Convocations
Convocations
Please be sure to assign a Layout to this page in the Site Tree before publishing it.
We were enlightened and inspired by our outstanding presenters and keynoters and the youth panel at our "You talk. We'll listen" event and our daily Mass with music from Mikey Needleman and World Library Publications. Congratulations also to our our honorees recognized at our 30th Anniversary Banquet.
Podcast recordings
Videos of Keynotes and Canisius event
(Click menu bar in upper left corner of the video to see other videos in 2018 Convocation playlist..)
Father Kevin M. DePrinzio, O.S.A., Ph.D. is an Augustinian friar of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. Father Kevin presented on The Vocation Encounter: Ministry at the Beautiful Gate.
Special member benefit: Click here to view a video of his talk.
Sister Mary Pellegrino, C.S.J. is a Sister of St. Joseph of Baden, Pennsylvania. Sister Mary presented on Living No Longer for Ourselves: Communion as Vocation.
Special member benefit: Click here to view a video of her talk.
Young adult panelists: Mikayla Fulton, Yohan Roche, Liz Caballero, Sydnie Perkins, Jessie Bordka, and Anna Capello were our featured panelists at "You talk. We'll Listen." a youth-infused event at Canisius College.
Special member benefit: Click here to view a video of their talk.
Click here to view a shorter highlights video of "You talk. We'll listen."
Sister Xiomara Méndez Hernández, O.P. is an Adrian Dominican Sister. Sister Xiomara presented on The Invitation: Mutual Encounter - Mutual Accompaniment.
Special member benefit: Click here to view a video of her talk.
Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Ph.D. is an associate professor of theology and religious education at Boston College, where he is also Director of Graduate Programs in Hispanic Ministry. Dr. Ospino will present on Saturday on Called to Accompanying God’s People in a Time of Paradigm Changes. Special member benefit: Click here to view a video of his talk.
Father Thomas Gaunt, S.J. is the executive director of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. Father Tom presented on Saturday morning on Pathways to Religious Life.
Video unavailable.
We are grateful to the following organizations for their generous support of the 2018 Convocation:
|
In-Kind Sponsors: |
Interested in viewing the chatroom comments that were posted during the event? Click here.
NRVC represented by Board member Fr. Adam MacDonald, S.V.D.
Sr. Liz Sjoberg, D.C.; Br. David Deradoorian, F.S.C.
Mikayla Fulton, Yohan Roche, Liz Caballero, Sydnie Perkins, Jessie Bordka, Anna Capello
Event director: Sr. Belinda Monahan, O.S.B.
NRVC Board and staff planning committee: Sr. Anita Quigley, S.H.C.J.; Sr. Virginia Herbers, A.S.C.J., Phil Loftus, Marge Argyelan, Patrice Tuohy
Canisius College Montante Center crew and Campus Ministry Office
TrueQuest Communications with ideaPort
Social monitors/posters: Sr. Max Kollasch, I.H.M.; Sr. Julie Meyers, O.S.F.; Sr. Anita Quigley, S.H.C.J.; Patrice Tuohy; Jennifer Tomshack; Siobhan O'Neill Meluso; Carol Schuck Scheiber
The National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) will be hosting an afternoon of dialogue with young adults at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY on Nov. 3, 2018 at 3 p.m. Easterm time on faith, decision-making, and what younger Catholics see as the gifts and challenges of the church. Youth groups, young adults, and vocation directors in the Buffalo area are welcome to attend, and all others can join in via a livestream broadcast.
Here’s your chance to identify key issues that you find challenging. Get tips on how to become your best self. Tell your story to Catholic sisters, brothers, and priests who are eager to listen. If you are unsure where your life is leading you--where you can find joy--where you can be of most service to the world, then this gathering is for you. With an audience filled with experts in discerning life choices and inviting God into the process, you will be given some excellent suggestions on how to find the life path that is right for you.
Hear first-hand what’s on the minds of young Catholics. Hear first-hand what’s on the minds of young Catholics. Receive a unique opportunity to assure young adults of your desire to accompany them in discerning God’s plan for their lives. Most of all, listen to the young people’s hopes and dreams for themselves and for the church.
