Spring & summer events
Spring & summer events
This year the NRVC is offering three workshops on-site at the Summer Institute in Leavenworth, KS, and three workshops virtually at the Fall Institute. In addition, the Behavioral Assessment 2 workshop will be offered in Tucson, AZ, December 2-3, 2023. These workshops are designed for vocation ministers, formation teams, communicators, religious leadership, and others entrusted with the assessment of discerners and candidates. 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.
The Mission of the National Religious Vocation Conference reflects its commitment to providing members with educational opportunities, relevant resources, and other supportive services that strengthen and enhance the practiced ministerial skills of those serving in vocation ministry. The 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.
Our annual Summer Institute will offer three onsite workshops at the Marillac Center, in Leavenworth, KS, July 5-24, 2023. Choose to attend one or several workshops, it's your choice. All workshops include overnight accommodations at the Marillac Center. Enjoy the convenience of having a private bedroom and bathroom, along with linen service, wi-fi, meals, and breaks. Because of COVID restrictions, the workshops are limited to 23 participants each.
Workshop registration is open in the online store.
Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors
July 11-15, 2023, presented by Sr. Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M., and Fr. Adam MacDonald, S.V.D.
Ethical Issues in Vocation and Formation Ministry
July 18-19 2023, presented by Rev. Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D.
Behavioral Assessment 1
July 21-23, 2023, presented by Rev. Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D.
Take a virtual workshop this autumn in the comfort of your home. Enjoy a travel-free, hassle-free learning experience -- no packing required! Our experienced presenters will engage participants with a reasonable schedule integrated with screen breaks. We will mail your workshop materials to you.
Workshop registration is open in the online store.
Virtual Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors
October 9-13, 2023, presented by Bro. Joseph Bach, O.S.F., Sr. Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M., and Deacon John Eustice, C.S.V.
Virtual Behavioral Assessment 1 workshop
October 17-19 2023, presented by Rev. Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D.
Virtual Accompaniment and Communication with Young Catholics workshop October 24-26, 2023, presented by Dr. Stephen Carroll, Ph.D., Dr. Charlotte McCorquodale, Ph.D., and Mr. Darius Villalobos
The Behavioral Assessment 2 workshop builds upon the acquired skills of Behavioral Assessment I and is designed as a seminar. Because it is directed to those who have had experience in conducting assessment interviews, all participants must have taken Behavioral Assessment 1. Workshop participants are asked to come prepared with topics, discussion questions, or case studies throughout this workshop. It will be offered on-site and include overnight accommodations at the Redemptorist Renewal Center in Tucson, AZ.
Workshop registration is open in the online store.
Behavioral Assessment 2
December 2-3 2023, presented by Rev. Raymond P. Carey, Ph.D.
Workshops are open to NRVC members at a discounted rate and for non-members at an affordable price. Each workshop is $185 per person per day for members and $270 per person per day for non-members, regardless of the workshop. Summer Institute overnight accommodations are $115 per night while the Winter workshop overnight accommodations are $130 per night.
If you would like to become a member to receive the discounted rate, click here.
Summer Institute registrations received after June 30 incur a $100 late fee.
Fall Institute registrations received after October 1 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30/Summer Institute, and October 1/Fall Institute to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 30/October 1, all fees are non-refundable.
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, find out more information here to apply online.
Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.
Direct your questions to Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net
This foundational 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 July 11 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on July 15 at 4:00 p.m. Central time. Overnight accommodations are included with arrivals after 3 pm on July 10 and departures before 9 am on July 16. Please note: If you are staying for the Ethics workshop, you will need to purchase an additional overnight for $115 in the online store.
Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, facility fees, all meals, and breaks. The workshop fee also includes overnight accommodations for 6 nights, arriving after 3:00 p.m. on July 10 and checking out by 9:00 a.m. on July 16. If you do not need overnight accommodations, please contact margyelan@nrvc.net
NRVC member: $1,700 Non-member: $2,175
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
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 previously served as vocation director for her community and on her congregational leadership team. Sr. Debbie has ministerial experience in pastoral care, youth ministry, college campus ministry, and immigration advocacy. She has presented on various topics in vocation ministry in Ireland and throughout the United States. Sr. Debbie holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts Degree in Pastoral Studies (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 presented with the OP team since 2017.
