August 2017 newsletter

August 2017 newsletter


Video presentation available

"Trends in vocation ministry"

Members can now view an NRVC-exclusive   video presentation, "Trends in vocation ministry," by Sister Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M. at nrvc.net.

This new member benefit was produced in collaboration with A Nun's Life Ministry. To view it members must log in to nrvc.net, click on "Members only resources," then on "Vocation videos." 

The presentation covers current realities in religious life, citing studies conducted by the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate for NRVC and the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.

On September 1, NRVC will provide a free video presentation for members by Father Adam MacDonald, S.V.D. titled, "Best practices for finding joy in the ministry."



Check your computer systems

Stay current to ensure member benefits

To ensure that all online transactions work smoothly NRVC encourages members to check their operating systems and browsers to see that they are using relatively current editions.

An "operating system" is the overall platform from which a computer functions. The two main systems are Windows (for pcs) or iOS (for Macs). A "browser" is the software that lets people use the internet. Popular browsers are Firefox, Safari, Chrome, and Internet Explorer.

As of September 18, 2017, pc users who wish to make credit card purchases on the NRVC website (membership registration, HORIZON subscription orders, and online store orders) must have one of the following:

1. Windows 7 or later operating system.

2. A browser released since approximately 2013. These browsers include the following forms or later editions: Chrome v22, Firefox v27, Safari v7, or Internet Explorer 11. 

Mac and Linux users will also need to be sure they are running the latest (or a recent) browser version. 

Why newer versions are needed

Support for a web security protocol known as TLSv1.0 is being phased out internationally because it is no longer considered secure. Beginning in late September NRVC's online merchant service provider will no longer allow purchases from outdated browsers using this protocol. If you are using an outdated browser or an outdated operating system after late September, you will be able to view and navigate the NRVC website but will be unable to make credit card purchases.

Further ahead, in June 2018, TLSv1.0 support will be withdrawn altogether, and anyone using older browsers will not be able to view the NRVC website at all.

NRVC regrets any inconvenience this may cause, but the choice is outside the hands of our staff and contractors. The world of high-tech crime continues to advance, and security systems have to advance to stay ahead of the game. 

Questions?

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Marge Argyelan at 773-363-5454 or margyelan@nrvc.net.



Thank you, members

For the warm welcome

By Sister Sharon Dillon, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F.

Thank you, NRVC members and friends, for giving me such a warm welcome as NRVC's new executive director. From the respectful, friendly work atmosphere, to the many welcome notes, emails, etc. from around the globe—your words and prayers are beyond exceptional.

All who give in so many ways to the NRVC, most especially those who serve daily in the national office, are Spirit-led and mission-driven. My heart is filled with gratitude for such unexpected joy in your welcome. Please continue to hold all of us with NRVC in your prayers, as they are felt across the miles, and be assured that we on staff offer our prayers as well. I look forward to meeting members throughout the year.



Be part of NCYC

National Catholic Youth Conference

NRVC invites its members to be part of the 2017 National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis on November 16-18.

This celebration of Catholic faith with 23,000 young people and their chaperones is an opportunity to be visible witnesses of religious life.

NRVC is sponsoring a gathering space to meet participants and promote vocations to religious life in Inspiration Nook, in rooms 116-117, near the thematic village. All NRVC member participants will receive a ribbon for their name tag giving them access to Inspiration Nook as their schedule allows throughout the event.

NRVC members have three ways to participate. These details and more are at nrvc.net. 



Another successful Summer Institute

Workshops are well-attended

The NRVC Summer Institute, which took place in Chicago in mid-July, drew 128 participants, including 25 people who completed the Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors. The next opportunity for workshops will be the Fall Institute in Leavenworth, Kansas, October 11-21.

The photos below give an overview of the event. Participants gave the four workshops good ratings in their evaluations, including comments such as this:

All of the content is very helpful, most especially the explanation of agency and confidentiality as they apply within vocation ministry. Father Ray is not only an expert in ethics in vocation and formation ministry but also an excellent presenter. His engaging manner and practical examples made the workshop enjoyable and valuable."     —Sister Marianne Lallone, I.H.M.



Catholics on Call conference

September 21-22

Frank Mercadante will speak at the Catholics on Call conference.

Catholics on Call, a national vocation-promotion program, is hosting its Partner Conference in Chicago September 21-22. 

Midwest member area meeting Sept. 21

Prior to the conference, on September 21, the Midwest member area of NRVC will host a meeting that is open to all NRVC members. The meeting will take place 10 a.m. to noon on the campus of Catholic Theological Union. For details, contact Sister Maria Brizuela, O.S.F. at fsshvocations@aol.com or Sister Connie Bach, P.H.J.C. at connie.ss@att.net.

The Catholics on Call Partners Conference involves learning and discussion. This year's speaker will be Frank Mercadante, a lecturer and youth minister, who will talk about why young people leave the church and what might the response be. Mercadante presented a workshop on reaching young Catholics at the 2016 NRVC convocation.

The Catholics on Call Partners Conference will also include liturgies and testimonies from young adults. Information and registration are at catholicsoncall.org.



Intercultural resource underway

To be posted on nrvc.net

Soon religious communities will have a reflection guide to help them examine intercultural issues.

In conjunction with a 2017 study on international sisters in the United States, the Mexican American Catholic College (MACC) is writing a reflection guide for religious communities to better negotiate intercultural issues.

Arturo Chavez, president of MACC, met recently with representatives from NRVC and the Religious Formation Conference for input about creating the guide. This resource will be released later this month and posted on the NRVC website as a downloadable resource. This work is underwritten by the GHR Foundation.

Sister Carol Regan, S.U.S.C.; Sister Adriana Calzada Vázquez Vela, C.C.V.I.; Sister Sharon Dillon, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F.; Mr. Arturo Chavez; Sister Ellen Dauwer, S.C.; Sister Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M.; and Sister Connie Schoen, O.P.


