2015 Vocaciones sin Fronteras en un Mundo Cambiante

This year, NRVC partnered with Catholic Extension to assist 62 Spanish speaking Sisters from Latin America in becoming relevant, proficient, and credible pastoral ministers who are also confident vocation promoters.  Planned as a one day workshop, Vocaciones sin Fronteras en un Mundo Cambiante/Vocations without Borders in a Changing World, was held June 2, 2015, at the Sacred Heart Retreat House in Alhambra, CA. This event included presentations, small-group activities, and time for participants to network with one another. This workshop addressed the Clarity and Appreciation of Culture; Theology of Call, the Role and Responsibilities of Vocation Promoters; and Building a Culture of Vocations. 

Participants in this new workshop expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about the culture of vocations in the United States and to network with one another by sharing ideas for future vocation promotion programs.

Sister Deborah M. Borneman, SS.C.M., NRVC director of member relations and services, along with Ms. Erika Cedrone, Catholic Extension, Director of Mission, coordinated this  project. Ms. Rosa Maria Gouveia served as translator for the workshop. Members of the design team included: Sisters Raquel Ortez, S.S.N.D.; Mary Jane Gawlik, C.S.S.F.; Elsa Garcia, C.D.P.; Teresa Gomez, H.H.S.S.; Elyse Ramirez, O.P.; and Ms. Ana Bojorquez.

Presenters for this workshop are NRVC members, Sisters Elsa Garcia, CDP, and Raquel Ortez, SSND.

Presenters Sister Elsa Garcia, C.D.P and Sister Raquel Ortez, S.S.N.D.

Sr. Elsa E. Garcia, C.D.P. (left) is currently serving as Pastoral Associate, Social Ministries Coordinator, in Midland, TX. She is an NRVC member and has served on its national board, leadership team, and as the board chair. Sister Elsa also served as vocation director for 14 years for her community, the Congregation of Divine Providence.  She earned a Masters Degree in Social Work from Our Lady of the Lake University and is a licensed Social Worker (LCSW) with experience in psychiatric, hospice, foster care, HIV counseling and direct services. She brings this wealth of experience along with a special interest in promoting Hispanic vocations.

Sr. Raquel Ortez, SSND, has wide experience working with people from many cultures and backgrounds.  She is an NRVC member and has been serving in vocation ministry for 3 years as a vocation team member.  Her prior ministries include 15 years in formal education in Honduras, Social Work-Case management in Catholic Charities for 8 years, and Pastoral ministry in the Diocese of St. Louis for 6 years.  Sister Raquel is a native of Honduras, has multicultural experience in ministering in Honduras, Brazil, Guatemala, and USA.  She earned a Masters in Social Work from Saint Louis University.