded.
Hotel accommodations: $115 per night (without taxes). Complimentary parking and internet access for hotel guests.
To learn more about our conference site hotel, click here. Questions regarding hotel bills should be directed to Nix and Associates, at 800-266-0866 or registrar@nixassoc.com.
Participants were urged to stay at the conference site hotel because NRVC depends on reaching a set number of rooms to keep the meeting space prices at a minimum.
Commuter fee (for those not staying at the hotel): $100
Financial assistance was made available to NRVC members through the Misericordia Scholarship Fund. Click here to learn more about the fund.
NRVC is delighted that Deacon Pedro Guevara-Mann and his Salt + Light crew broadcast live on October 30 from convocation. Deacon Pedro moderated a panel of young religious as well as young Catholics who are discerning their vocation. The program, "So you think you've been called," was live-streamed and interactive with questions from the convocation audience as well as those watching the broadcast remotely.
Mikey Needleman is a full-time freelance music missionary and internationally published Catholic artist. He performs at events across the country including NFCYM sponsored events, Catholic Heart Workcamps, Life Teen Camps, as well as local retreats, parish missions, diocesan rallies and Catholic school campuses. Mikey has two CDs, All for You and Your Ways. A third CD, We Ask of You, is slated for release this year.
The Hrvatski Obicaj Tamburiztans, a group of Kansas City area ethnic dancers and musicians, were part of the welcoming activities on Thursday evening.
The theme for Convocation 2016 was "Awakened by the Spirit: Called to Discipleship." The theme draws on Pope Francis' invitation to those in consecrated life to "Wake up the World." Once awakened by the Spirit, we are compelled to move outward and proclaim the Good News. We know that as disciples, the Spirit moves in and through us and God "is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20).
One of NRVC's cherished traditions is to collect money at Sunday's Mass for a charitable organization selected by members of the host member area. The Heartland member area selected Veronica's Voice, which offers outreach, school and community awareness, maintains a crisis line, and conducts Johnz Schools. It is the first facility of its kind in Kansas City to provide a safe haven and a place of healing for women seeking escape from commercial sexual exploitation. For more information see veronicasvoice.org.
The Heartland member area of NRVC, Serra Club, and the Archdiocese of Kansas City invited NRVC members to participate in a Vocation Fair prior to the convocation, on Wednesday, October 26, from 5 - 8 p.m. The fair was held at Ascension Parish, located just 4 miles from the hotel. NRVC offered a shuttle service to and from the site. The coordinator for this opportunity was Sister Vicki Lichtenauer, O.S.B. vlichten@hotmail.com or 816-718-2660.
In case you missed both convocation and the live stream on Sunday, Oct. 30, you can view it now right here.
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The 332 participants in NRVC’s convocation, held November 6-10 in Chicago, gave the gathering high marks in their evaluations. They praised the 25th jubilee event for the fresh ideas, networking, and inspiration it provided. Attendees came from 25 countries, including Austria, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Mexico, Trinidad, and the United Kingdom. To view the brochore about Convocation, please click here.
Approximately three quarters of the 159 evaluators said it exceeded their expectations; 96 percent gave it three or four out of four.
Photos View and download them at flickr.com/nrvc. (Thank you to Sister Belinda Monahan, O.S.B. and Father Toby Collins, C.R. for your photography work.)
Audio or video Call AVM at 888-763-1464 to order discs of speakers or workshops. Click here for the order form.
Keynote presentations and a selection of convocation reflections will be published in the Winter 2015 HORIZON, which mails in early February. Pre-order additional hard copies of HORIZON, $25 each: cscheiber@nrvc.net.
Donations Thank you to all who contributed during the convocation’s final Mass to the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, pbmr.org. Donations totaled $1,638.
Hotel billing Any concerns in this regard should be directed to Nix and Associates at 800-266-0866 or 314-645-1455.
Videos used during the convocation (such as the video of laity expressing appreciation for religious life) are posted on the NRVC YouTube channel. All of these videos can be shared and used on your own social media sites.
Sponsors A final word of thanks to our sponsors and 28 exhibitors, A list of exhibitors can be viewed or downloaded.
Contacts If you wish to send thanks to the Catholic schoolchildren who wrote notes to attendees or contact anyone else involved with the convocation, please email Sister Debbie Borneman, SS.C.M. at debbiesscm@nrvc.net. She will help you to get in touch with the appropriate people.
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