Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors

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This virtual workshop is intended for new and recently appointed vocation directors. Its goal is to provide participants with the skills, context, theory, challenges and practicalities of contemporary vocation ministry. Topics will include foundational elements of vocation ministry; assessment of inquirers and discerners; application and admission process; vocation promotion, ethics and boundaries, resiliency and self-care of the vocation director.

Please note this five-day virtual workshop begins on October 12 and ends on October 16. The workshop begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 3:30 p.m. Central time. 

There is a 60 minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central time.  Workshop binders will be mailed to participants within two weeks of registration. 

This workshop is not recorded to allow the presenter and participants the opportunity to speak authentically in a learning community. Personal recording is prohibited. 

Workshop fees

NRVC member: $800                                       Non-member: $1200

Click here to register through the NRVC store.      

Cancellation policy

Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to debbiesscm@nrvc.net.  After October 1, all fees are non refundable. 

Presenters

Brother Joseph Bach, O.S.F., is a Franciscan Brother of Brooklyn and currently ministers as Director of Vocations for his Congregation. Previously, he ministered in Education as a teacher and administrator on the elementary, secondary, and university levels. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Education from St. Xavier University, a graduate certificate in Franciscan Studies, and is currently completing a Post Master’s Certificate in Spiritual Formation at Boston College.  He also studied at the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at Xavier University of Louisiana. Brother Joseph is also a consultant for the Office of Mission, Ministry, and Interfaith Dialogue at St. Francis College, and serves on the Council of Religious for the Diocese of Brooklyn.

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 served within her community as vocation director, on the formation committee, and elected congregational leadership team. Sr. Debbie has previous ministerial experience in pastoral care, youth ministry, college campus ministry, and immigration advocacy. She has presented and written on various topics in vocation ministry in Ireland, Canada, and throughout the United States. Sr. Debbie holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies from 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 previously served on the NRVC Editorial Board and the Vocation Ambassador Design team. 

Brother Mark Motz, S.M. ministers as the Vocation Director for the Marianist Province of the United States.  He has worked in vocation ministry for the last nine years, with this being his fifth year as the National Vocation Director for his Province.  He holds a Masters Degree in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Dayton. Bro Mark has ministered briefly at the high school level but then has had the privilege to serve at all three of the Marianist Universities in San Antonio, TX, Dayton, OH and Honolulu, HI. He appreciates the cultural diversity that the students share so easily.  Brother Mark serves as the Southwest Member Area Coordinator. 

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 contact srcharleneh@nrvc.net  for an application.

Workshop terms and conditions

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

I found the whole program very helpful. I appreciated the different perspectives from the speakers and the variety of examples provided. Learning about setting boundaries and the specifics about psychological testing and assessment especially helpful. I found all the presenters competent and engaging. Thank You! I didn't have a clue as to what I didn't know - things vital to my role as vocation director. ​

--Sister Vickie Griner, osc

A great experience; it came at a perfect time since I’ve been at this for a few months and a new academic year is starting soon. There’s a lot to digest, but the manual and on-line resources are a Godsend. THANK YOU!

--Brother Larry Schatz, F.S.C.

Being a layperson and new to vocation ministry, I found all aspects of the program helpful. The materials and small group conversation gave me a better understanding of vowed life and the complex role of the vocation director. I was pleasantly surprised at how effective and enjoyable this online format can be. It was so well done. This workshop definitely exceeded my expectations. Thank you! ​

–Ms. Kathryn Davis for the Congregation of Bon Secours

This program surpasses my expectations; I received much more than I was expecting! There is a good balance of prayer, talking and presentations. It covers all the information that we as vocation directors are about to face.

--Brother Ronnie Silva, CSC, from Brazil