The November 6-10 NRVC Convocation in Chicago promises to be special. As NRVC celebrates 25 years of serving vocation ministers, the Convocation will feature:

• Workshops in everything from communications to self-care
• Keynote speakers bringing fresh insights to our theme, "It is good that we are here. Rise, and have no fear"
• Excellent networking
• University of Notre Dame Alumni Folk Choir at the closing liturgy
• Full report on NRVC's new study of multicultural issues
• Opportunities to share wisdom with others in the same ministry
• A concert by nationally recognized musicians John Angotti and Meredith Augustin
• A chance to relax, renew, celebrate

Be kind to your budget, and register NOW. The cost of registration rises after October 1.  Click here for full details and online registration.

Men religious who took part in the winter 2013-14 NRVC workshop series, "Men Religious Moving Forward in Hope," told NRVC that the workshop led them to take concrete pro-vocation steps. Learn in detail what the outcomes of the workshop were by reading the downloadable report here.

Giving Voice Core Team: Sisters Sarah Kohles, O.S.F.; Rejane Cytacki, S.C.L.; Nicole Trajan, F.M.I.; and Leslie Keener, C.D.P. Jeannie Humphries, O.S.U. and Priscilla Torres, O.P. are not pictured.

The board of directors of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation voted on August 19, 2014, to approve a $1 million grant in support of the efforts of Giving Voice in partnership with Catholic Theological Union (CTU).

The aim of the grant project is to prepare young women religious to assume leadership positions in their religious communities, ministries, and the Catholic Church. Giving Voice is a peer-led network created by younger sisters to give voice to their hopes, dreams, and challenges in religious life. See givingvoice.org to learn more.

The NRVC board gathered August 16-21 in Chicago for its quarterly meeting, to participate in the Paluch Vocations Seminar, and to present an orientation to incoming members who formally join the board in October.

Current NRVC board member Sister Josita Colbert, S.N.D.deN. (left) welcomes two of four incoming board members, Mr. Mark MdGuthrie, M.C.A. and Sister Gayle Lawanga Crumbley, R.G.S., to a board orientation held in Chicago on August 20.

The incoming board members are: Mr. Mark McGuthrie, M.C.A. and Sisters Anna Marie Espinosa, I.W.B.S, Gayle Lawanga Crumbley R.G.S., and Anita Quigley, S.H.C.J.

Some highlights of the board meeting were:

• Receiving updates on the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV), including progress on the appointment of a NFCRV board and the search for a director;
• Reviewing NRVC financial reports;
• Evaluating the executive director;
• Reviewing the planning for the November 6-10 NRVC convocation;
• Examining a proposal for possible regional re-configurations;
• Processing initial data from NRVC's multicultural study;
• Receiving reports on VISION Vocation Guide and HORIZON;
• Reviewing progress on the goals of the NRVC strategic plan;
• Receiving updates on the use of grant monies for a host of projects;
• Welcoming new NRVC staff and incoming board members;
• Praying and celebrating Eucharist together.

With a goal of building relationships for fruitful vocation ministry, NRVC staff and board members this summer attended the annual assemblies of collaborating organizations and took part in the Paluch Vocations Awareness Seminar.

Leadership Conference of Women Religious

Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C. and Sister Debbie Borneman, SS.C.M. at the NRVC exhibit table at the LCWR assembly.

The LCWR assembly was held in Nashville, Tennessee August 12-15. The theme was "Holy Mystery Revealed in our Midst." The LCWR installed a new president, canon lawyer Sister Sharon Holland, I.H.M. The organization continues to search for its next executive director. Details about the job opening and how to apply are at this link.

Conference of Major Superiors of Men

The CMSM gathered in Pittsburgh, PA under the theme "50 years of Pefectae Caritatas, Communio and Community." NRVC Executive Director Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C. gave an NRVC update to leaders. For more about the gathering, click here.

Father John Guthrie of the U.S. bishops conference gives a presentation at the Paluch Vocations Awareness Seminar about the bishops' vocation effort

J.S. Paluch Vocations Awareness Seminar

Thanks to the generosity of the J.S. Paluch Company, vocation leaders and leaders in related church organizations gathered for the 27th annual Paluch Vocations Seminar, held August 18-20 in Chicago with a theme of "Local to Global Vision." The changes in the church introduced by Pope Francis were a major focus of the presentations and discussions. The keynote speaker was Father Tom Rosica, CSB, CEO of Canada's Salt and Light Television and English language assistant to the Holy See Press Office.

Brother John Mark Falkenhain, O.S.B.

Enroll today in the pre-convocation workshop "Life Questions: Screening for Formation," by Brother John Mark Falkenhain, O.S.B., which is offered on November 6 in Chicago.

A licensed psychologist who has served in vocation and formation ministry, Brother John Mark will will begin the workshop by placing screening in the larger context of formation, then discuss important questions to be asked and information to be imparted in order to help facilitate a new member’s transition into initial formation and, hopefully, a lifetime in the community. Suggestions for working with formation staff will also be explored and discussed.

