Summer Workshops

Summer Workshops


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2015 Workshops

Overview & Schedule

 

The National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) reflects all forms of religious life and is committed to providing its membership with educational opportunities, resources, and other supportive services that strengthen and enhance spiritual, professional and personal growth. It is essential for professional vocation ministers to keep updated in the trends, issues, skills, and best practices in the field of vocation ministry. NRVC members make lifelong education a priority and the NRVC recommends that all vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to further develop their professional skills and competencies. 


This year, NRVC is offering three workshops for professional development at its annual Summer Institute. Workshops are intended for vocation ministers, formation teams, seminary personnel, religious leadership and others entrusted with the assessment of discerners and candidates. Workshops are designed 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.

While the message from the risen Christ to “Come, follow me” has not changed in over two millennia, the methods used to promote vocations continue to evolve. Through our programs, NRVC strives to provide participants with the tools and information they need to minister effectively in this day and age.

Sister Deborah M. Borneman, SS.C.M.

Director of Member Relations and Services

 

2016 Workshop Schedule

 

  • Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors  July 12-17, 2016
  • Ethical Issues in Vocation Ministry and Formation Ministry  July 18-19, 2016
  • Behavioral Assessment 1 July 21-23, 2016

 

NRVC Misericordia Scholarship Fund

In his announcement of the Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said, “No one can be excluded from the mercy of God . . . the Church is the house that welcomes all and refuses no one.” Because we at NRVC believe in what do, we want to welcome all—and refuse no one—to our mission of promoting religious life for the next generation.

The Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available for NRVC members due to the generosity of donations made by NRVC members. Scholarship funds can be applied to NRVC workshops, however they do not cover the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals, or personal expenses. If you would like to attend an NRVC workshop and need financial assistance, please contact our Director of Member Relations and Services, Sr. Deborah Marie Borneman, SS.C.M. at debbiesscm@nrvc.net. 

 



2015 Summer Institute

July 12-23, 2016

 

Summer Institute offered July 12-23, 2016

Our annual Summer Institute will offer three workshops at the downtown campus of DePaul University, July 12-23, 2016. It's your choice as to how many workshops to participate in this summer. Located in the popular Chicago Loop at Jackson and State Streets, DePaul University is easily accessible from both Midway (MDW) and O'Hare (ORD) airports by shuttle, taxi, and CTA trains. The Loop Campus is located at 1 East Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL. For more information, visit their website at www.depaul.edu/about/campuses/Pages/loop.aspx 

 

Registration for workshops will begin at the beginning of February. NRVC workshops offered this summer include:

 

  • Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors, offered July 12-17, 2016.
  • Ethical Issues in Vocation and Formation Ministry, offered July 18-19, 2016.
  • Behavioral Assessment 1, offered July 21-23, 2016.

Registration Reminders

Commuter

If you do not require overnight housing, please register as a commuter. 

Resident

Limited rooms for overnight accommodations are available in reserved blocks for NRVC Summer Institute participants at the University Center, which is just two blocks from DePaul University. Enjoy the convenience of having your workshop close to restaurants, shopping, museums and Lake Michigan. The University Center offers two-person suites, which include a private bedroom and a shared bathroom with another NRVC workshop participant. Your overnight accommodation includes a buffet breakfast on weekdays or a brunch on weekends.

Make your reservations for overnight accommodations when you register online for your workshop. Reservations for rooms are made in a block schedule for each workshop. You are responsible for the full payment of the room reservation, regardless of your arrival or departure times. Check-in is after 3:00 p.m. on the day before the workshop begins. Check out dates vary depending upon each workshop. Due to the contractual agreement with University Center, dates cannot be adjusted for early arrivals/late departures. If you are traveling from overseas, please call the NRVC office at 773-363-5454 for possible housing alternatives if you need additional nights of accommodations. Please do not call the University Center for reservations. 

Late registration

Registrations for workshops received after July 1 will incur a $100 fee per workshop.

Cancellations 

Cancellation of any summer workshop or room accommodations must be received in writing before June 15 to receive a refund less a $100 processing fee. After the deadline, all payments are non-refundable.