NRVC is hosting this gathering in response to the Bishops Synod on faith, youth, and vocational discernment where there is a call for more intentional and sustained outreach and engagement with youth. The event convenes from 3-7 p.m. with a one-hour livestreamed discussion from 3:15 followed by a short prayer service and free pizza.
If you are interested in being part of the youth panel, please contact Sister Belinda Monahan, O.S.B. at bhemonahan@gmail.com for more information. This is an open and free event, but registration is kindly requested for accurate counts: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/you-talk-well-listen-tickets-51033730261.
REGISTER here for the 2018 convocation, Nov. 1-5, 2018 in Buffalo, NY
Contact Michelle at NIX if you need assistance completing the registration. 1.800.2660866
Email: registrar@nixassoc.com
NRVC is seeking $100,000 in Convocation sponsorships for our gatherings and youth-infused events at the Adams Mark Hotel and Canisius College. We invite you to match your mission with ours by considering sponsorship at a level most suitable for your organization. Click here to learn more. Or complete a Sponsorship Reservation Form today! Thank you to our growing list of generous sponsors!
Each presenter will speak from their professional, lived, and educational experiences focused on the convocation theme: "Walk with me: Encounter, Accompaniment and Invitation."
Father Kevin M. DePrinzio, O.S.A., Ph.D. is an Augustinian friar of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova. He holds a doctorate in spirituality from The Catholic University of America. His areas of interest include mysticism, spirituality, historical theology, the history of religious life, and the mendicant movement. His dissertation topic was "Teresa of Avila’s reading of Augustine’s Confessions." Since the fall of 2017, Father Kevin has been on the faculty of the Department of Theology and Religious Studies at Villanova University and is part of the vocation and initial formation teams of his province. He has previously served in campus ministry at Villa Nova, on the NRVC Board, and as Region 2 Coordinator (now Delaware Valley Member Area). He was featured in the NRVC video, Religious Life: Absolutely Millennial! Father Kevin will present on Friday on The Vocation Encounter: Ministry at the Beautiful Gate.
Father Thomas Gaunt, S.J. is the executive director of the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate. Prior to CARA, he served in Jesuit governance as the Socius/Executive Secretary of the Jesuit Conference for nine years and the Formation and Studies Director of the Maryland and New York Jesuits for seven years. After ordination, he spent 10 years as a pastor and as director of planning in the Diocese of Charlotte. Father Gaunt is actively involved with the L'Arche Communities in Washington, DC. Father Tom will present on Saturday morning Pathways to Religious Life.
Sister Xiomara Méndez Hernández, O.P. is an Adrian Dominican Sister, originally from the Dominican Republic. She ministers as a Hospital Chaplain at Loyola University Health System with special focus on cancer patients. Previously, she ministered at St. Rose Dominican Hospitals in Henderson and Las Vegas, Nevada. She has diverse ministerial experiences in the areas of preaching, catechesis, Spanish-English interpreter, liturgical dance, and a high fashion teacher. Sister Xiomara holds a Master’s degree in pastoral studies from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago and is a Board Certified Chaplain with the National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC). Before she became a religious sister, she was a fashion designer in her native country. She currently lives in Chicago. Sister Xiomara will present on Sunday morning: The Invitation: Mutual Encounter - Mutual Accompaniment.
Dr. Hosffman Ospino, Ph.D. is an associate professor of theology and religious education at Boston College, where he is also Director of Graduate Programs in Hispanic Ministry. He has written extensively on questions related to Hispanic ministry, Catholic education, evangelization, and catechesis. Dr. Ospino was the principal investigator for the National Study of Catholic Parishes with Hispanic Ministry and co-investigator for the National Survey of Catholic Schools Serving Hispanic Families. He is currently conducting a national study on Hispanic/Latino vocations. He is an officer of the Academy of Catholic Hispanic Theologians of the United States, serves on the Board of Directors of the National Catholic Educational Association, and is a consultant for the USCCB Ad Hoc Committee against Racism. Dr. Ospino will present on Saturday on Called to Accompanying God’s People in a Time of Paradigm Changes.