Our annual Summer Institute will offer four onsite workshops at the Marillac Center, in Leavenworth, KS. The nearest airport is Kansas City (MCI) and ground transportation is available through Lyft, Uber, and Super Shuttle. Home of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, the NRVC has long enjoyed this venue for workshops due to its spacious grounds, private rooms/bathrooms, wi-fi capacity, and hospitality. Because of current COVID restrictions, the workshops are limited to 23 participants each.
Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Each workshop includes communal prayer.
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.
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.
–--Sr. 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.
This workshop was more than I expected. It gave a lot of food for thought and also action steps to move forward with vocation promotion in my diocese. I am forever grateful for the friendship found and the great opportunities to connect with others in the pastoral vineyard. It is with great hope I launch out into the deep. Special thanks to all the presenters and staff who made this possible.
--- Rev. Kenwyn Sylvester, Archdiocese of Port of Spain
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 and faith formation to further develop their professional competencies.
Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net
This workshop is designed to assist vocation ministers, congregational leaders, and vocation team members in understanding and articulating the basic ethical values, principles, and standards of vocation ministry. Topics include the ethical principles governing agency, confidentiality, and obligations related to positions of trust; dissemination of information; the timeliness of admissions or dismissal decisions; dual relationships; document disposition; the respect for human dignity, interculturality, and other issues related to ethical rights of candidates as well as ethical rights of those in positions of authority.
Please note this two-day workshop begins on July 18 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on July 19 at 4:00 p.m. Central time. Overnight accommodations are included with arrivals after 3 pm on July 17 and departures before 9 am on July 20. Please note: If you are attending the next workshop, you do not need to check out.
Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, facility fees, all meals, and breaks. The workshop fee also includes overnight accommodations for 3 nights, arriving after 3:00 p.m. on July 17 and checking out by 9:00 a.m. on July 20. If you do not need overnight accommodations, please contact margyelan@nrvc.net
NRVC member: $800 Non-member: $1,000
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Register for this workshop by clicking here to access our online store.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
Reverend 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 presently teaches at Mount Angel Seminary Graduate School of Theology in Saint Benedict, Oregon. Fr. 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 recipient of the NRVC Harvest Award and a Lifetime NRVC member for his work in service of vocation ministry.
Our annual Summer Institute will offer four onsite workshops at the Marillac Center, Leavenworth, KS. The nearest airport is Kansas City (MCI) and ground transportation is available through Lyft, Uber, and Super Shuttle. Home of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, the NRVC has long enjoyed this venue for workshops due to its spacious grounds, private rooms/bathrooms, wi-fi capacity, and hospitality. Because of current COVID restrictions, the workshops are limited to 23 participants each.
Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel. Each workshop includes communal prayer.
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.
Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.
This workshop exceeded my expectations. I thought that it was going to be boring with information and that maybe it was not going to be helpful, but I can say that it was great. I got the tools and knowledge that I need to put into practice! God bless NRVC!
–Fr. Victor Patricio, O.M.I.
I am required to take ethics courses every two years to maintain my LSW license. I have taken a lot of ethics courses over the years. I thought this was the clearest course I have taken. Thank you!
Sr Carrie Christine Zagurskie, A.S.C.J.
I am in leadership and because of the reports we receive when people are applying for vows, I was interested in the content of this program. There are three times that we can assess suitability (before entrance, temporary vows, final vows) and I wanted more content to be better able to make the assessment.
–Sister Marie Ursino, S.H.C.J., ministering in Rome, Italy
The workshop provided a framework and language to assist in thinking about ethical issues. The many stories/ examples were helpful. I feel much clearer about ethical issues and will use this knowledge in my ministry as a formation coordinator.
–Sr. Lynn Mousel, C.H.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.
Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net
This foundational workshop teaches practical interviewing techniques in a theoretical framework of behavioral assessment. While the focus is on the initial assessment of candidates, the methodology is readily adapted to assessing candidates in other stages of formation. Interview topics include family background, educational and occupational histories, psychosexual histories and intimacy skills, faith history, Catholic practices, and other pertinent issues related to comprehensive vocation assessment.
Please note this three-day workshop begins on July 21 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on July 23 at 4:00 p.m. Central time. Overnight accommodations are included with arrivals after 3 pm on July 20 and departures before 9 am on July 24.
Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, facility fees, all meals, and breaks. The workshop fee also includes overnight accommodations for 4 nights, arriving after 3:00 p.m. on July 20 and checking out by 9:00 a.m. on July 24. If you do not need overnight accommodations, please contact margyelan@nrvc.net
NRVC member: $1,100 Non-member: $1,390
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Register for this workshop by clicking here to access our online store.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
Reverend 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 presently teaches at Mount Angel Seminary Graduate School of Theology in Saint Benedict, Oregon. Fr. 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 recipient of the NRVC Harvest Award and is recognized as a Lifetime NRVC member for his significant work in service of vocation ministry.
Our annual Summer Institute will offer four onsite workshops at the Marillac Center, in Leavenworth, KS. The nearest airport is Kansas City (MCI) and ground transportation is available through Lyft, Uber, and Super Shuttle. Home of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, the NRVC has long enjoyed this venue for workshops due to its spacious grounds, private rooms/bathrooms, wi-fi capacity, and hospitality. Because of current COVID restrictions, the workshops are limited to 23 participants each.
Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day at 8:00 A.M. in the Chapel. Each workshop includes communal prayer.
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.
Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.
The most helpful insight for me was the importance of focusing on behavior/data and asking questions that provoke conversation about behavior and not just thoughts or ideas about something.
--Fr. Scott Surrency, O.F.M. Cap.
Fr. Ray is direct, clear, and provides depth through his stories. He tackles tough questions. He is so clear and gives salient examples. I do not have enough superlatives to describe his attributes, skills, and knowledge.
--Sr. Marie Mackey, C.S.J.Father Ray is an excellent presenter. I would attend any of his workshops and recommend him to others. Thank you!
---Brother Timothy Cahill, C.PP.S.
The workshop met my expectations in learning how to assess candidates to religious life and how to address sensitive areas as well as in gaining knowledge and a sense of what can raise a "red flag" in my interviews with candidates.
--Sr. Inga Kvassayova, ISMM
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.
Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net
Mark your calendars for World Youth Day celebrated August 1-6, 2023. Check the official website frequently for updated information. Registration is now open. More information about the vocation fair in the "City of Joy" and to register is here. A WYD leader's guidebook is available here.
Please email debbiesscm@nrvc.net if you are an NRVC member who will be at World Youth Day to add to the list below.
Did you know that 17% of newer entrants who entered religious life between 2003-2018 attended World Youth Day before they entered? Also, 95% of newer entrants to religious life rated meeting with a member(s) of the religious institute as most helpful in discerning their call to religious life. Consider contacting religious communities before you leave for World Youth Day to ask for their prayers throughout your pilgrimage. While in Portugal, get together with some of these communities who will also be there to learn more about consecrated life and vocation discernment.
Augustinians of the Assumption/Assumptionists
Canossian Daughters of Charity
Congregation of Sisters of Bon Secours
Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians, Mary Immaculate Province
Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (ACI)/Esclavas del Sagrado Corazón
Jesuits Fathers and Brothers, Midwest Province
Jesuits Fathers and Brothers, Western Province
USA East Province of the Society of Jesus
YOUTH MINISTERS & PARENTS: Learn more about several resources to help promote vocations with pilgrims preparing for World Youth Day.
Take our Quiz and Prepare for World Youth Day. Take the VISION spirituality quiz and consider your results an invitation to know yourself better and explore different forms of prayer, worship, meditation, and ways of living.
To learn more about consecrated life, community life, and the vows, check out this list of religious institutes. You can view links to their websites and social media platforms to expand your knowledge.
Since 1986, World Youth Day (WYD) is a gathering of young Catholics from all over the world with the Pope. It is also a pilgrimage, a celebration of youth, an expression of the universal Church and an intense moment of evangelization for the youth world.
"Mary arose and went with haste" (Lk 1:39) is the scriptural quote chosen by Pope Francis as the motto of the XXVIII World Youth Day that will be held for the first time in the capital city of Lisbon, Portugal. The biblical phrase opens the account of the Visitation (Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth), a biblical episode following the Annunciation (the angel’s announcement to Mary that she would be the mother of the Son of God, and the theme of the last WYD, in Panama).
The World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 theme song, entitled “Há Pressa no Ar”, was released in January 2021. The song, inspired on the WYD Lisbon 2023 theme "Mary rose up and went with haste" (LK 1:39), is about the ‘yes’ of Mary and about her rush to meet her cousin Elizabeth.
Learn more about prayer and discernment at VISION Vocation Network.org
The United States, through the USCCB, will be providing support materials for leaders through guidebooks and its web page. Click here to view a video on preparing for WYD and for the power point slides. The USCCB has information on hosting stateside events here. A leader's guidebook is also available.
