NEWS
"Talk it Up Tuesdays" begin Jan. 28
NRVC members are invited to take part in one or more "Talk it Up Tuesdays," a free, 11-part online series of short presentations followed by small and large-group discussion. The idea is to share ideas and give encouragement. Sessions begin at 1 p.m. CT and last one hour. The vocation ministry topics range from using the Canva app to incorporating Marian traditions. Details and registration are here.
Nominate yourself or another to the NRVC board
NRVC members are encouraged to prayerfully consider nominating themselves or another for service on the board. Nominees will be voted on at the spring 2025 board meeting and begin serving at the fall 2025 meeting. Board members are expected to attend two in-person, three-day meetings a year, attend convocation, and be willing to serve on a committee or task force. Learn more by speaking with a current board member. Submit a nomination form or a self-nomination form.
Start the new year right: Renew your membership!
Don't miss the Winter edition of HORIZON. Renew your membership promptly and keep your benefits. Your prompt renewal also saves the NRVC time and money. Go to nrvc.net/signup. Please direct any questions to Sister Dina Bato, S.P., NRVC's director of membership, at dinasp@nrvc.net or 317-519-3312.
Resource of the month: "10 questions parents ask" brochure
This colorful, four-panel brochure gives accurate answers to things parents commonly ask about vocations to religious life: from taking vows to spending time with family members. Sold in packages of 100, this brochure is affordable as a giveaway for World Day for Consecrated Life, to place in parish bulletins, to offer at sponsored ministries, schools, etc. Members pay $15 for a pack of 100, non-members $23. Bulk discounts are available. Order here.
World Day for Consecrated Life Feb. 1, 2 | Prayer gathering Feb. 2
World Day for Consecrated Life is taking place February 2 (Feast of the Presentation). It will be celebrated in parishes February 1 and 2. The NRVC encourages members and friends to take advantage of this global recognition of consecrated life through events, social media posts, prayer services, and more. Find resources for doing so at nrvc.net.
On Sunday, February 2, at 6:30 p.m. ET, there will be a virtual hour of prayer in honor of the Jubilee Year. Register here to join this Zoom event, which is sponsored by all the U.S. consecrated life conferences.
New presentation on Christus Vivit available on YouTube
Gerard Gallagher, executive director of the Association of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland, recently addressed the International Member Area. His talk on Christus Vivit, "Takeaways from Christus Vivit through the Lens of Vocation Ministry," can be viewed on the NRVC YouTube channel. Consider watching this 32-minute video with your community, vocation team, or discerners. Perhaps your group would want to re-read Christus Vivit prior to viewing; or review selected quotes.
Jubilee Year has begun
How will you and your community be celebrating Jubilee Year 2025? Pope Francis has declared 2025 a Jubilee Year with the theme "Pilgrims of Hope." Check out the NRVC site, JubileeYear2025.org to learn more.
Note that The Jubilee Year of Consecrated Life is a section of the site dedicated to a Jubilee that religious communities worldwide are commemorating during the 2025 Jubilee Year. On October 8-9, 2025 religious communities will celebrate a type of "jubilee within a jubilee," noting ways that religious are "Pilgrims of hope, on the way of peace."
Treasure of the month: Are you on the storymap?
This month's NRVC treasure is the Bold and Faithful Storymap. If your community is not on this specialized website, please make sure it is. Find the map here: tinyurl.com/Bold-and-Faithful-storymap. Scroll down until you get to a map. Instructions appear just below the map for adding a ministry site or community residence. You are assisting discerners and supporters of religious life by helping make this resource as comprehensive as possible.
Christmas break: closing Dec. 24, reopening Jan. 2
The NRVC staff wishes members, friends, and collaborators a joyful Christmas and New Year. Please keep in mind that the NRVC offices will be closed from December 24 through January 1, reopening on January 2.
NRVC closed MLK day Jan. 20
The NRVC office will be closed Monday, January 20, in honor of Martin Luther King Day.
News and events of our collaborators
Check out news about our collaborators: large Catholic gatherings, resources, classes, retreats, and more.