Sister Mary Pellegrino, C.S.J. is a Sister of St. Joseph of Baden, PA. In September 2018 she will complete 10 years of leadership ministry as her community’s Congregational Moderator. In addition, she will complete her term as past-president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious in August 2018. Sister Mary holds an M.A. in Christian spirituality and a certificate in spiritual direction and retreat direction from Creighton University, an M.S. in religious education from Fordham University, and a B.A. in journalism from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Prior to ministry in elected leadership, she served in parish youth and young adult ministry, campus ministry, vocation, and formation ministry. In 2004 she was the recipient of NRVC’s National Outstanding Recognition Award. Sister Mary will present on Sunday afternoon on Living No Longer for Ourselves: Communion as Vocation.
NRVC member early registration rate: $595 includes lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday dinner banquet
Non-member early registration rate: $892 includes lunch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and Sunday dinner banquet
NRVC member rate: $175 includes lunch on Thursday
Non-member rate: $265 includes lunch on Thursday
Commuter fee (only for those not staying at the hotel) $100
Rate after October 1: $100 more
Cancellation fee: $100 before October 15. After October 15, all registration fees are non-refundable.
Hotel Accommodations: $129 per night (without taxes).
There is no hotel shuttle, however the hotel is just 12 miles from the airport. Parking is $5 per night for hotel guests. Fitness Center and Internet in the bedrooms is complimentary.
On Monday, November 5, 2018, you are invited to a bus trip to Niagara Falls on the Canadian side. To participate in this OPTIONAL excursion, you will need your passport with you. The bus departs at the hotel at 9:00 a.m. for arrival at the Falls at 10:00 a.m. You will have time to explore until 2:00 p.m. to meet the bus which will take you back to the hotel at 3:00 p.m. Feel free to eat lunch at your own expense at area restaurants.
Price includes: Round trip transportation services, services of a fully licensed driver, and all gratuities, tolls, and parking fees. $35 per person (no refunds for inclement weather or personal decision not to attend).
The Hudson Valley Member Area has selected the Gerard Place as the recipient of the collection taken up at Mass on Sunday, November 4. The Gerard Place serves single families who are homeless. Its mission is to strengthen the community as it empowers the individuals and families toward self-sufficiency by providing housing, supportive services, community education and outreach.
Register for the workshop while completing your Convocation registration here.
NRVC member rate is $175 and includes lunch on Thursday.
NRVC non-member rate is $265 and includes lunch on Thursday.
Technology, from smartphones to social media to virtual reality, is impacting our lives in ways no one could have predicted. While there are certainly benefits to these advances, being overly engaged with technology in its various forms can have long-term negative consequences for psychological and emotional health. This workshop will address the impact of being “plugged in” all the time and offers strategies for managing technology use effectively. It will cover topics such as the emotional/psychological impact of different types of social media content, the impact of digital/social media on interpersonal communication and online addicted behaviors. This is an excellent workshop for those who may be experiencing Facebook fatigue, for those curious about the personal impact on the minister, not those we access.
Dr. Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist on the clinical staff of Saint Luke Institute. She also is an assistant clinical professor of clinical psychology at The George Washington University Professional Psychology Program. She received a doctorate in clinical psychology from Chestnut Hill College and completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Center for Multicultural Training in Psychology at Boston Medical Center, along with a post-doctoral fellowship at The George Washington University Professional Psychology Program. Prior to becoming director of the Caritas Counseling Center, Dr. Taylor-Dietz was a member of the residential treatment staff of Saint Luke Institute. Her research and clinical interests include issues related to multicultural diversity, the intersection of spirituality and psychology, social justice and wellness promotion.
This presentation will focus on assisting vocation directors in determining the suitability of individuals seeking to enter religious life. It will specifically examine factors that enhance and detract from the suitability of a candidate. We will address concerns regarding personality disorders, sexual abuse, Asperger’s Syndrome and the use of pornography / social media. Come with your questions, doubts and grey areas in screening and assessing candidates before application. This is an excellent workshop for all those who desire clarity in candidate assessment.