The WYDUSA office invites you to join the next Lisbon 2023 Leaders webinar, on March 29, 11 am ET. We will discuss safety and security while on the ground in Lisbon and traveling.
“Mary arose and went with haste” (Lk 1:39)
“Dear Young People!
The theme of the Panama World Youth Day was, “I am the servant of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word” (Lk 1:38). After that event, we resumed our journey towards a new destination – Lisbon 2023 – with hearts afire with God’s urgent summons to arise. In 2020, we meditated on Jesus’s words: “Young man, I say to you, arise!” (Lk 7:14). Last year too, we were inspired by the figure of the Apostle Paul, to whom the Risen Lord said: “Arise! I appoint you as a witness of what you have seen” (cf. Acts 26:16). Along the route we still need to travel before arriving in Lisbon, we will have at our side the Virgin of Nazareth who, immediately after the Annunciation, “arose and went with haste” (Lk 1:39). Common to these three themes is the word: “arise!” It is a word that also – let us remember – speaks to us of getting up from our slumber, waking up to the life all around us.
In these troubling times, when our human family, already tested by the trauma of the pandemic, is racked by the tragedy of war, Mary shows to all of us, and especially to you, young people like herself, the path of proximity and encounter. I hope and I firmly believe that the experience many of you will have in Lisbon next August will represent a new beginning for you, the young, and – with you – for humanity as a whole. Read more here.
As we prepare for World Youth Day, let us join together in praying the official 2023 World Youth Day Prayer:
Our Lady of the Visitation,
you who arose and went with haste towards the mountain to meet Elizabeth,
lead us also to meet all those who await us
to deliver them the living Gospel:
Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord!
We will go in a hurry, with no distraction or delay,
but with readiness and joy.
We will go peacefully, because those who take Christ take peace,
and welldoing is the best wellbeing.
Our Lady of the Visitation,
with your inspiration, this World Youth Day
will be the mutual celebration of the Christ we take, as You once did.
Make it a time of testimony and sharing,
fraternization, and giving thanks,
each of us looking for the others who always wait.
With you, we will continue on this path of gathering,
so that our world will gather as well,
in fraternity, justice and peace.
Help us, Our Lady of the Visitation,
to bring Christ to everyone, obeying the Father, in the love of the Spirit! Amen.
Catholic Sisters Week (CSW) invites all to celebrate women religious (Sisters and nuns) from March 8-14. CSW is an annual celebration that began in 2014 to honor women religious with a series of events that instruct, enlighten, and bring greater focus to the lives of these incredible women. It’s a chance to recognize this valuable vocation with the hope that more people will learn about women religious, and invite others to follow their example.
Join the NRVC and A Nun's Life Ministry for a zoom celebration, Let's talk about it: asking the questions, living into the answers. It will be held on Thursday, March 9 from 6 -7 pm CT. It's free, all are welcome, and so invite your friends to join the conversation. Register using this link.
Visit the CSW website to learn about Catholic Sisters Week, to post or find an event near you, and join in celebrating the vocation of Catholic Sisters. You can post your event for others to see here.
Additional Resources can be found through the numerous VISION Vocation Network articles, Global Sisters Report Resources, the Leadership Collaborative video series, A Nun's Life videos, and this great video from Pope Francis.
Additionally, the NRVC has published 77 videos centered on the theme of Abundant Hope. All can be accessed directly through the National Religious Vocation Conference YouTube Channel and shared publicly to amplify hope for religious life. One idea is to share one video a day on your social media platforms throughout Catholic Sisters Week, or suggest a few videos to share in classrooms, on campuses, at Board meetings, and at parish events.
Host a book club throughout spring using Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister's highly acclaimed 64-page book entitled, What are you looking for? Seeking the God who is seeking you. Another 99-page book to consider using is Your One Wild and Precious Life written by Father Mark David Janus, C.S.P.
Donate books about your founder, community history, and Catholic sisters to college campus ministry houses, school libraries, Adoration Chapels, and parish centers.
There are over 500 religious institutes for women religious in the United States. Check out these links to learn more about cloistered nuns, missionary sisters, apostolic sisters, evangelical sisters, monastics, and sisters in societies of apostolic life. Choose to "like" their social media pages and keep updated on their mission, charism, and spirituality.
