2023 Orientation Program for New Vocation Ministers

Spring & Summer events

2023 Orientation Program for New Vocation Ministers

July 11 - 15, 2023

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This workshop is currently filled to capacity. If you would like to be on the waiting list, please email dinasp@nrvc.net

This foundational workshop is essential for all new and recently appointed vocation directors and teams. Its goal is to provide participants with the foundational skills, context, theory, challenges, and practicalities of contemporary vocation ministry. Topics will include accompaniment with inquirers, assessment of discerners; application and admission process, vocation promotion, canon law, boundaries, animating vowed membership, relevant resources, and research, along with resiliency and self-care of the vocation director.

Please note this five-day workshop begins on July 11 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on July 15 at 4:00 p.m. Central time. Overnight accommodations are included with arrivals after 3 pm on July 10 and departures before 9 am on July 16. Please note: If you are staying for the Ethics workshop, you will need to purchase an additional overnight for $115 in the online store.

Workshop fees

Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, facility fees, all meals, and breaks. The workshop fee also includes overnight accommodations for 6 nights, arriving after 3:00 p.m. on July 10 and checking out by 9:00 a.m. on July 16. If you do not need overnight accommodations, please contact margyelan@nrvc.net

NRVC member: $1,700 Non-member: $2,175

Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.

Cancellations

Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.

Presenters

Sister Deborah M. Borneman, SS.C.M. began working for the NRVC in 2011 and presently serves as the Director of Mission Integration. A Sister of Saints Cyril and Methodius, she previously served as vocation director for her community and on her congregational leadership team. Sr. Debbie has ministerial experience in pastoral care, youth ministry, college campus ministry, and immigration advocacy. She has presented on various topics in vocation ministry in Ireland and throughout the United States. Sr. Debbie holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies (Loyola University, Chicago).

Father Adam MacDonald, S.V.D. is a native of Flint, Michigan, and ordained for the Society of the Divine Word. Since 2011, Fr. Adam has served as a Vocation Director for his congregation. He previously served in the Philippines, on the Provincial Council for the Chicago Province, and as Vice-Provincial. Fr. Adam holds a Master of Divinity degree (Catholic Theological Union, Chicago) and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Center for Spiritual Development, California. He currently serves on the NRVC National Board executive committee and has presented with the OP team since 2017.

Venue

Our annual Summer Institute will offer four onsite workshops at the Marillac Center, in Leavenworth, KS. The nearest airport is Kansas City (MCI) and ground transportation is available through Lyft, Uber, and Super Shuttle. Home of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, the NRVC has long enjoyed this venue for workshops due to its spacious grounds, private rooms/bathrooms, wi-fi capacity, and hospitality. Because of current COVID restrictions, the workshops are limited to 23 participants each.

Liturgy

Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Each workshop includes communal prayer.

Financial assistance available

To assist NRVC members with their professional development, the Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available. Scholarship funds can be applied to NRVC workshops; however, they do not cover the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals, or personal expenses. If you need financial assistance to attend an NRVC workshop, please apply here.

Workshop terms and conditions

Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.

There were lots of concrete, common sense examples - personal experiences which will stay with me as I journey with discerners. There was such a breadth of experience and a willingness to be vulnerable that it gives me the confidence I can do this. Each presenter was relatable and offered common sense and yet also provided sound advice on paths to avoid difficulties.

–--Sr. Mary Jones, O.P.

The wealth of information was incredibly helpful, particularly the concrete examples that the presenters were willing to share. The resources on the ethics of vocation ministry were very helpful.
I also really appreciated the attention given to self-care and entering into our own vocation story as a way of better ministering to others.
--Fr. Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.

This workshop was more than I expected. It gave a lot of food for thought and also action steps to move forward with vocation promotion in my diocese. I am forever grateful for the friendship found and the great opportunities to connect with others in the pastoral vineyard. It is with great hope I launch out into the deep. Special thanks to all the presenters and staff who made this possible.

--- Rev. Kenwyn Sylvester, Archdiocese of Port of Spain

The workshop truly exceeded my expectations. I learned a great deal of new knowledge; as a result, I can now implement new resources in my work as a Vocation Minister and then be a better companion for our current and future candidates. The presenters were well prepared, they gave us precise information, and real examples to explain each topic.

–--Sr. Maria Amador, P.C.M.

Workshops are designed from the NRVC curriculum for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the complex theological, spiritual, psycho-sexual, ethical, and diversity issues often present in contemporary vocation ministry. NRVC recommends that vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to attend to their own vocation and faith formation to further develop their professional competencies.