It is true that a religious order vocation minister could “wing it” alone in this ministry, without support or resources. However, the experience of thousands of vocation ministers over 25 years shows that vocation efforts are far more grounded, professional, and effective when vocation ministers work together and share know-how, training, resources, support, and a set of professional ethics and protocols.

NRVC is the only national organization that facilitates this kind of collaborative, professional approach for religious order vocation personnel. NRVC believes that every single discerner deserves to work with a prepared, professional vocation minister. A few benefits of belonging:

1) Full participation in NRVC and access to the website’s members-only information, including online membership directory.

2) Discounted members-only rates for workshops and resources.

3) HORIZON, newsletter, and e-mail updates.

4) Access to a professional support network.

5) Your religious institute highlighted on the NRVC website and recognized in VISION in print and online.

6) Vocation ministry consultation by phone and e-mail.

7) A share in the NRVC’s national and international advocacy for vocations

Members weigh in

Members of NRVC give their take on what belonging has done for them and their community’s vocation efforts in this short video.

On the advice of our financial advisors, and with an eye to ensure NRVC's fiscal stability now and in the future, we have revamped our membership structure. This change has been in process for almost three years. The new structure was presented at the NRVC Convocation in Plano, TX and was approved by members at that time.

Full information and online signup are at nrvc.net. Below is the basic rate structure.

NRVC individual membership ($800):
One (1) person in a religious institute/organization with full membership receiving all NRVC benefits.

NRVC membership license ($1,350):
Five people per government unit of a religious institute/organization with full membership receiving all NRVC benefits. (A government unit is defined as a region, province, or monastery with a designated major superior.) Institutes may purchase multiple 5-users licenses.

Membership is open to full-time or part-time vocation directors as well as those persons interested or involved in vocation ministry.

NRVC has worked closely with National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM) to develop a strong vocation component at the November 21-23 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), to be held in Indianapolis, IN. To learn more, click this link.

To date, 30 vocation teams have signed up to be part of the vocation areas, which are called Inspiration Station and Inspiration Nook. Those teams are made up of 188 vocation ministers from 48 religious institutes, including 27 members in initial formation. To learn more about NCYC and how members can be part of it, please contact Sister Deborah Borneman, SSCM at (773) 363-5454 or debbiesscm@nrvc.net.

Brother Nich Perez, CSC—a VISION author, university film instructor, and musician—has turned his creative talent to showcasing Catholic brothers in the soon-to-be-released documentary “Bro: Men with Hope to Bring.” This fast-paced, professional film has already garnered news coverage from the San Francisco Examiner.

Learn more online. See and share the inspirational trailer here.

VISION vocation guide recently developed a simple “infographic” to relay details about its readership. See it and share it with others who help make decisions about VISION advertising here.

Region 5 met September 10 at the home of Sister Regina Marie Fronmuller, OSU. Pictured above are Sister Juanita Chenevert, DC; Sister Mary Pat White, RSCJ; Sister Monica Gundler, SC; Father Steve Bruno (vocation director for the Archdiocese of New Orleans) and Brother Ronald Hingle, SC.

On behalf of all members of the National Religious Vocation Conference, congratulations to Sister Hannah Vanorny, OSB (left), vocation director of Annunciation Monastery in Bismarck, ND, who makes her final vows on October 12.

Rest, renew, refresh. No minister will last long without periodic "soul care." NRVC has developed a retreat specifically for vocation ministers. Attend "Rest stops for the soul: Transformation for vocation ministers," a retreat being led by Father Joseph Nassal, CPPS on December 10-13. Click herefor details.

Looking for more visitors to your website?

Just because you build it, doesn't mean people will come. It's critical to provide quality content. Are the photos and information you provide on your vocation website compelling? Ask the people you hope to attract, and revise your content to make it attractive to them.

Cultural Competence

Towards Cultural Competence and the Incorporation of People of Color into Predominantly European-American Religious Communitie

Written and compiled by Sister Gwynette Proctor, SND, this 14-page, 8 x 11-inch booklet is intended to help Caucasian vocation ministers who are working with people of color. Part 1 covers the Black Catholic experience. Part 2 is titled "Reflection Questions and Recommendations" for individuals, communities, and provinces or regions. This resource is ideal for vocation teams and for those who want to provide ongoing education for their members in community. Originally $8, it is now available while supplies last for $4 for NRVC members. (Non-members pay $6). To place your order, contact NRVC at (773) 363-5454 or nrvc@nrvc.net, or purchase online at www.nrvc.net.

How long have you been in vocation ministry?
First I was assistant director (2004), and then I became director in 2008.

Are you part of a vocation team or a one-person operation?
I'm a one-man show, with "other duties as assigned."

How has being a member of NRVC been helpful to you?
It has given me unique insight as to what the job is all about, what you have to look for and ask questions about. NRVC has given me the tools to do the best job I can.

What has been your best vocation effort?
The best effort is the personal one, matching up a person with the right answer, the best "next step” for that individual. It’s good to have as many people in the congregation as possible looking at and listening to prospective members—for it is always a community effort with any candidate and not just one man's job.

Contact Jack at jrsmtom@yahoo.com or (415) 249-0976.