Brother Brian Poulin, F.M.S.

What vocation ministry roles do you play?

I'm a vocation minister for the Marist Brothers USA Province, along with Brother Al Rivera, F.M.S. I also am a member of the NRVC's National Board.

How long have you been involved in vocation ministry?

I've taken an interest in promoting vocations ever since I entered as a postulant in 2008, and I've had official responsibility at the province level since 2018.

What has been your focus?

Brother Al and I look for opportunities to invite and empower all our interested stakeholders to play a role in promoting and supporting religious vocations: current and former brothers, as well as our lay colleagues, family members, friends, and former students.

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful?

I have particularly valued NRVC for the excellent professional development opportunities.

How have you been ministering during the pandemic?

Most of my ministry has involved individual accompaniment over telephone or email, as well as digital publicity via social media. I am exploring how to take better advantage of Zoom and can't wait to once more engage more groups in person.

What would you say to someone just starting this ministry?

Be grateful for the opportunities to support all inquirers, including those who will never enter your community. Also, be mindful of what under-utilized resources may invite exploration.

What do you find most rewarding  in vocation work?

I am glad for the opportunity to encounter inquirers of generous disposition and open hearts who are truly seeking God's will in their lives. I am humbled by the trust they place in me before even knowing me.

Would you like to share a fun fact about yourself?

I spent most of my late adolescence as a lapsed Catholic and only received Confirmation in my late 20s . . . at a Mass held in the British Embassy in Beijing, celebrated by two Vincentians from the U.S.A. and Ireland, acting under the jurisdiction of the local Chinese bishop.

Contact Brother Brian at poulinb@gmail.com.