Mass 

Mass for workshop participants will be offered each day (except Sunday) at 8:00 AM in the Lewis Center building located within the DePaul University Building at Jackson and Wabash. If you need to attend liturgy at another time, St. Peter’s in the Loop located at  110 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60602-4196 offers liturgy at the following times during the week: 6:15 AM, 7:15 AM, 8:15 AM, 11:40 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:15 PM, and 5:00 PM. 

 

I loved the accommodations: they were safe and close to DePaul University. The cafeteria at the University Center was also very good; I used it often for my breakfast. Father Remo Zanatta C.R.S.

It was convenient to have breakfast right there at the University Center. I guess I'd have to say that the biggest plus for me with housing was that it was so close to where we met for the Institute. I liked being able to walk there and not have to worry about finding transportation. It was also close enough to the lake that we walked there a number of evenings.

Sister Clarice Korger, O.S.B.



2016 Behavioral Assessment II

July 17-18, 2015

By Fr. Raymond P. Carey Ph.D.

Click on the following link to register today
www.regonline.com/BAII_summer_2015

All participants must have attended Behavioral Assessment I before participating in this program. This workshop is a follow-up to Behavioral Assessment I and builds upon those skills. It is directed to those who have had experience in conducting assessment interviews. Workshop participants are invited to come prepared with topics, discussion questions or case studies to consider during the workshop. Behavioral Assessment I is a prerequisite for this workshop.

Schedule

This workshop begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 17 and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 18.

Presenter

Father Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D. is a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland, OR. He has taught at both the secondary and university levels, and currently teaches at Mount Angel Seminary Graduate School of Theology in Saint Benedict, Oregon. Father Carey holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has presented workshops in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. He is a past recipient of the NRVC Harvest Award for his work in service of vocation ministry.

 

Workshop Fees 

Fees include lunch, materials, speaker and facility fee, but not parking, breakfast, or supper.

Commuter:    

   $ 300 – NRVC Member
        $ 450 – Non-NRVC Member

Resident:    

        $ 615 – NRVC Member
        $ 765 – Non-NRVC Member    

Room reservations are for 3 nights with a check-in after 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 16 and a check out by 10 a.m. on Sunday, July 19. The Center has a locked storage unit to hold luggage until you are ready to leave on the day of your departure.

 

My community said: “Anything you can get from a Ray Carey presentation is great!” They were right!  —Sister Mary Jo Stein, D.C.

Father Ray is a great presenter and he makes it great because he has so many stories to make it interesting. —Sister Barbara Smith, O.S.B.

Most of my community has been asking me if I have completed Ray Carey’s workshop yet. Now I know why! —Brother Joseph Quinlan, O.F.M. Cap.

Click on the following link to register today: www.regonline.com/BAII_summer_2015

 



2016 Behavioral Assessment I, July 21-23, 2016

By Fr. Raymond P. Carey Ph.D.

Registration will open in early February. 

This workshop presents practical interviewing techniques housed in a theoretical framework of behavioral assessment. While the focus of the workshop is on initial assessment of candidates, the methodology easily applies to assessing candidates in other stages of formation as well. Workshop participants study sample case reports, and learn skills for interviewing as well as guidelines for organizing the information into useful reports. Interview topics include: family background, educational and occupational histories, psychosexual histories and intimacy skills, faith history, and other pertinent issues related to comprehensive vocational assessment.

Schedule

This daily workshop is from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with lunch offered from noon to 1:30 p.m. This workshop begins at 9 a.m. on Thursday,  July 21 and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday,  July 23. 

 

Presenter

Father Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D. is a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland, OR. He has taught at both the secondary and university levels, and currently teaches at Mount Angel Seminary Graduate School of Theology in Saint Benedict, Oregon. Father Carey holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has presented workshops in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. He is a past recipient of the NRVC Harvest Award for his work in service of vocation ministry.

Workshop fees

Fees include lunch, materials, speaker and facility fee, but not parking, breakfast, or supper.

Commuter:

$ 450 – NRVC Member
$ 675 – Non-NRVC Member

Resident:   Please note that housing is nearly sold out, register today.

$ 870 – NRVC Member
$ 1095 – Non-NRVC Member    


Room reservations are for 4 nights with a check-in after 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 19 and a check out by 11 a.m. on Thursday, July 23. The Center has a locked storage unit to hold luggage until you are ready to leave on the day of your departure. If you are staying for the next workshop, you will not need to check out.

