Friar Paul Schloemer, OFM.Conv., Province of Our Lady of Consolation

How long have you been involved in vocation ministry?
Seven years, but this is my last year.

Are you part of a team?
I'm full-time, and I have a half-time assistant, Friar Andy Martinez, O.F.M. Conv., who is responsible for the Southwest.

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful to you?
NRVC is one of the most helpful organizations I've ever been a part of. Beginning with the workshops offered to train new vocation directors, NRVC provides continuing professional development, vocation resources, networking and promotion of vocations, particularly through VISION.

What has been your best outreach effort?
The best outreach effort continues to be the relationships that friars cultivate with eligible men. But more and more, our digital presence becomes important. We currently have an online presence with Vision Vocation Match, as well as our own order's website, www.Franciscans.org, and our individual province website, www.franciscansusa.org. We recently took out a Facebook ad and are still waiting to see the effectiveness of that. One very helpful thing has been to coordinate the vocation promotion of all the Conventual Franciscan provinces in North America so we work together to promote our common life.

Do you have any words of wisdom to those who are new to this ministry?
Recognize that it is ultimately the Holy Spirit that moves the hearts of people to give their lives in service to the church, not our efforts. The role of the vocation director is to take advantage of every possible method to cooperate with the Holy Spirit in promoting the community charism, but as long as we're working faithfully, we shouldn't take too much pride in large numbers of vocation prospects, nor take it personally when the numbers are not so large. Be faithful to your own calling, and the rest will follow.