Virtual Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors

Registration will open later this year.

This virtual workshop is essential for all new and recently appointed vocation directors and teams. Its goal is to provide participants with the foundational skills, context, theory, challenges, and practicalities of contemporary vocation ministry. Topics will include accompaniment with inquirers, assessment of discerners; application and admission process, vocation promotion, canon law, boundaries, animating vowed membership, relevant resources, and research, along with resiliency and self-care of the vocation director.  

Please note this five-day workshop begins on October 6 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on October 10 at 3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. 

There is a 60-minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S.  Workshop materials will be mailed to participants at least two weeks before the workshop. 

Please note: 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

Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, and postage. 

NRVC member: $925                                     Non-member: $1,400

Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.    

Late fees

All workshop registrations received after October 30 incur a $100 late fee.

Cancellations

Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before October 30 to receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable. 

Presenters

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. Sister 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. Sister Debbie holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, Chicago.   

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 12 years, with this being the start of his ninth year as the National Vocation Director for the Province. He holds a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Dayton. Brother Mark has ministered at the high school level and at all three of the Marianist Universities in San Antonio, TX, Dayton, OH and Honolulu, HI. Brother Mark currently serves as the Member Area Coordinator for Southwest Member Area and has presented this workshop previously with Sister Debbie.

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 apply here. 

Workshop terms and conditions

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

There were lots of concrete, common sense examples - personal experiences which will stay with me as I journey with discerners. There was such a breadth of experience and a willingness to be vulnerable that it gives me the confidence I can do this. Each presenter was relatable and offered common sense and yet also provided sound advice on paths to avoid difficulties.

–--Sister Mary Jones, O.P.

The wealth of information was incredibly helpful, particularly the concrete examples that the presenters were willing to share. The resources on the ethics of vocation ministry were very helpful. I also really appreciated the attention given to self-care and entering into our own vocation story as a way of better ministering to others.

--Fr. Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.

The workshop truly exceeded my expectations. I learned a great deal of new knowledge; as a result, I can now implement new resources in my work as a Vocation Minister and then be a better companion for our current and future candidates. The presenters were well prepared, they gave us precise information, and real examples to explain each topic.

–--Sr. Maria Amador, P.C.M.

Workshops are designed from the NRVC curriculum for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the complex theological, spiritual, psycho-sexual, ethical, and diversity issues often present in contemporary vocation ministry. NRVC recommends that vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to attend to their own vocation, faith formation, and to further develop their professional competencies. 

Questions about Fall Institute workshops?

Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net