Other Research and Professional Studies

Research and Professional Studies

Other Research and Professional Studies

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Communities that attract and the people who are entering them

By Sr. Mary Bendyna R.S.M.

After years of speculation, at last the NRVC-CARA study provides solid information about what attracts today’s candidates and who is joining religious communities. Read more...

What newer members say about discernment programs

By Sr. Mary Bendyna R.S.M.

Newer members tell what they found helpful as they discerned whether religious life was their calling. Read more...

The six best practices for vocation ministry today

These best practices were gleaned from the results of the NRVC-CARA study of new members released in 2009. See nrvc.net/best_practices to read the full report. Read more...

The NRVC-CARA study and its meaning for religious life

The NRVC-CARA study and its meaning for religious life

By Br. Seán D. Sammon F.M.S.

Religious communities have experienced seismic change in recent decades, and now the opportunity to build a future lies before us if we listen and act. Read more...

How can we strengthen the witness of religious life?

How can we strengthen the witness of religious life?

By Sr. Doris Gottemoeller R.S.M.

Religious communities have learned a great deal since the early days of renewal. Today it’s time for bold decisions and action so that the life can be a witness to the possibility of human goodness under the action of God’s grace. Read more...

The future depends on listening to the Spirit, the young and each other

The future depends on listening to the Spirit, the young and each other

By Mother Shaun Vergauwen F.S.E.

With respect and acceptance of one another, we in religious life are called to live with love in the face of tensions and move forward in faithfulness. Read more...

How one community is using the NRVC-CARA study to move forward

By Sr. Maria Therese Healy, O.Carm and Carol Schuck Scheiber

The Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm used findings from the NRVC-CARA study to help their community move forward with a vocation action plan. Read more...

Six essential questions for every religious community

By Sr. Doris Gottemoeller R.S.M.

As religious communities reflect on the results of the groundbreaking NRVC-CARA study of new members, a few key questions can help focus the discussion. Read more...

Today's church and its vocation environment

By Fr. Thomas Gaunt S.J.

The cultural, geographic, and ethnic realities of today’s church set the context for vocation ministry. Read more...

2009 NRVC Study Major Findings

Click here to see a pdf of "2009 NRVC Study Major Findings." Read more...

2012 NRVC Study on Educational Debt and Vocations to Religious Life

Click here to see a pdf of "2012 NRVC Study on Educational Debt and Vocations to Religious Life." Read more...

2014 NRVC Study on Incorporating Cultural Diversity in Religious Life

Click here to see a pdf of "2014 NRVC Study on Incorporating Cultural Diversity in Religious Life." Read more...

Handout of 2015 Family Influence Study

Click here to see a pdf of the "Handout of 2015 Family Influence Study." Read more...

2015 NRVC Study of the Role of the Family in Nurturing Vocations

Click here to see a pdf of "2015 NRVC Study of the Role of the Family in Nurturing Vocations." Read more...

NRVC Links to Studies and Reports

Click here to go to NRVC Links to Studies and Reports Read more...

2009 NRVC Study on Recent Vocations to Religious Life

Click here to download a pdf of "2009 NRVC Study on Recent Vocations to Religious Life." Read more...

Young voices respond to the NRVC-CARA study of new members

By Br. Jesús Alonso C.S.C., Patrick Gilger S.J., Sr. Elizabeth Kovacs S.C.C., and Sr. Karen Owens S.S.J.

Young members of religious communities find their own experiences reflected in the NRVC-CARA study. They are hopeful and have plenty of ideas about how to build a future. Read more...

Bibliographies on Vocations, Discernment, and Religious Life

Bibliographies on Vocations, Discernment, and Religious Life

Have a great resource to share with other vocation ministers? This section contains relevant resources that enhance professional development. Read more...

HORIZON ...

Many vocation ministers are coping with losses in their communities at ... More

Candidate Assessment through the Lens ...

Have you ever experienced asking a question that elicits very different ... More

Entrance Class Report ...

This annual CARA report presents the findings of 362 women and ... More

Profession Class Report ...

This annual CARA report showed 91 women and 103 men professed ... More

Bold and Faithful Storymap ...

Many vocation ministers are coping with losses in their communities at ... More

Ordination Class Report ...

This annual USCCB/CARA Study found that 89% reported being encouraged to ... More

NRVC Member Areas

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Delaware Member Area Gathering

August 27, 2025,

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Candidate Assessment through the Lens of Interculturality

September 6, 2025,

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Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors

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Understanding the Lasting Impact of Trauma workshop

October 13, 2025,

Cultural Matters virtual workshop

Oct. 14, 21, & 28, 2025,

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Candidate Assessment through the Lens of Interculturality Workshop

October 18, 2025,

Virtual Ethical Issues in Candidate Assessment

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VISION Discerner Guide

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Sister Carolyn Martin, L.S.P.

Sister Carolyn Martin, L.S.P.

Sister Carolyn Martin, L.S.P. was a carefree teenager when she first met her community, the Little Sisters of the Poor by happenstance. "They were happy, genuinely happy," she recounts. Read more...

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