Click here to register or for details (on page 7 of the convocation brochure).

NRVC and VISION Vocation Guide continue to lay plans with collaborating partners for an English-speaking vocation pavilion at the July 26-31, 2016 World Youth Day (WYD) in Krakow, Poland.

NRVC took part in a meeting of WYD collaborators held in Chicago on August 18. On the agenda were:

• promotion of the WYD websites. The international site is krakow2016.com. The U.S. bishops' site is: wydusa.org;
• a desire to encourage minority and non-affluent youth to attend; and
• promotion of "at home" WYD events in various dioceses.

Carol Lackie is heading up a project of the Catholic Volunteer Network, "From Service to Sisterhood."

The Catholic Volunteer Network has begun a three-year initiative to help religious communities of women begin volunteer programs and better connect with volunteers in existing programs.

Called "From Service to Sisterhood," the effort is funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.  Research has shown that those who do full-time volunteer service are much more likely than other Catholics to seriously consider religious life or priesthood.

From Service to Sisterhood will be providing financial and technical assistance to women's communities to establish full-time volunteer programs. The deadline for this assistance is October 22, 2014. In addition, this initiative will be sponsoring four vocation discernment retreats a year for women who have done volunteer service or ministry. 

For further information about any aspect of From Service to Sisterhood, contact:

Carol Lackie
From Service to Sisterhood Project Coordinator
Catholic Volunteer Network
clackie@catholicvolunteernetwork.org

Catechetical Sunday will be celebrated September 21 this year. The laminated brochure, "The Ministry of the Catechist," is an excellent and affordable item to give parish catechists in commemoration of the day. The brochure shares the good news of religious life as we approach the upcoming Year of Consecrated Life.

This popular NRVC resource can assist catechists in reflecting on the role each person has to pass on the faith and to promote vocations. There is ample space for a label with your contact information. Consider giving this resource to parishes where your members are or have served.

Special fall sale: Pack of 50, 8 x 11 inch brochures for only $10 for members, $15 for non-members. Order at nrvc.net or by emailing nrvc@nrvc.net or calling (773) 363-5454.

In celebration of its 60th anniversary, the Religious Formation Conference (RFC) is offering a series of two-day gatherings this fall in different locations. Titled "From Center to Periphery: Relocating the Prophetic Witness of Religious Life," the events will feature keynote addresses by Richard Gaillardetz, theology professor, and Sister Carol Jean Willie, S.C., Nongovernmental Organization representative to the United Nations.

In addition RFC will offer "Orientation to Formation Ministry" December 12-14  in Willimantic, Connecticut.  Vocation ministers are invited to attend to understand the bigger picture of initial formation.

Visit relforcon.org for details about these and other RFC programs.

How long have you been involved in vocation ministry?

Three and a half years.

Are you part of team?

Yes, there are two of us. I am full time, and the associate vocation director, Sister Mary Zachary Bertrand, C.V.I., is part time. I also work in close collaboration with other vocation ministers through the archdiocesan vocations office of Galveston-Houston, Texas.

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful to you?

Yes! The workshops were very helpful, especially Orientation and Behavioral Assessment. The staff members are very approachable and prompt in responding to my requests and questions, and HORIZON keeps me on top of what’s going on in the world of vocation ministry and in religious life itself. I really feel very supported in my ministry through NRVC.

Plus, I am thankful to have been part of the “Keys to the Future” and the “Women Religious Moving Forward in Hope” projects. To be a member of NRVC is a wonderful investment. Our whole congregation, not just me, has received many benefits over the years.

What have been your best vocation projects?

Within the congregation we have collaborated with leadership to establish a four-year strategic plan in vocation ministry. We’ve promoted a culture of vocations among our members through Wisdom Gatherings twice a year. In addition it has helped us to be transparent with members through regular updates (at least once a month). There has been “buy-in” from most members to actively participate in vocation ministry, not just to support it in prayer.

Among young adults we try to build relationship by being present and available where they are. For instance we are present at Newman Centers, especially the Busy Students Retreat, and at young adult events such as Theology on Tap, Café Catholica, and Bayou Awakening. We also connect through social media.

Do you have any words of wisdom to those who are new to this ministry?

My guiding principle since I started this ministry is a paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 3:6. “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth . . . she who plants and she who waters are one . . . We are God's co-workers.”

These words from Saint Paul help me put things into perspective in my ministry. God is the one in charge. My role is to collaborate with others to plant or water the seed of vocation in every person with whom I journey. At the end of a good or challenging day, God blesses my efforts even when the growth or fruits take a while to emerge. Thus, be rooted in prayer. A second commandment in vocation ministry might be, “Take very good care of yourself.”

What do you find most rewarding?

The relationships I have established, especially among young adults. I treasure the opportunity to mentor young people. I also value relationships with other women and men in this ministry, especially those at our archdiocesan vocations office whose staff is very supportive and collaborative.

Contact Sister Maria Eleanor at CVIVOCATIONS@gmail.com.