Registration for the Fall Institute is now open, which will be conducted on Zoom. Among the five workshops is Culture Matters: Are We Listening with Today's Discerners, a transformative series for vocation ministers to grow their awareness of and responses to biases, navigate cultural elements when interacting with diverse populations, and recognize cultural nuances when reading candidates' autobiographies. It's a can't-miss professional development opportunity!

Click on each workshop link for details and registration.

October 6-10, Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors   

October 13, Understanding the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences on Candidates for Religious Life

October 14, 21, and 28 (only Tuesdays), Culture Matters: are we listening with today's discerners 

October 15-17, Behavioral Assessment 1

October 29-30, Ethical Issues in Candidate Assessment

Adapted from the "I hope you come to find" prayer card, this great giveaway is entirely written in Spanish. The inspirational prayer on the front is by martyred Maryknoll Sister Ita Ford, and the back side of the card provides a list of notable witnesses from scripture who answered God's call. Purchase a pack of 100 here; $6 members, $9 nonmembers.

The NRVC extends heartfelt gratitude to the following member area coordinators for their term completion:

Heartland: Mrs. Michelle Horton (3 years) 

Midwest: Sister Jill Marie Reuber, O.S.B. (3 years) 

Mid-Atlantic: Sister Jean Rhoads, D.C. (3 years)

West Coast: Father Radmar Jao, S.J. (2 years)

We appreciate your time, leadership, and good work to animate NRVC members in your area and look forward to seeing you at future vocation events. The August newsletter will announce our newly elected member area coordinators.

After seven years as development director for the NRVC, starting July 1, Mr. Phil Loftus is leaving the NRVC to continue his full-time role as executive director with the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations. Thank you, Phil, and we wish you well as you continue to build a robust future for religious life. Moving forward, the NRVC leadership team will fulfill development responsibilities. 

The NRVC is offering the workshop "Candidate Assessment Through the Lens of Interculturality," by Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m in the following locations:

September 6, San Antonio, TX

October 18,  Frankfort, IL

The workshop will explore how to assess candidates who come from a different culture, taking into account distinct norms and expressions, possible trauma, etc. One focus will be on how to respectfully gather information without stereotyping, generalizing, or minimizing behaviors of concern. The workshop will also explore possible blind spots and biases that can creep into assessment. 

Thanks to a grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, this workshop is available to NRVC members and their community members for only $25. Learn more and register here.

Mark your calendars to promote vocations at the National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) in Indianapolis November 20-22. NCYC is a three-day immersive experience of prayer, community, evangelization, and service sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). Over 10,000 high school teens, parents, and youth ministers from across the country will gather at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis around the theme, "I Am | Yo Soy."  

In collaboration with NFCYM, the NRVC invites its members to celebrate the Catholic faith and promote vocations by volunteering in its T-shirt swap in the Interactive Exhibit Hall. Details about the conference and the T-shirt swap can be found here. 

As “Pilgrims of Hope,” we’re all called to prayer and reflection during this Jubilee Year. Have you considered holding a prayer service? Visit the NRVC’s jubileeyear2025.org and find an opportunity to fan the flame of hope. Jubilee stickers are also available in 2-inch and 3-inch sizes, perfect for giveaways at your events and gatherings.

“May the grace of the Jubilee reawaken in us, Pilgrims of Hope, a yearning for the treasures of heaven.” –Pope Francis

Whether your community events are virtual or in-person, spread your net widely by posting them on the VISION Vocation Guide free event calendar. Prayer services, retreats, learning or service opportunities, and more are welcome to be listed. Events don't need to be specifically related to vocations. The main criteria is that an event be sponsored by a religious community.  Add your events here.

Check out news about our collaborators: large Catholic gatherings, resources, classes, retreats, and more.