Dr. Eran Talitman, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in the province of Ontario. He has been working at the Southdown Institute since 1998 and is currently the Clinical Team Leader. He provides assessment and psychotherapy services to religious and clergy as well as consultation services to leadership. Eran has offered seminars and workshops on Intimacy, Healthy Sexuality, Effective Leadership, Responding to the Call to Healthy Priesthood, Navigating Personality Styles and Disorders, Resilience, Conflict Management, Keeping Our Soul Alive, and Developing Healthy Ministerial Boundaries.
This workshop will treat those aspects of law as they pertain to vocation ministry from the corresponding areas of civil, canon and immigration law. Some areas to be covered will include: assessment policies and record keeping; internal vs. external forum in candidate assessment; policies and practices regarding a candidate’s financial assets; salary and tax issues during the formation period; special issues regarding older, widowed and divorced candidates; readmission and community transfers. The morning session will focus on immigration law for religious institutes. It will treat working and discerning with foreign-born candidates; clarification of key immigration terms; documentation and tracking immigration status, long-term immigration planning; and legal responsibilities of the religious institute and the candidate. This is an excellent workshop for new vocation and formation ministers, as well as those in leadership.
Sr. Deborah M. Cerullo S.S.N.D., JD.., J.C.L., served as an attorney and canonical consultant in her private law practice from 2002 -2016, representing primarily religious institutes. A member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, she currently serves on the provincial council of the Atlantic- Midwest Province. Sister Deborah received her BA from the University of Rhode Island, her civil law degree from Boston University and her canon law degree from the University of St. Thomas Aquinas in Rome, Italy. Prior to her law practice, she served on the law faculties of the University of Notre Dame and Boston College. Sr. Deborah is a member of the faculty of the Institute of Law and Religious Life held each year at Misericordia University in Dallas PA.
Mr. Miguel A. Naranjo is the Director of the Religious Immigration Services section of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc. (CLINIC). Miguel leads a group of immigration attorneys who practice exclusively in religious immigration law. They represent over 170 archdioceses, dioceses, and religious communities throughout the United States, assisting them in bringing international priests, brothers, sisters, novices, seminarians, and other religious workers into the United States to serve the Church. He joined CLINIC in 2006 and has been practicing immigration law since 2002. He is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law.
This workshop will address the ups and downs of vocation ministry. ROI is an acronym for return on investment. In vocation ministry, the best programs do not always guarantee success, the best candidates may change their minds. Therefore, this workshop will explore themes of community expectations alongside societal/cultural realities of young and middle adulthood, the changing landscape of religious life in North America and best practices for human development and self-care in vocation ministry. This is an excellent workshop for those who have been in vocation ministry for two or more years.
Fr. James J. Greenfield, O.S.F.S., Ph.D., is serving as president of DeSales University. He served previously as provincial of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and as president of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM). Fr. James was an adjunct lecturer at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., The Catholic University of America, and the former Washington Theological Union in Washington, D.C., where he taught required courses in human development. Fr. Greenfield earned his bachelor’s degree in politics (1984) at DeSales University, a Master of Divinity degree (1990) at the DeSales School of Theology, a master’s degree in counseling (1992) and a doctoral degree in human development (1998) at The George Washington University.
Fr. Kevin Nadolski, O.S.F.S., a priest with the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales and a graduate of Temple University, Catholic University of America, and DeSales School of Theology, Fr. Kevin holds degrees in journalism, theology, and education administration and is eagerly awaiting the conferral of his Ph.D. in Catholic higher education from Fordham University. He has served in education as a teacher, principal, and in ministerial leadership for his community as assistant provincial, provincial councilor, director of vocations, formation, development and communications. He currently serves as the vice president for mission at DeSales University in Center Valley, PA, where he also teaches theology. NRVC honored Fr. Kevin with its Outstanding Recognition Award in 2011 for his seven years of service, including work on the NRVC editorial board.
In case you missed both convocation and the live stream on Sunday, Oct. 30, you can view it now right here.