Invite coworkers, associates, students, and nones into a conversation using the NRVC Study and Reflection Guide, which features 8 topics with comments from newer entrants to religious life, reflection questions, and inspirational quotes.
"When I met our Sisters, I was not discerning, but I was very struck by how authentic they were, that they were each totally themselves, and they were really happy, and joyful, and normal, and so that was what drew me to our community."
"I saw the passion of our sisters who fight for social justice whether it be the unborn, or those at the border. And that passion for social justice is filled with compassion. Passion with a lot of compassion. That's what fires me; that is what keeps me here."
"I just attended the final profession Mass for four women. Every Sister from around the country came. After they took their final vows, they stood at the front of the Church. Every Sister in the Church got up and walked to them. It took over an hour just to do that. All I could think of is, "This is why I'm here." I didn't know ten people in the whole Church. I just knew I wanted to be part of that."
This special day, also liturgically known as “Good Shepherd Sunday”, invites the Church to publicly pray for and promote vocations in all its forms. This is now the sixtieth time that we are celebrating the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, established by Saint Paul VI in 1964, during the Second Vatican Ecumenical Council. This providential initiative seeks to assist the members of the People of God, as individuals and as communities, to respond to the call and mission that the Lord entrusts to each of us in today’s world, amid its afflictions and its hopes, its challenges, and its achievements.
The NRVC episcopal liaison, Bishop Vetter offers this video message of encouragement to pray for vocations this day. Consider asking parishes for opportunities to speak, provide bulletin inserts, prayer cards, and conversation before and after Masses, in religious education programs, RCIA, and confirmation classes on this day.
Many parishes and religious institutes commemorate this day with a prayer for vocations and vocation promotion events. Considering that 73 percent of women and men professing final vows participated in one or more parish activities and 88 percent served in one or more parish ministries before entering religious life, our presence and participation in activities that mark this special day are essential.
Take photos of people praying specifically for vocations to post on social media platforms. Share your favorite prayers or songs for vocations. It is also a great opportunity to showcase the many Chapels and sacred spaces we most often pray. Invite a group to pray with you on World Day of Prayer for Vocations or go to a college Mass to pray with the students.
Prayer is essential in our lives, regardless of our vocation. There are many ways to pray and the 2020 NRVC/CARA Study of Recent Vocations to Religious Life reported that praying with other members of the community was the most important aspect of community life. Those who entered religious life from 2003-2018 were also asked which types of prayer were most important to them. See the graph above for their responses.
"I think it was the 80-year-old Brothers, the wisdom figures of the community that were always the first in the Chapel and the last at the dining room table. I would always try to get there before them and never could. They were always there and you could count on them."
Holy Spirit, stir within us the passion to promote vocations to the single and married life, consecrated life, societies of apostolic life, diocesan priesthood, and permanent diaconate.
Inspire us daily to respond to Your call with boundless compassion, abundant generosity, and radical availability.
Help us to remember our own baptismal call to rouse us to invite the next generation to hear and respond to Your call.
Inspire parents, families, and lay ecclesial ministers to begin a conversation with young Catholics to consider how they will live lives of holiness and sacred service.
Nudge inquirers and motivate discerners to learn more about vowed and associate commitment in apostolic life, cloistered life, evangelical life, lay ecclesial ministers, missionary life, monastic life, and societies of apostolic life.
Ignite our Church with the confident humility that there is an urgent need for all the baptized to live their vocation in solidarity with those who are poor, neglected, and marginalized.
Disrupt our comfortable lives and complacent attitudes with new ideas to respond courageously and creatively with a daily 'YES!' Amen.
I Hope You Find prayer card in Spanish
Hearing God's Call: Thirty days of vocation discernment booklet
Listening to the Call prayer cards
Responsibilities of Members for Vocation Ministry Handout
VISION Vocation Network articles on prayer
Resources offered by the USCCB
Resources offered by Serra International
Rosary for Vocations with the Luminous Mysteries
This year I would ask you, in your reflection and prayer, to take as your guide the theme “Vocation: Grace and Mission”. In the course of our lives, this call, which is part of the fiber of our being and the secret of our happiness, comes to us by the work of the Holy Spirit in ever new ways. It enlightens our minds, strengthens our wills, fills us with amazement and sets our hearts afire. God’s call, we said, includes a “sending”. There is no vocation without mission. There is no happiness and full self-realization unless we offer others the new life that we have found. God’s call to love is an experience that does not allow us to remain silent. Saint Paul says, “Woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel!” (1 Cor 9:16).