 

This workshop covered all it set out to do. The content was clear and relevant to my mission and ministry. What I found most helpful were the sample case studies and guidelines for organizing the data into useful reports. 

—Father Nam Vu, S.V.D.

The most helpful part of the conference was real answers to real needs. My sense is that finally I have something to apply to the issues I struggle with in assessing candidates.

—Sister Mary Ana Steele, O.S.F.

 

Click on the following link to register today: www.regonline.com/BAI_summer_2015

 

 

 
 
 


2016 Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors,

July 12-17, 2016

By Br. Paul Bednarczyk C.S.C. and Sister Deborah M. Borneman SS.C.M.

 

This 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 include:  theology of call; candidate issues; discernment, assessment and the application process; the role of membership and religious leadership; advertising and education; ethics and boundaries; and self-care of the vocation director.

Schedule

This workshop begins at 9 a.m. on Friday, July 24 and ends at noon on Tuesday, July 28. Some of the printed material is now available in Spanish. Please indicate when you register if you would prefer an English or Spanish binder.

Presenters

Brother Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C. is a member of the Congregation of Holy Cross, and has been the Executive Director of the National Religious Vocation Conference since 2002. Prior to this ministry, Brother Paul served as teacher, administrator and campus minister in Holy Cross schools in Maryland and Rome, Italy. He was vocation director and member of the provincial council for the Eastern Province of Brothers for nine years. He has written several articles for Review for Religious, Vision, and Horizon and has given workshops in North America, Australia and Europe. Brother Paul has a M.A. degree in religion and religious education with a concentration in spirituality from Fordham University.

Sister Deborah M. Borneman, SS.C.M. is a member of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius. She began her position at NRVC in 2011 and currently serves as NRVC Director of Member Relations and Services. Sister Debbie has served previously in youth ministry, campus ministry, parish pastoral care, and as vocation director for her congregation. She also ministered as coordinator for vocation awareness programs for the Diocese of Harrisburg. Sister Debbie has a Master of Divinity and an M.A. degree from Loyola University of Chicago.

Program fees

Fees include lunch, materials, speaker and facility fee, but not parking, breakfast, or supper.


Commuter:    

$ 630 – NRVC Member
 $ 945 – Non-NRVC Member
 

Resident:    Please note that housing is nearly sold out for this workshop

$1155 – NRVC Member     
$1470 – Non-NRVC Member  

 

Room reservations are for 5 nights with a check-in after 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 23 and a check out by 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28. If you are staying for the next workshop, you will not need to check out. 

 

I really appreciated all of the featured resources, both in print and in electronic media. Everything was very practical. 

—Brother John Eustice, C.S.V.

Brother Paul and Sister Debbie work very well together. Their delivery, as well as their knowledge of content was helpful for receiving and processing information. I feel their ongoing support will be a benefit as well. Their life experience examples were truly helpful. The sense of support from NRVC and the networking with other vocation ministers was extremely helpful. I like that there’s ongoing educational programs through NRVC.

Sister Kelley Rush, S.N.D.
 

Click the following link to register today: www.regonline.com/op_summer_2015

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


2016 The Assessment of Family of Origin Issues for Candidates to Religious Life

July 29-31, 2015

By Fr. Gerard J. McGlone S.J.

Click on the following link to register today: www.regonline.com/assess_fam_origin_issues_summer_2015

Family of origin issues often present many land mines for vocation and formation personnel. All too often these issues end up sabotaging the individual and the community’s health and well-being if left unaddressed. One of the principal objectives of this workshop will be to help vocation ministers formulate specific and more appropriate questions, which when answered, may inhibit or exclude candidacy. The format will be within an adult learning methodology.  It will attempt to be highly interactive with ample time for individual and group processing, discussion of specific cases and utilizing the very latest in research and theory on this topic.

 

Schedule

This workshop begins at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 29 and ends at noon on Friday, July 31.