The theme for Convocation 2016 is "Awakened by the Spirit: Called to Discipleship." The theme draws on Pope Francis' invitation to those in consecrated life to "Wake up the World." Once awakened by the Spirit, we are compelled to move outward and proclaim the Good News. We know that as disciples, the Spirit moves in and through us and God "is able to accomplish far more than all we ask or imagine, by the power at work within us" (Ephesians 3:20).
The 2016 Convocation theme also recognizes the validity and relevancy of the myriad of charisms of the religious institutes to be represented at this biennial conference. We invite vocation ministers, formators, religious leadership, communicators, and all others who support vocations to consecrated life to attend this Convocation. Whether in subtle or dramatic shifts, the Spirit unceasingly awakens all believers to imagine, reflect, and act with the conviction that the call to discipleship is both personal and communal. Hence, it is critical for professional vocation ministers to accompany inquirers who want to discern their vocation in response to God's call and to learn more about religious life.
The 2016 NRVC Convocation will be held at the Sheraton Hotel in Overland Park, Kansas. Transportation to/from Kansas City Airport (MCI) is available through Super Shuttle at www.supershuttle.com
Father Kevin O’Brien, S.J. serves as vice president for mission and ministry at Georgetown University. In August 2016 he will begin ministry as dean of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University in Berkeley, California.
In 2011 Father O'Brien published the award-winning book, The Ignatian Adventure: Experiencing the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius in Daily Life. He has taught and served in the chaplaincies at Fordham University, Saint Joseph's University, Loyola University in Baltimore, and LeMoyne College. He holds a J.D. from the University of Florida, a master's in philosophy from Fordham, and a master's of divinity and licentiate in sacred theology from the Weston Jesuit School of Theology (now part of Boston College). He graduated from Georgetown with a B.A. in 1988.
Sherry Weddell co-founded the Catherine of Siena Institute (CSI) with Father Michael Sweeney, O.P. in 1997. CSI is an affiliated international ministry of the Western Dominican Province that trains Catholic leaders in evangelization and the formation of parishes of "intentional disciples." She and her international team of collaborators have worked directly with 120,000 lay, religious, and ordained Catholics in over 500 parishes in 137 dioceses.
Ms. Weddell is the author of the books Become a Parish of Intentional Disciples (2015) and Forming Intentional Disciples: the Path to Knowing and Following Jesus (2012), the latter of which is available in Spanish as Formación de Discípulos Intencionales. She edited and contributed to Forming a Parish of Intentional Disciples (2015). Ms. Weddell originally wrote the Called and Gifted discernment process in 1993 and is now revising this process for international use. She received her B.A. in 1979 from the University of Washington and a Master of Arts degree in adult education in 1993 from Seattle University.
Four pre-convocation workshops will be offered on Thursday, October 27 and four workshops will be offered on Saturday, October 29. Click here for workshop descriptions.
Mikey Needleman began playing and writing music since the age of 12 after his father gave him his first guitar. Born and raised in Kansas City, he is an internationally published Catholic artist through World Library Publications (WLP). With his roots in youth ministry and parish music ministry, Mikey uses his talents to enliven the hearts of the Church everywhere he goes. As a full-time freelance music missionary, you can find Mikey at events across the country including NFCYM sponsored events (NCYC, NCCYM), Catholic Heart Workcamps, Life Teen Camps, as well as local retreats, parish missions, various diocesan rallies and Catholic school campuses all year round. Mikey's has two CD published by WLP, All for You and Your Ways. A third CD, We Ask of You, is slated for release this year.
The NRVC is pleased to invite you to consider sponsorship for our biennial Convocationre many ways to show your support of NRVC and religious vocations. We invite you to “match your mission” with ours by considering sponsorship at a variety of levels most suitable for your organization. All levels of sponsorship and its organization are recognized in the program folder, publicized on two theater size screens in the main ballroom, and acknowledged by the Master of Ceremonies. Besides recognition at the Convocation, your organization and its link to your website will be posted for two years. Click here to view. This publicity beyond Convocation has the potential to reach over 800 religious institutes in the United States and those who support women and men religious. For more information to become a sponsor, click here.
