Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments1 / Tags

For many NRVC members, July is filled with numerous memories of Summer Institute, a major event to form significant relationships with colleagues in vocation ministry. This year is no exception with 174 registrations from across congregations, generations, and cultures. Our participants are zooming from Canada, China, Ireland, Italy, Ken...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

One of the values of the NRVC is to foster a culture of vocations in a spirit of collaboration, joy, and hope. Some of our major collaborators extended invitations to participate in their upcoming conferences and workshops. This is an opportunity to share the NRVC mission and values. Religious Brothers Conference 50th

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments0 / Tags

This summer GRAB your earbuds and PLUG IN to the NRVC! Whether you are enjoying a day at the ocean or planning a road trip to visit discerners, you can take the NRVC along with you.  If you are looking for some short clips, listen to the NRVC

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments0 / Tags

HORIZON and VISION continue to win awards for excellence from the Catholic Media Association and it is you, our members as writers, who help make this possible. Awardees were announced today and our congratulations go out to Sr. Ana Cecilia Montalvo F.Sp.S., who received third place best writing in-depth for her 2020 HORIZON article:&...

Author(s)Sr. Charlene Herinckx, SSMO Director of Membership / Comments0 / Tags

Recently I came across a quotation from Fr. Joe Nassal, C.PP.S. that reminded me of the unique role of religious communities around the world.  “Like a shooting star against the dark sky of injustice and ignorance, founders of religious communities lit up the landscape with a burst of hope.”  I have long been int...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Our biennial Fall Institute will offer three onsite workshops (OP, BA1, and BA2) at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in Saint  Louis, MO, October 5-17, 2021. Choose to attend one or several workshops....

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments0 / Tagsmember directory

How to access the NRVC Member Directory was mentioned in the Talk It Up Tuesday evaluations.  Below is a short video which explains where to find the directory on the website and tips on using the directory. If you have any questions, or need to update your profile, please feel free to contact me at 773-490-6556 o...

Author(s)Phil Loftus / Comments0 / Tags

My wife and I were fortunate to be able to attend in person Haydn’s Seven Last Words of Christ on Good Friday and then celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday at St. Mary of the Woods our local parish. The combined music and readings of Haydn’s Seven Last Words of Christ were a wonderful reminder of the final ...

Author(s)Maureen Cetera / Comments0 / Tags

We are pleased to announce that the National Board has decided to freeze NRVC membership fees! NRVC membership fees will remain the same in 2022 as for 2021:  single membership for 2022 will be $820, and license membership for up to five members will be $1,380. We will send you a membership renewal notice in Augu...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Help us to celebrate World Day of Prayer for Vocations by emailing a photo of a member of your community praying for vocations! The NRVC will share these photos on Facebook and in other publications. The photo can be in any setting.  Let’s showcase the varied ways we pray as religious. Email photos to

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Join us to celebrate the vocation of Brothers! The NRVC is grateful for the 78 Brothers who are NRVC members. The NRVC is partnering with the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, the Religious Formation Conference, and the Religious Brothers Conference for a virtual gathering on May 1st, 12:30-1:30 p.m. CT. For more information and to regist...

Author(s)Maureen Cetera / Comments6 / Tags

Dear Members, Last night I was reading the Convocation 2020 survey responses – and was completely humbled by the gratitude and compliments for our NRVC leadership team and National Board. A clear message that came through was your sincere JOY in your ministry. Vocation ministry is not easy, and you do it anyway. You are my heroe...

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments0 / Tags

The National Office team gathered to discuss two chapters from Ted Dunn’s Graced Crossroads; Pathways to Deep Change & Transformation. He has practiced as a clinical psychologist and guide to religious communities for over thirty years. Each of us shared a significant word or phrase which ...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

The NRVC invites you to join us for one hour of learning, talking, and encouraging one another in vocation ministry! Topics for March are as follows: Tuesday, March 2, Involving vowed membership in key relationships with inquirers presented by Sr. Tarianne DeYonker, O.P. Tuesday...