-Pope Francis, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, 2023
2023 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
2022 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
2021 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
2020 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
2019 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
2018 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
2017 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2016 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2015 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2014 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2013 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2012 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2011 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2010 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2009 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2008 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
Religious Brothers Day is held annually on May 1, the feast of Saint Joseph the Worker. All religious brothers are recognized during this international event. Prayer services and reflections for celebrating this day are available at ReligiousBrothers.org
Mark your calendars for a virtual celebration from 12:30 - 1:30 pm on May 1 hosted by the Brothers Think Tank composed of NRVC, RBC, CMSM, and RFC members. Register for the Zoom link here.
Some other ways to celebrate Religious Brothers Day are:
"The laughter, the prayer, age was never an issue for me. The one thing that was consistent was the relationships and the mentorships. And that real sense of just being Brother. Centered in Christ, first and foremost, and then with the community life, being able to take it to the apostolate and to give witness, as a community, was probably the best thing" (about being a Brother).
"To see these men, priests and brothers, working together on a project that seemed worth doing. They were very, very much individuals, unique, bringing very different things to the work, bringing different gifts to a work that seemed desperately in need of being well done."
"I did not know religious life where I was growing up because there was no religious around the area. It wasn't until later in life that I found out that there was religious, and there were also religious Brothers. That's really what attracted me to the community was more of the sense of family, the sense of prayer, and a sense of equality."
The NRVC has published a series of Abundant Hope videos which includes Brothers. The following videos are publicly available to share for Religious Brothers Day and at other events to promote the vocation of Brother:
Brothers of the Christian Schools
Brothers of the Christian Schools, Eastern North America
Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Province of the United States
Congregation of Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice Christian Brothers)
De La Salle Christian Brothers, Midwest
De La Salle Christian Brothers, San Francisco, New Orleans
Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn
Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God
Augustinian Friars, Western Province
Augustinians of the Assumption
Barnabite Fathers and Brothers
Benedictine Monks, Assumption Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Christ the King Priory
Benedictine Monks, Mount Michael Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Newark Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Saint Andrew Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Saint Procopius Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Saint John Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Saint Joseph Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Benedictine Monks, Subiaco Abbey
Capuchin Franciscans, Province of St. Joseph
Carmelite Fathers and Brothers, Province of St. Elias
Congregation of the Holy Spirit
Congregation of the Resurrection, CA
Dominican Friars, Saint Martin de Porres
Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
Franciscan Friars, Conventual, Our Lady of Consolation
Franciscan Friars, Holy Name Province
Franciscan Friars, Saint John the Baptist Province
Franciscan OFM Friars - U.S. 6
Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, Central and Southern Province
Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, East Province
Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, Midwest Province
Jesuit Fathers and Brothers, Western Province
Jesuit Fathers of Upper Canada
Josephite Fathers and Brothers
Marianists, Province of Meribah
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
Missionaries of the Precious Blood
Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, Ireland
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Canada
Missionary Servants of the Most Holy Trinity
Missionhurst Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary
Nortbertines of St. Norbert Abbey
Order of Friar Servants of Mary
Order of the Most Holy Trinity
Pallotines, Immaculate Conception Province
Pallotines, Mother of God Province
Passionists, Paul of the Cross Province
Redemptorists, Edmonton-Toronto Province
Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Immaculate Conception Province
Trappist Cistercian Monks, New Clairvaux
A coast-to-coast Eucharistic Pilgrimage is planned for 2024 leading up to the National Eucharistic Congress. Four routes are planned through major cities across the United States. The pilgrims will start their journey in Brownsville on the Juan Diego Route, San Francisco on the Serra Route, Lake Itasca on the Marian Route, and New Haven on the Seton Route. Their travels will take them through parishes across the country to engage local communities in encounters with Our Lord.
Each pilgrimage route is expected to have 12 “perpetual pilgrims,” young adults, including two seminarians, committed to traveling the entire route, from their launch points to Indianapolis.
There will be kickoff events for the pilgrimages on Saturday, May 18th, 2024, in each of the four starting cities ahead of the celebration of Pentecost Sunday. The next morning, following Mass, there will be processions with local parishioners to start the pilgrims on their pilgrimage. They will then walk across the country until they reach Indianapolis for the Congress on July 16, 2024.
Vocation directors and members of their community can help in the following ways:
Learn more at the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage website or contact:
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