Organizations and businesses who would like to exhibit at Convocation will be invited in April. Exhibits will open at 3:00 pm on Thursday, October 27 and close at 4:00 pm on Saturday, October 29. For pricing and additional information, click here.
If you have not exhibited in previous convocations and would like to be considered for this conference, please email the Director of Member Relations and Services at debbiesscm@nrvc.net
At the biennial Convocation, NRVC traditionally presents awards for outstanding service in vocation ministry. The slate of names for two of these awards come from the NRVC membership. The 2014 awards booklet can be downloaded here.
This award honors an NRVC member for his or her extraordinary service in vocation ministry. The criteria for this NRVC Recognition Award is as follows:
This person must be a NRVC member for at least three years. Download the application here.
In honor of NRVC’s 25th anniversary, the NRVC board initiated the Mustard Seed Award. This award is intended to honor an individual or group who has made a significant impact on vocation ministry through small, local initiatives (diocese, parish, etc.) that have grown to include other individuals, groups and organizations. Such local efforts help grow a vocation culture and raise the awareness of all the faithful about their shared baptismal call to holiness. This individual or group does not have to be a member of NRVC nor a vocation director. Download the application here.
Please email all completed recommendations to Debbie Prieto at daprieto@nrvc.net or mail to the NRVC office by Friday, April 22. The national board will make the final selection at the May board meeting.
NRVC member early registration rate: $585
Non-member early registration rate: $875
Pre-Convocation Workshop member rate: $175
Pre-Convocation Workshop non-member rate: $265
Commuter fee (only for those not staying at the hotel) $100
We urge you to stay at the Sheraton hotel where the conference is held. We are dependent on reaching a set number of rooms as specified in our contract with the hotel. The costs to NRVC for this Convocation will be significantly higher if this quota is not met.
NRVC member rate after October 1: $685
Non-member rate after October 1: $975
Cancellation fee: $100
Hotel Accommodations: $115 per night (without taxes).
Parking and internet access is complimentary if you are a hotel guest.
 |
 |
 |
 |
The 332 participants in NRVC’s convocation, held November 6-10 in Chicago, gave the gathering high marks in their evaluations. They praised the 25th jubilee event for the fresh ideas, networking, and inspiration it provided. Attendees came from 25 countries, including Austria, Canada, Chile, Ireland, Mexico, Trinidad, and the United Kingdom. To view the brochore about Convocation, please click here.
Approximately three quarters of the 159 evaluators said it exceeded their expectations; 96 percent gave it three or four out of four.
Photos View and download them at flickr.com/nrvc. (Thank you to Sister Belinda Monahan, O.S.B. and Father Toby Collins, C.R. for your photography work.)
Audio or video Call AVM at 888-763-1464 to order discs of speakers or workshops. Click here for the order form.
Keynote presentations and a selection of convocation reflections will be published in the Winter 2015 HORIZON, which mails in early February. Pre-order additional hard copies of HORIZON, $25 each: cscheiber@nrvc.net.
Donations Thank you to all who contributed during the convocation’s final Mass to the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, pbmr.org. Donations totaled $1,638.
Hotel billing Any concerns in this regard should be directed to Nix and Associates at 800-266-0866 or 314-645-1455.
Videos used during the convocation (such as the video of laity expressing appreciation for religious life) are posted on the NRVC YouTube channel. All of these videos can be shared and used on your own social media sites.
Sponsors A final word of thanks to our sponsors and 28 exhibitors, A list of exhibitors can be viewed or downloaded.
Contacts If you wish to send thanks to the Catholic schoolchildren who wrote notes to attendees or contact anyone else involved with the convocation, please email Sister Debbie Borneman, SS.C.M. at debbiesscm@nrvc.net. She will help you to get in touch with the appropriate people.
CONNECT WITH NRVC
Christmas holiday
via Zoom
via Zoom
© 2024 National Religious Vocation Conference NRVC
( * ) Site design and programming by ideaPort, LLC
