Sister Jenny Wilson, R.S.M.

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Short-term volunteer stints have proven to be a good way for Sister Jenny Wilson, R.S.M. to get to know women who might consider religious life. Building a relationship with people is key, she says, and the volunteer experience allows time for that.

Wilson is a vocation minister for the New Membership Team of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. She also serves as NRVC's Hudson Valley Member Area coordinator. She is now in her third year of vocation ministry. Previously she taught theology at Mount Mercy Academy in Buffalo, New York.

Has being a member of the NRVC been helpful?

I found the NRVC orientation program helpful when I first started in this ministry. It gave me concreate suggestions and best practices that I still take into account three years into this ministry. The ethics workshop was also impactful, and it helped me to remember to continue to evaluate what I am doing from an ethical standpoint. Also, belonging to the NRVC has helped me connect to other vocation ministers, which has helped me through conversations about what they are doing.

Is there an approach or program you like that you’d like to share?

Something I really appreciate about vocation ministry is that there is not one approach or one thing that works for accompanying young adults in their discernment journey. I find that building a relationship is what seems most important.

Once a relationship has been established, it is important for me to follow up with women and stay in touch using whatever means are most familiar to them. Lately this is through texts, and then those might lead to meeting in person.

I particularly like doing short-term service with high school and college students and young adults. I find that this initial week spent together lends itself to being able to build a relationship with volunteers over time.