Nan Brenzel, Ed.D., Dominican Sisters of San Rafael

How long have you been involved in vocation ministry?

At age 11 I gave a presentation to a parent group at our parish on the importance of Catholic values being alive in the family. So perhaps I began 50 years ago! I have been a lay vocation minister with the Dominican Sisters for almost three years now. I also was a member of the NRVC board in 2013.

Are you part of a team?

I am blessed to be part of a team that consists of members of our leadership team and our formation team. Our entire congregation is committed to vocations as part of the team. My main responsibilities are coordinating and supervising aspects of the pre-entrance program by responding to inquiries, facilitating interested women in visiting members and ministries of the congregation, and engaging other members in informal interaction with interested women.

Has being a member of NRVC been helpful to you?

NRVC is an outstanding source of education, resources, networking, and support to its members and others involved in vocation work. They are the “go to” leaders in providing vocation ministers with facts through their research studies on vocations and religious life. In the trainings and meetings sponsored by NRVC, I am continually impressed by the transparency, depth of communication, and fun built into events that make us better vocation ministers.

What has been your best outreach effort?

Inviting young women to events that address the critical issues of our times and are relevant to our geographic needs, participating in campus events, and extending invitations to students to pray and have conversation with the sisters at days of study, reflection, and prayer.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who are new to this ministry?

Trust that God is always working in front of you and behind your back when it comes to promoting vocations. Invite your congregation to pray for vocations and for you.