Presenter

Father Gerard J. McGlone, S.J., Ph.D. Father Gerard J. McGlone, S.J., Ph.D. is a Jesuit priest of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus ordained in 1987. He currently consults nationally and internationally with many organizations, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM). He was a clinical and research fellow at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and an Assistant Professor at Georgetown University, School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry. He has held several clinical and leadership roles at major treatment centers in the United States and served as a bilingual psychotherapist.

 

Workshop fees:

Fees include lunch, materials, speaker and facility fee, but not parking, breakfast, or supper.

Commuter:    

$ 375 – NRVC Member
$ 563 – Non-NRVC Member

Resident:    Please note that housing is nearly sold out for this workshop

$ 690 – NRVC Member
$ 878 – Non-NRVC Member            


Room reservations are for 3 nights with a check-in after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28 and a check out by 9 a.m. on Friday, July 31. The Center has a locked storage unit to hold luggage until you are ready to leave on the day of your departure.  If you are staying for the next workshop, you will not need to check out.

The schedule was respectful of the varied needs of participants. I liked starting with Mass and the longer lunch break. Chicago is a beautiful setting. The group size was good, with a mix of women and men from diverse communities.

—Brother John Scherer, O.F.M. Cap.

The networking and storytelling with other vocation ministers was most helpful. This is a safe space to ask questions.

—Sister Teresita Richards, S.N.D.

Click on the following link to register today: www.regonline.com/assess_fam_origin_issues_summer_2015

 


2015 Vocaciones sin Fronteras en un Mundo Cambiante

Vocations without Borders in a Changing World

 

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.



2015 Summer Days of Service

Year of Consecrated Life Event

Summer Days of Service

Year of Consecrated Life Event

As part of the Year of Consecrated Life, women and men religious are providing collaborative service immersion programs around the country. 

 

 

As a way of promoting the mission and increasing the visibility of religious communities, the U.S. bishops are encouraging religious orders to sponsor service projects this summer. As a result many communities are sponsoring opportunities for service, ranging from soup kitchen assistance to house building.

An example of a collaborative project is a Habitat for Humanity house construction project that 26 religious orders in the Louisville, Kentucky region are supporting. Throughout the summer of 2015 young people and other interested adults are working side by side with sisters, brothers, and priests to construct a Habitat for Humanity home for a mother and her eight children. The project is called “Wake up the World” and was begun by religious communities in honor of the Year of Consecrated Life. Click here for further details.

 



2018 Behavioral Assessment 1, July 16-18

Presenter: Father Raymond Carey, Ph.D.

Registration will open in early February. 

This workshop presents practical interviewing techniques housed in a theoretical framework of behavioral assessment. While the focus of the workshop is on initial assessment of candidates, the methodology easily applies to assessing candidates in other stages of formation as well. Workshop participants study sample case reports and learn skills for interviewing as well as guidelines for organizing the information into useful reports. Interview topics include: family background, educational and occupational histories, psychosexual histories and intimacy skills, faith history, and other pertinent issues related to comprehensive vocational assessment.

Schedule

This workshop begins at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 16 and ends at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday,  July 18.  Overnight accommodations are contracted for 4 nights, arrival on July 15 and check out on July 19.​

 

Presenter

Father Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D. is a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland, OR. He has taught at both the secondary and university levels and currently teaches at Mount Angel Seminary Graduate School of Theology in Saint Benedict, Oregon. Father Carey holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has presented workshops in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. He is a past recipient of the NRVC Harvest Award for his work in service of vocation ministry.

Workshop fees

Workshop fees include materials, speaker and facility fees. The fees do not include refreshments, meals, or parking.

Commuter:

$ 450 – NRVC Member
$ 675 – Non-NRVC Member

Resident:

$ 910 – NRVC Member
$ 1,135 – Non-NRVC Member    


Room reservations at the University Center are for 4 nights with a check-in after 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 15 and a check out by 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 19. The Center has a locked storage unit to hold luggage until you are ready to leave on the day of your departure. If you are staying for the next workshop, you will not need to check out.

 

The content was helpful from beginning to end; there is no doubt my assessments will be more thorough. Thanks, Father Ray, for your expertise, experience, and sense of humor! 

—Sister Ann Letourneau, C.S.J.,Psy.D.