Prayers for our benefactors

Their requests

The patrons of the National Religious Vocation Conference are keeping us in their prayers. Let's do the same for their intentions. Here are the latest prayer requests from our donors.

• Raymond J. from Oregon that the power of Christ be with us.

• Rocco G. from New York for the family of Rocco and Teresa and friends and neighbors.

• Mother Magda in New Mexico for vocations for the Sisters of Our Lady Guadalupe and St. Joseph.

• Alfred D. in California for health and happiness of friends and family, religious world peace, and for inactive Catholics.

• Gerald S. of Minnesota for deceased parents.

• Roger M. of Arizona for Pope Francis, persecuted Christians in the Middle East, and for Bishops Strickland, Robinson, Grom, and Wallace.

• Hardar F. of Michigan for the Sadeer family.

• Nancy S. of Illinois for the repose of the soul of her husband, father, and grandfather and for unity of our family in faith.



Resource of the month

"Discerning Your Vocation" booklet

The 20-page booklet "Discerning Your Vocation: Religious Life and Diocesan Priesthood" is written for discerners of all ages. It has been adapted with permission from the book Vocations Anonymous by NRVC member Sister Kathleen Bryant, R.S.C.

The booklet explains prerequisites for admission to candidacy, suggests questions to ask vocation directors, and helps readers form questions about vowed communal life and diocesan priesthood. It's an excellent resource to give to those already in discernment or who attend Busy Persons Retreats or Come and See experiences.

$2 for members. $3 for non-members. Order your supply here.



News of our collaborators

Intercultural conference, communications conference, RFC job, and more

Registration open for Conference on Intercultural Competencies 

Join national experts in human formation and intercultural competency to address opportunities and challenges in evaluating and forming international priests and religious for ministry in the United States. "Intercultural Competencies for Human Formation" will be held April 15-18, 2018, at Saint Meinrad Archabbey and Seminary in Indiana. The conference is co-sponsored by Saint Luke Institute and Saint Meinrad Archabbey. Learn more and register at sliconnect.org/conferences or contact Beth Davis at sliconnect@sli.org or 502-632-2471.

Communicators conference October 3-6

Communicators for Women Religious (CWR) will host its 23rd annual conference October 3-6 in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada—its first outside the United States. The theme is “One Voice: Charged by the Current/Voix Unies: Courant Puissant.”

Presenters and topics include: Dr. Moira McQueen (Catholic social teaching and communications), Heather Mansfield (social media), Sister Nuala Kenny (ethics of communication), Blayne Haggart (copyright), and Sister Kateri Mitchell (spirituality of communications).

For more information, visit c4wr.org

RFC congress in November; seeking associate director

Registration is now open for the Religious Formation Congress November 16-18, to take place in Milwaukee. Titled “Grace in the Now: The Gospel of Encounter," the gathering and its related workshops will address current issues in initial and lifelong formation and help participants imagine new ways forward. Details and registration are at relforcon.org.

RFC is seeking a new associate director. The successful candidate will begin November 2017. Details are at relforcon.org; please encourage qualified candidates to apply.



Calendar

Upcoming events

 

 

Meeting of member area coordinators in Chicago

 

September 11-13, 2017

NRVC Fall Institute 

October 11-21, 2017

National Vocation Awareness Week

November 5-11, 2017

NRVC at National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC)

November 16-18, 2017

World Day for Consecrated Life

February 2, 2018

National Catholic Sisters Week

March 8-14, 2018

Religious Brothers Day

May 1, 2018

NRVC Convocation 

 

November 1-5, 2018

 



Friar Charles Johnson, O.P.

I am NRVC

Friar Charlie Johnson, O.P. with sisters who serve in vocation ministry.  Sister Rocio, F.Sp.S. (visitor from Mexico), Sister Ana Cecilia Montalvo, F.Sp.S., and Sister Alicia Macias, M.C.M. were with Johnson on a radio show about vocations at Guadalupe Radio in San Antonio in January 2017.

How long have you been involved in vocation ministry?

I have been director of vocations for my province, the Province of Saint Martin de Porres, since May 2014.

Are you part of a vocation team or a one-person operation?

I am a one-person operation. Still, as I remind my brother friars, we are all “vocation promoters”! 

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful?

Membership in the NRVC has been a very positive experience for me and my religious order. The sense of community and collaboration in NRVC supports me, especially the way women’s and men’s communities share wisdom and joy and offer mutual support. In addition I have benefited greatly from several NRVC workshops offered during the Summer and Fall Institutes.

What ideas have you used in vocation ministry lately that excite you?

After nearly 10 years of service in Latin America, I am convinced that religious life in the United States must provide leadership in drawing the church outward to accompany and serve the poor and marginalized, reinvigorate our society with gospel joy and confidence, and offer a Christ-like witness against the currents of despair, hatred, and violence so prevalent in our world today. That is our essence. That is our mission. Our vocation ministry must promote it.

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

Always strive to ensure that vocation ministry is a pastoral endeavor to help others, especially youth and young adults, come to maturity in faith through an authentic relationship with Christ and the people they encounter. As a result, they can discover the path that God beckons them to follow in life. Be creative, joyful, and hope-filled.   

What do you find most rewarding and most challenging in vocation work?

Working with college students and young adults has presented experiences that call me to greater flexibility. It's also made me question habitual ways of thinking and acting. The challenges are real, but when we meet them, the rewards are even greater.



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National Office Closed

March 28-April 1,

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Member Area Gathering - International

April 9,

via Zoom

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

April 21,

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National Board Meeting

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St. Paul, MN

Member Area Gathering - Mid-Atlantic

April 30,

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