Author(s)Phil Loftus / Comments0 / Tags

As I ponder this question I am reminded that all of us are called to be signs of hope for each other.  I found a hopeful sign in a recent article that I read in the Catholic Sen...

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / Tags

Convocation 2020 keynote presentations will be posted for public viewing on the NRVC YouTube Channel over the next few months. You can use these inspiring presentations to animate your congregations in promoting vocations to religious life. Consider show...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

In celebration of World Day for Consecrated Life, NRVC will be releasing several newly recorded Abundant Hope videos.  The videos, hosted on the NRVC YouTube Channe...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Join in the conversation with NRVC members to learn a new skill, share ideas, and connect with other vocation directors during the winter months. Starting at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, it’s 60 minutes of engagement: 20 for the presentation, 20 for small group insights, and 20 for large group conversation magnifying ideas. This is a...

Author(s)National Office / Comments1 / Tags

  We never imagined what would happen this year, With a global pandemic bringing distress, loss and fear. 2020 has been different in every way, No hugs, no visits, wearing face masks each day.   Vocation ministers were challenged with pandemic desolation, Countless pivots and f...

Author(s)Sr. Virginia Herbers A.S.C.J. / Comments0 / Tags

Nominations for the NRVC National Board are now open. You are invited to prayerfully consider applying to serve by completing a Self-nomination Application or a

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / Tags

The National Board has proposed amending the NRVC Constitution, and we need your vote to confirm, abstain, or reject the amendment. The revisions were publicized to all members in the August and September NRVC newsletters and can be accessed here....

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / Tags

  CLICK HERE TO REGISTER   We look forward to seeing you soon at NRVC's upcoming Virtual Convocation (Oct. 28 - Oct. 31, 2020...

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments2 / Tags

Last month we presented our Orientation for New Vocation Directors virtually for the first time. When we came to the topic of supervision the zoom chat feature “exploded” with an emphatic Yes. Below we delve into the HORIZON library to explore the topic further. Sr. Helen Cahill D.C., in her article...

Author(s)Phil Loftus / Comments5 / Tags

Welcome to the new normal. As we approach Month Six of doing things differently, I reflected on a line from a 1982 song "Should I stay or should I go?" by the Clash, an English punk rock band. The lyrics and intent of the song were seemingly racy (even by today’s standards), but one line has always been a bit of a...

Author(s)NRVC National Board / Comments1 / Tags

Updated July 15, 2020. 2020 Convocation will be a virtual gathering rather than a convening in Spokane, WA. A revised schedule and new registration portal to come in September 2020. Read notice from NRVC Board here.

Author(s)NRVC National Board / Comments0 / Tags

As a professional organization comprised of nearly 1,000 members representing more than 300 religious institutes and organizations in 20 countries, the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) feels compelled to speak at this moment to strongly and publicly condemn racism in all its forms and manifestations. We stand in solidarity w...

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / Tags

The NRVC is pleased to announce an open position within our team: Director of Membership. The current director, Ms. Marge Argyelan, will assume the position of Director of Database Administration upon the hire of the new Director of Membership. Marge’s expertise in data acquisition and member relations is highly valued and her focu...

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / Tags

Archbishop Charles Thompson The NRVC welcomes Indianapolis Archbishop Charles Thompson as the episcopal liaison to the N...

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments0 / Tags

The Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors is filled to capacity and registration is now closed for this workshop. All other Summer INstitute workshops are still open but nearing capacity. So please

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments3 / Tags

NRVC is happy to announce that Convocation will feature sisters, brothers, and priests who entered religious life since 2003. Their presence throughout the gathering will surely be mutually enriching. Applications to nominate attendees are due July 15. Each member area of NRVC will select two newer religious from...

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / TagsSummer Institute

Click here to review workshops and register Take a workshop this summer in the comfort of your home, no hassles with travel or packing, just time to enjoy learning ...

Author(s)Phil Loftus / Comments1 / Tags

These days are different, that is certain.  What do we do? We are all called to a life of holiness through Baptism, and many too are called to do a specific type of work. To that end given my role and job responsibilities here at NRVC, I have participated in several webinars that address fundraising during the COVID-19 ...