Having actual cases to review was very helpful. I learned a lot in the workshop, and I have a good idea on how to grow going forward. Father Ray practices what he teaches and is very credible. This is a great way to prepare for vocation ministry. 

—Brother Jason Graves, O.F.M.Cap.

Registration available in February.

 
 


2018 Ethical issues in vocation/formation ministry, July 20-21

Presenter: Father Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D.

NRVC workshop on Ethical Issues

Click here to register

This workshop will explore ethical principles governing confidentiality, agency and obligations related to positions of trust. The workshop will also address issues related to dissemination of information, the timeliness of admissions or dismissal decisions, and other issues related to ethical rights of candidates as well as ethical rights of those in positions of authority.

Schedule

Friday,  July 20 and Saturday,  July 21

9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please note this workshop ends at 4:30 p.m. on July 21. Overnight accommodations are contracted for three nights, arrival on July 19 and check out on July 22.

 

Father Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D. is a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland, Oregon. He has taught at both the secondary and university levels and presently teaches at Mount Angel Seminary Graduate School of Theology in Saint Benedict, Oregon. Father Carey holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has presented workshops in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji. He is a past recipient of the NRVC Harvest Award for his work in service of vocation ministry.

Workshop fees 

Workshop fees include materials, speaker and facility fees. The fee does not include refreshments, meals or parking. 

Commuter:    
$ 300 – NRVC Member
$ 450 – Non-NRVC Member

Resident:    Your fees as a resident include all meals at this workshop.
$ 645 – NRVC Member
$ 795 – Non-NRVC Member            

Financial assistance available

The Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available for NRVC members due to the generosity of donations made by NRVC members. Scholarship funds can be applied to NRVC workshops; however they do not cover the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals, or personal expenses. If you would like to attend an NRVC workshop and need financial assistance, please contact our Director of Member Relations and Services, Sister Deborah  Borneman, SS.C.M. at debbiesscm@nrvc.net. 

 

All of the content is very helpful, most especially the explanation of agency and confidentiality as they apply to vocation ministry. This workshop helped me to be aware of my ethical responsibility as a vocation minister. Father Ray is an excellent presenter. 

—Sister Marianne Lallone, I.H.M.

 

Exceptional! As a community reforming our formation house/community, this workshop is priceless! There is no one better than Father Ray Carey! It’s not simply the content, which is so important, he is a teacher par excellence because he teaches with his life! 

—Sister Jeanne Marie Gocha, C.S.J.

 

It was inspiring to house ethical issues with the strong underpinning of reverence and respect of persons. It was very helpful to review and concretize the meaning and implications of agency and fiduciary trust. The real life stories made it very practical, thank you for the matrix of shalom

—Sister Brenda Lynn McHugh, D.S.M.P.

 

NRVC ethical issues workshop

Click here to register



2016 Ethical Issues in Vocation and Formation Ministry

July 18-19, 2016

By Fr. Raymond P. Carey Ph.D.

Register today by clicking here.

This workshop will explore ethical principles governing confidentiality, agency and obligations related to positions of trust. The workshop will also address issues related to dissemination of information, the timeliness of admissions or dismissal decisions, and other issues related to ethical rights of candidates as well as ethical rights of those in positions of authority.

Schedule

Monday,  July 18 and Tuesday,  July 19

9:00 a.m. to 4:30 pm.

Overnight room reservations are for 3 nights with a check-in after 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 17 and a check out by 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20. If you are staying for the next workshop, you will not need to check out.

 

Father Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D. is a priest of the Archdiocese of Portland, OR. He has taught at both the secondary and university levels, and currently teaches at Mount Angel Seminary Graduate School of Theology in Saint Benedict, Oregon. Father Carey holds a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Ottawa, Canada. He has presented workshops in North America, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. He is a past recipient of the NRVC Harvest Award for his work in service of vocation ministry.

Workshop fees 

Workshop fees include materials, speaker, and facility fees. The fee does not include meals or parking. 

Commuter:    
$ 300 – NRVC Member
$ 450 – Non-NRVC Member

Resident:    Your fees as a resident include all meals at this workshop.
$ 630 – NRVC Member
$ 780 – Non-NRVC Member            

Financial Assistance Available

In his announcement of the Holy Year of Mercy, Pope Francis said, “No one can be excluded from the mercy of God . . . the Church is the house that welcomes all and refuses no one.” Because we at NRVC believe in what do, we want to welcome all—and refuse no one—to our mission of promoting religious life for the next generation. 

The Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available for NRVC members due to the generosity of donations made by NRVC members. Scholarship funds can be applied to NRVC workshops, however they do not cover the cost of transportation, accommodations, meals, or personal expenses. If you would like to attend an NRVC workshop and need financial assistance, please contact our Director of Member Relations and Services, Sr. Deborah Marie Borneman, SS.C.M. at debbiesscm@nrvc.net. 

 

Excellent. Real. Pastoral. Does not shy away from tough issues.

—Sister Susan Francois, C.S.J.P., New Jersey

Rev. Carey is a professional and his examples are tremendously helpful. His stories 'click' and I found the concept of fiduciary trust to be informative and most helpful.

-Father Leandro Fossa, C.S., California 

I found the new understanding of the responsibility of the ‘agent’ and ‘agency’ most helpful. I left  encouraged that I will be able to undertake this new ministry as the agent of my religious community. I am prepared and ready to begin.

—Sister Angela Mathlin, S.S.M., Wisconsin

The stress on clarity of agency was very enlightening and the material on the 'right and need to know'. This workshop gave me a full picture of ethical issues that I had not previously contemplated.

-Father Matthew Allman, C.S.s.R., New York

 



2018 Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors, July 10-14, 2018

Presenters: Sister Debbie Borneman, SS.C.M.; Sister Sharon Dillon, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F.; Father Adam MacDonald, S.V.D.

2017 NRVC Summer Insttitute

 

Registration available in early February.

This 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 theology of call; candidate issues; discernment, assessment and the application process; the role of membership and religious leadership; advertising and education; ethics and boundaries; and self-care of the vocation director.

Schedule

Please note this workshop ends at 4:30 p.m. on July 14. Overnight accommodations are contracted for 6 nights, arrival on July 9 and check out on July 15.  

Fees

Workshop fees include materials, speaker, morning light refreshments, and facility fees. The fees do not include meals or parking. 

Commuter:  $750 – NRVC Member     $1225 – Non-NRVC Member
Resident:  $1,440 – NRVC Member   $1950 – Non-NRVC Member  

LATE REGISTRATION

Registrations for workshops received after June 25 will incur a $100 late fee per workshop:

CANCELLATIONS

Cancellations for workshops and/or accommodations must be received in writing before June 25 to receive a full refund, less a $100 processing fee per workshop. After the deadline, all fees are non-refundable for the cancellation of workshops and/or accommodations. 

Presenters

 

Sister Deborah M. Borneman, SS.C.M. is a member of the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius. She began working for the NRVC in 2011 and currently serves as the Director of Member Relations and Services. Sister Debbie has served previously in youth ministry, campus ministry, parish pastoral care, and as vocation director for her congregation. She also ministered as coordinator for vocation awareness programs for the Diocese of Harrisburg. Sister Debbie has a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University of Chicago. She focused her research on The Weariness among Women Religious in Promoting Vocations to Religious Life in the Twenty-first Century.

Sr. Sharon Dillon, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F.Sister Sharon Dillon, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F. is a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. She was vocation director for her community for 10 years and served as executive director for the Franciscan Federation for six years. In the past 25 years she also co-founded, directed, worked at, and served on the board of several nonprofits that specialize in providing hospitality and support for people with intellectual and medical/physical challenges. Sister Sharon has a master’s in education, is certified in special education and physical education, and is a Franciscan spiritual director.

Fr. Alan McDonald SVDFather Adam MacDonald, S.V.D. is a native of Flint, Michigan, was ordained a priest of the Society of the Divine Word in 2000.  Since 2011, Father 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. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from the Center for Spiritual Development in Orange, California. He currently serves on the NRVC National Board and has previously served on the NRVC Editorial Board and the Vocation Ambassador Design team.

