Please support the Misericordia Scholarship fund
National Religious Vocation Conference is proud to offer scholarships to religious institutes in financial need for NRVC memberships and programs. Please join in support of our efforts. Read more... Donate here.
Outstanding recognition
NRVC members and Member Areas may nominate NRVC members for outstanding recognition awards and the Mustard Seed Award. These awards are selected by the Board at its August meeting from the nominations submitted by August 1. The awards are given at the Convocation banquet. Nomination requirements and forms are available here for Outstanding Recognition and here for the Mustard Seed Award.
Vocations to religious life
The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) released three annual reports: The Profession Class of 2017, The Entrance Class of 2017 and the Ordination Class of 2018. One of the most significant findings is that women and men are continuing to choose a variety of religious institutes to enter rather than limiting their choices to only a few congregations, monasteries or provinces. In 2017:
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208 women and men professed perpetual profession in 101 religious institutes.
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524 women and men entered 182 religious institutes.
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In 2018, 41 religious institutes had ordinations compared to 2017 which reported 36 religious institutes had ordinations.
For a dowloadable handout to use in presentations, click here. There are links to over 30 professional studies here.
NRVC membership
Our membership appeal has exceeded our expectations with 1,001 members from 22 countries beyond the United States. This is the fourth year in a row that we have increased membership each year and the most members since 2010. Thank you for reaching out to invite those who support vocation ministry to join us. You can still renew or join NRVC here or call Marge Argyelan at 773.595.4034.
Mark your calendar
April 22, 2018
May 1, 2018
July 10-21, 2018
November 1-5, 2018
November 4-10, 2018
February 2, 2019
March 8-14, 2019
Board nominations
The National Board is seeking nominations among NRVC membership to serve a three year term beginning in August 2018. Members may self-nominate or nominate another NRVC member. All nominations need to be recieved at the national office by May 15. For questions about service on the Board, read more here.
New resources available
New discernment prayer cards have been designed for graduations, Confirmations, retreats and more. The inspirational prayer on the front is by martyred Maryknoll Sister Ita Ford and the back side of the card provides a list of some of the great witnesses from scripture who have answered God's call. Order now.
Synod, National Dialogue and V Encountro
The next general assembly of Catholic bishops will take up the theme: “Youth, Faith and Vocational Discernment.” To prepare for this 15th Ordinary General Synod, Pope Francis has written a preparatory document and a letter to young people. There is also a special prayer written for young people. Read/download a summary of the preparatory document prepared by NRVC. Read/download the Final Document of the PreSynodal Meeting of Young People.
The National Dialogue is an initiative for an energized and unified Church committed to forming and engaging youth and young adults as missionary disciples. The three-year process will culminate in inviting those who participate to take action on the insights from the XV Ordinary Synod, V Encuentro. Read more....
The Fifth National Encuentro of Hispanic/Latino Ministry (V Encuentro) is a historic ecclesial gathering of 3,000 Hispanic/Latino Ministry leaders/delegates from dioceses, ecclesial movements, schools, universities and Catholic organizations from across the country. Learn more...
Member Area Meetings
Spring provides ample opportunities to gather together for professional development, updating on best practices and networking with other NRVC members. All NRVC members are invited to attend any NRVC Member Area Meeting, regardless where they reside and minister. Log into the website and go to the Members Only Section for a complete list of events, topics, and how to register
APRIL GATHERINGS: The Midwest Member Area will be hosting a retreat day April 24-25, with Fr. Joseph Nassal in South Bend. The Heartland Member Area will discuss the Synod April 9-11 in Leaventworth, KS; the New England Member Area meets April 21 in Holyoke, MA; the Hudson Valley Member Area meets April 29 in Albany, NY and the Delaware Valley meets April 30 in Caldwell, NJ.