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments3 / Tags

During a storm, “…with the windshield wipers going, you can either watch the windshield wiper or you watch the road. Which is going

Author(s)Phil Loftus / Comments0 / Tags

The NFCRV is pleased to announce that they received six requests for educational-debt grants this spring. The NFCRV board is in the process of reviewing the applications. A...

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments0 / Tags

This article was updated July 15, 2020. NRVC Board made the decision to convert 2020 Convocation to a virtual event rather than a gathering in Spokane. Details on the revised virtual event, including schedule, speakers, and fees to be determined by September 2020. More information about 2020 Virtual Convocation c...

Author(s)Maureen Cetera / Comments0 / Tags

We are happpy to report that NRVC annual membership fees will remain the same in 2021. A single membership is $820 while a five-person license is $1,380. Membership renewal begins in September 2020. Anyone in need of financial assistance for membership renewal, please request a Misericordia Scholarship application form from the

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

With the upcoming World Day of Prayer for Vocations on May 3, consider providing copies of the beautiful 16-page color compendium to the NRVC/CARA 2020 Study on Recent Vocations to Religious Life with key messages and statistics.  Feel free to distribute to community members, board, alumni, discerners, parishes, and anyone w...

Author(s)National Office / Comments1 / Tags

NRVC will be releasing its 2020 Study on Recent Vocations on March 25. One of the key areas of religious life addressed by the study is community--both the desire for community and the challenges of living in community.  We offer this deep dive into the HORIZON archives on the topic of community as a quick...

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / Tags

With the global spread of COVID-19, we want to assure you of our prayers for your community members, institutes, and the people you serve. We urge you to consult with your religious leadership regarding travel, presentations, and events. We also want to encourage you to follow the protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control ...

Author(s)National Office / Comments1 / TagsSummer Institute, 2020 Summer Institute, CTU, Catholic Theological Union

We hope you will plan to join us this July for Summer Institute in Chicago. All five workshops offered this summer will take place at the Catholic Theological Union in Hyde Park.

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags2020 convocation, Spokane, Convocation

Updated Sept. 29, 2020. Registration now open https://nrvc.net/blog/11308/post/22791-2020-virtual-convocation-registration-now-open   Updated July 15, 2020. Pre-Convocation workshops for 2020 Virtual Convocation to be determined by September 2020.   

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / Tags2019 Profession Class Report

The recently released annual USCCB/CARA Profession Class Report indicates 94 religious institutes had a perpetual profession in 2019 with a total of 186 professions. The number of professions declined slightly from last year, but the average professions remains steady at nearly 200 annually for the past five years.

Author(s)National Office / Comments2 / Tags2020 Study of Recent Vocations

The 2020 Study on Recent Vocations to Religious Life--surveying those who entered between 2003-2018--will be released at the end of March. The complete study, an infographic handout, color booklet, and special HORIZON issue will provide much needed information for vocation directors and those who support vocation ministry to share with member...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Our Summer Institute registration will begin in February. All workshops will be held at the Catholic Theological Union. Mark your calendars with these dates: Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors July 8-12, 2020 Presented by Sr. Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M.; Fr. Adam MacDonald, S.V.D.; a...

Author(s)Phil Loftus / Comments0 / Tags

The National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations will accept applications from NRVC members until April 15, 2020. Since its inception, 42 candidates have received grants. Read the Grant Guidelines here. Or more information on how the NFC...

Author(s)National Office / Comments1 / Tags2019 Year in Review, Benefits of Membership, National Board, Donors, Advent

The NRVC National Office continues to be inspired by the generosity and good works of our members, their communities, the National Board, and our donors and benefactors. As we head into the third week of Advent and the year draws to a close, we want to thank all of you for your appreciation and support of the important mis...