Brother Chris Patiño, F.S.C.Brother Chris Patiño, F.S.C. is a De La Salle Christian Brother and currently serves as Director of Vocation Ministry for the Christian Brothers' U.S. Western Province. He previously served in education in Los Angeles and Tucson. Brother Chris holds an undergraduate degree in Religious Studies (University of Arizona) and a Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (Loyola University of Chicago). In addition to his responsibilities as vocation director, he serves on the Provincial Council, the Board of Trustees of De La Salle North Catholic High School in Portland, the Religious Brothers Conference Board, and as NRVC West Coast Member Area Co-coordinator.


 

 

 

A very good overview of vocation ministry, its professional standards and expectations for safeguarding inquirers while meeting the needs of congregational leadership.  

 —Sister Mary Kay Dobrovolny, R.S.M.

Well done. Almost too much information but you never know when you need to reference it in the future.

—Brother Michael Andrejko, F.S.C.

Registration available in early February.



2018 Assessment of Family of Origin Issues for Candidates, July 16-18

Presenter: Father Gerard McGlone, S.J., Ph.D.

2017 NRVC Summer Institute

Click here to register 

Family of Origin issues often present many landmines for vocation and formation personnel. All too often, these issues end up sabotaging the individual and the community’s health and well-being if left unaddressed. One of the principal objectives of this workshop will be to help vocation ministers formulate specific and more appropriate questions, which when answered, may preclude admission. The format will be within an adult learning methodology.  It will attempt to be highly interactive, with ample time for individual and group processing and discussion of specific cases,  utilizing the very latest in research and theory on this topic.

 

Schedule

Please note this workshop begins at 9:00 a.m. on July 16 and ends at 4:30 p.m. on July 18. Overnight accommodations are contracted for four nights, arrival on July 15 and check out on July 19.


Presenter

Father Gerard J. McGlone, S.J., Ph.D.  was ordained in 1987 as a Jesuit priest of the Maryland Province of the Society of Jesus. He currently serves as the Associate Director for the Protection of Minors for the Conference of Major Superiors of Men. He previously served as the Director of Counseling Services and Staff Psychology at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He was a clinical and research fellow at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences. He has been a psychotherapist in many settings while in California, Massachusetts, Maryland, and Pennsylvania for almost 25 years. Father Jerry co-edited with Dr. Fernando Ortiz the award winning book published by Liturgical Press: To Be One in Christ: Intercultural Formation and Ministry.

 

Workshop fees:

Fees include lunch, materials, speaker and facility fee, but not parking, breakfast, or supper.

Commuter:    

$ 450 – NRVC Member
$ 675 – Non-NRVC Member

Resident:

$ 910– NRVC Member
$ 1,135– Non-NRVC Member            

 

I loved Father Jerry’s teaching style and the way he modeled good assessment interviewing. Having us experience some of what we ask of our candidates was brilliant!  

—Sister Celeste Mokrzycki, S.S.J.

Father Jerry’s openness with his own story, his expertise in assessing family of origin issues, and entering into the story of the other, was powerful in uncovering the hidden pieces of stories. 

—Sister M. Kelley Rush, S.N.D.

Click here to register 

 


2017 NRVC Summer Institute, July 10-25, 2017

Registration and accommodation information

 

Our annual Summer Institute will offer four workshops at the downtown campus of DePaul University, July 10-25, 2017. Choose to attend one or several workshops. Located in the popular Chicago Loop at 1 East Jackson Boulevard, DePaul University is easily accessible from both Midway and O’Hare airports by shuttle, taxi, and Chicago mass transit. . For more information about the venue, visit their website at www.depaul.edu/about/campuses/Pages/loop.aspx 

Workshops

 

Summer Institute

 

Workshop registration

Please register for all workshops through our online registration form. Simply click the registration link that appears in each workshop description to register for that event.

 

Registration fees

Workshops are open to NRVC members at a discounted rate and for non-members at an affordable price. Since 2014, all NRVC workshops are consistently priced at $150 per day per NRVC member, regardless of the topic or speaker. Non-members pay $225 (an additional 50%) per person per day for each workshop. Not an NRVC member? Signup now to receive the discounted rate on workshops. To sign up click here

Late registration

Registrations for workshops received after June 27 will incur a $100 late fee per workshop.

Accommodations

Overnight accommodations are $115 per night for anyone in need of housing regardless of membership status. 

For the convenience of participants, affordable housing is contracted through University Center, which is just two blocks from DePaul University, close to restaurants, museums, and Lake Michigan. The University Center offers private bedrooms in a two-person suite connected to a shared bathroom with other NRVC workshop participants. A breakfast buffet, linen service, and fitness center is included. Limited rooms are available; make your overnight accommodations when you register for your workshop. Please do not call the University Center for reservations. 

If you need overnight accommodations at the University Center, register as a resident (if you will drive to/from the workshops each day, register as a commuter).

DePaul University is a fantastic location and it has been great to be here!  

Father Brian Nolan, C.S.s.R.

Commuter

If you do not require overnight accommodations, please register as a commuter.

 

Resident

If you need overnight accommodations at the University Center, register as a resident). Reservations are contracted for arrivals after 3 p.m. the day before the workshop begins and most workshops have check-out the day after the workshop ends by 9 a.m. This means you are responsible for the full payment of the room reservation, regardless of your arrival and departure date.  Unfortunately, room reservations cannot be made for earlier arrivals or later departures. The Center has a locked storage unit to hold luggage until you are ready to leave on the day of your departure. If you are staying for the next workshop, you will not need to check out. 

Please note that these accommodations are designed very simply for university students and short stays at an affordable rate of $115 per night, per person. If you need more amenities, make your reservation at local hotels. The Travelodge, Congress Hotel, Harrison Hotel, and the Hilton are all within walking distance from DePaul University. If you do not need overnight accommodations at the University Center, register as a commuter.

 

Cancellations

Cancellations for workshops and/or accommodations must be received in writing before June 27 to receive a full refund, less a $100 processing fee per workshop. After the deadline, all fees are non-refundable for the cancellation of workshops and/or accommodations. 

 

Mass

Mass for workshop participants will be offered each day (except Sunday) at 8 a.m. in the Lewis Center building located within the DePaul University Building at Jackson and Wabash. If you need to attend liturgy at another time, St. Peter’s in the Loop at  110 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60602-4196 offers liturgy at the following times during the week: 6:15 a.m., 7:15 a.m., 8:15 a.m., 11:40 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:15 p.m., and 5 p.m. 

Mass at Summer Institute

I appreciate the fine work NRVC continues to do to help vocation ministers and leadership to become more competent.

—Sister Christine Garcia, S.S.N.D.



2017 NRVC Programs and Workshops

Registration now!

 

General Information

The Mission of the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) reflects its commitment to provide membership with educational opportunities, resources, and other supportive services that strengthen and enhance the professional ministerial skills of those serving in vocation ministry. NRVC strongly suggests that vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to attend to their own vocation, faith formation, and to further develop their professional competencies. It is essential for vocation ministers to keep up-to-date on trends, issues, skills, and best practices in the field of vocation ministry.  

This year, NRVC is offering eight workshops intended for vocation ministers, formation teams, communicators, religious leadership, and others entrusted with the assessment of discerners and candidates. Workshops are designed from the NRVC three-component 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. 

I have learned so much. I never realized all the implications of what it means to be a vocation minister. What an awesome responsibility! Thank you. You have helped me greatly.

—Sister Laura Urbano, P.B.V.M. 

 

2017 Program Schedule

SUMMER

FALL

Registration fees

Workshops are open to NRVC members at the consistently low discounted rate of $150 per day per member and for non-members at $225 per day per person. The Vocation Ambassador Program requires a preapproved application. Learn more here. 

Not an NRVC member? Signup here to receive the discounted rate.
 

Accommodations

Overnight accommodations are $115 per night for anyone in need of housing regardless of membership status. Click on the following links for additional information regarding accommodations: 

Summer Institute

Fall Institute
 

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 debbiesscm@nrvc.net for an application.
 

The schedule was super! Time for breakfast, prayer, Mass in the morning without rush—as well as generous time for lunch and breaks. 

—Sister Laura Cavanaugh, S.B.S



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Click here to locate the Member Area Coordinators in your Member Area. 

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International Member Area Presentation

November 21, 2024,

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Nov 28-29, 2024,

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December 10, 2024,

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Jubilee Year 2025,

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Southwest Member Area Gathering

January 15, 2025,

via Zoom

World Day for Consecrated Life

February 2, 2025,

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