Author(s)Maureen Cetera / Comments1 / Tags

As we experience this blessed time of Thanksgiving together, I want to offer sincere thanks from your National Office Team for the significant participation of our members both in 2018 and in 2019. NRVC Finances and investments As Director of Finance and Operations, I am particularly grateful that together we achie...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

The 2019 National Vocation Awareness Week is Nov. 3-9 To assist you in publicizing the week, NRVC has created two new videos to share on your social media platforms. We also created a new infographic using excerpts from Christus Vivit. This handout was included in your membership renewal letter. It is designed as a ...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Thank you for your engagement and commitment to NRVC! All members were sent membership renewal information and encouraged to renew their annual membership by December 31 to be eligible for the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations grant. If you need financial assistance to renew your mem...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

The first phase of the NRVC/CARA study involved a survey sent to 752 major superiors in the United States. There was a 67% return rate compared to 66% in 2009. The second phase included a survey sent to 3,092 identified newer entrants with a 63% return rate compared to 40% in 2009. The third phase concluded with focus groups of 112 participan...

Author(s)Phil Loftus / Comments0 / Tags

Pictured in photo: Sr. Sharon Eurart, R.S.M. , Executive Director of RCRI; Sr. Anita Quigley, P.H.J.C., NRVC Board Member; and Phil Loftus, NRVC Development Director and Executive Director of the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations. Recently I attended the National Conference for Resource Center for Reli...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments2 / Tags

Each year, Member Area Coordinators gather in Chicago for three days of communal prayer, dialogue and updates from the National Office and Board. This year’s focus was on the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation,

Author(s)National Office / Comments0 / Tags

There’s still time to register for the NRVC Fall Institute! Come, enjoy time with colleagues while enhancing your professional skills in Leavenworth, KS. Each of the four workshops have openings: Behavioral Assessment 1...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Register as an exhibitor, volunteer, or with a diocesan delegation for a three-day, high energy, immersion experience with over 20,000 high-school teens from across the country. NRVC is once again sponsoring Inspiration Nook, a gathering space for vocation directors to meet teens, youth ministers, and parents for conversation about v...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / TagsNCYC 2019

The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is a biennial three-day experience to encounter Christ, experience Church, and be empowered for discipleship sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). Over 22,000 high school teens, parents, and youth ministers from around the country will gather Nov. 21-23, 2019, a...

Author(s)Patrice J. Tuohy / Comments0 / Tags

2020 VISION: Focus your calling is now available along with bookmark/prayer cards and multilingual posters. Click here to order your free copies of all VISION resources.

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments2 / Tags

Thanks to our generous members for donating over $24,000 to the annual NRVC Misericordia Appeal. We are just short of our $25,000 goal,. You can still donate to this fund which...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

All women and men who entered religious life from 2003 – 2018 were emailed a questionnaire from CARA in April. Currently, there is a 41% response rate, so we need your help to remind newer members to complete the survey. If they lost or never received the questionnaire, please contac...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Over 140 registrations have been received for Summer Institute. Don’t miss the early registration discount as the late fee begins June 23. There are nine workshops designed to fit your needs around assessment skills, national networking, and trends i...

Author(s)Phil Loftus / Comments0 / Tags

The NFCRV is excited to announce that they received requests for eight educational debt relief grants and are in the process of reviewing these applications. This benefit is only a...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is a biennial three-day experience to encounter Christ, experience Church, and be empowered for discipleship sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Ministry (NFCYM). Over 20,000 high school teens, parents, and youth ministers from around the country w...

Author(s)Marge Argyelan / Comments0 / Tags

  Recently I was speaking to a member who was looking for some excel tips for managing her data/tasks.  Because she is new to excel I thought a good first step might be using the tools which exist within her  Gmail (FYI these tools also exist on other platforms such as Outlook) I thought I would share how I use ...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Sunday, May 12 | Word Day of Prayer for Vocations As you anticipate World Day of Prayer for Vocations on Sunday, May 12, you may find free resources from NRVC here and NRVC's VISION Voc...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

The recently released 2019 USCCB/CARA Ordination Class Report shows an uptick in ordinands from 430 in 2018 to 481 in 2019. Of deeper significance, the number of religious institutes with ordinations also continues to increase each year--up from 41 last yea...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Youth synod webinar Learn more about the Synod in the four-part webinar "Synodality: Unpacking the Universal Church’s Recent Work on 'Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment.'" The webinars are live in English and Spanish throughout May and June. For ...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

All those responsible for the assessment of discerners and candidates need to be updated in the skills, trends, and best practices. No better place to hone these skills than at NRVC's annual 

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

We are grateful for the over 75 religious brothers who are NRVC members. On May 1, NRVC celebrated by highlighting a brother and his community via Facebook each ...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Celebrated annually on Good Shepherd Sunday, this year World Day of Prayer will be commemorated on Sunday, May 12. The purpose of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations is to publicly celebrate vocations to ordained ministry and religious life in all its forms.  Many parishes and religious institutes commemorate this day wi...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Join NRVC members in thanking religious brothers on the feast of St. Joseph the Worker on May 1, 2019. Post a shout out to brothers who inspire you with the hashtag #ReligiousBrothersDay. Over 70 brother...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments1 / TagsInfographic, Vocation statistics

We have created a

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

As we enter the unfolding of Christ's Paschal Mystery, the Triduum, we join our prayers with yours that Christ's promise of the Resurrection and new life will fill your hearts with joy, peace and hope this Easter season. Our NRVC offices will be closed on Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Help us to recognize Brothers by sharing your celebrations for Religious Brothers Day with NRVC to promote vocations. NRVC will post celebrations and pre-publicity about your events on our Facebook page and on the VISION calendar if you'd like to make discerners aware of your events. Thank you to the over 100 men’s communities who ...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Our workshops have exceeded 100 registrations. The registration process has been streamlined and now includes a link in the initial confirmation email to an attendee directory for NRVC members. We hope you find this directory helpful in coordinating travel plans (such as sharing a ride to and from the airport) or in setting up meetings to tou...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

File under "good to know:" There is a "quick link" at the top of the NRVC newsletter email and at the top of the website post for the each newsletter (Display complete articles) that enables you to view all the artic...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / TagsPapal message, apostolic exhortation

Photo credit: NRVC member, Sister Jenny Zimmerman, S.N.D. Taken March 27, 2019 in Rome.

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

This report presents the findings from a national survey of women and men religious who formally entered a religious congregation, province, or monastery based in the United States during 2018. In all, 82 percent of LCWR superiors, 72 percent of CMSWR superiors, 71 percent of CMSM superiors, and 44 percent of superiors of co...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

The National Dialogue on Catholic Pastoral Ministry with Youth and Young Adults will be one of the key ways in which the Church in the United States will respond to the Synod and papal exhortation. The vision of the National Dialogue is an energized and unified Chur...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

The Vatican announced that Pope Francis will present his post-synodal apostolic exhortation on Monday March 25, 2019 during his visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto in Italy for the Feast of the Annunciation. The document will focus on "young people, the faith, and vocational discernment," drawing from th...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

As we close National Catholic Sisters Week, we extend our appreciation to over 600 women religious who are NRVC members. We also look forward to celebrating Religious Brothers Day on May 1.

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

NRVC members can promote vocations by exhibiting and volunteering at NCYC in Indianapolis, November 21-23, 2019. Consider presenting a workshop by submitting a proposal by February 28. Click here for more NCYC info. NRVC will be coordinating the...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

This year, NRVC is offering nine workshops for all those entrusted with the assessment of discerners and candidates. We listened and responded to your requests to streamline the registration process to be able to register for multiple workshops at one time.

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

Every religious superior was recently sent a two-page questionnaire to complete as part of NRVC’s 2020 Study on Recent Vocations being conducted by CARA. The survey focuses on the characteristics of your institute or society, its vocation and formation programs, and newer members who have entered and/or...

Author(s)Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M. / Comments0 / Tags

The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) recently released The Profession Class of 2018 Report to the U.S.C.C.B. Secretariat of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. One of the most significant findings is the increase in the number of professions and the diversity of religious institutes chosen.