Spring & summer events
Spring & summer events
"Talk it Up Tuesdays" are back in January 2026 for a fifth season! These 60-minute Zoom gatherings are designed for members to learn together, support one another, and exchange ideas.
These one-hour sessions will begin at 1:00 p.m. CDT and focus on topics in vocation ministry. Each session will include an opening prayer, introductions, a 20-minute short presentation, 15-minute breakout groups, and 15 minutes to share ideas, followed by announcements and expressions of gratitude. Best of all, these sessions are free and open to all NRVC members!
Tuesday, January 27, 2026, On the bridge: What are young adults looking for, and who are we looking for, presented by Mrs. Diana Hancharenko (with the Congregation of Bon Secours)
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Leadership and vocation ministry: Partners with a passion for religious life, presented by Sister Anita Quigley, S.H.C.J.
Tuesday, February 10, 2026, Widen the net of outreach: Connecting with young Catholic volunteers and professionals, presented by Sister Liz Sjoberg, DC
Tuesday, February 17, 2026, What’s your swag? Inexpensive and impactful ways to reach our audiences, presented by Father Piero Masolo, P.I.M.E.
Tuesday, February 24, 2026, TBD
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Breaking up is hard to do: Saying no to a discerner, presented by Sister June Fitzgerald, O.P. and Father John Eustice, C.S.V.
Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Vocation ministry and congregational treasurers: Addressing important financial matters, presented by Sister Michele Vincent Fisher, C.S.F.N.
Tuesday, March 17, 2026, O Brother, who art thou? The gift of religious brotherhood, presented by Brother Anoop Joseph, F.S.P.
Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Gifted for purpose: Community charism as an entry point, presented by Sister Heather Jean Foltz, O.S.B.
Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Who came and what did they see: Come & See hits and misses, presented by Father Emanuel Vasconcelos, OFM Conv.
Tuesday, April 7, 2026, Being a multi-hatted vocation minister: balancing ministries and nurturing your own vocation, presented by Mr. Len Uhal (with the Divine Word Missionaries)
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, Vocations helping each other: A lay vocation minister's perspective, presented by Mrs. Sabrina Harper (with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, U.S. East-West Province) and Mrs. Jacqui Rapp (with the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth)
We look forward to seeing you for this interactive gathering! Register here for the Zoom link.
Remember, these sessions will not be recorded. Please refer all questions to Sister Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net.
This year, NRVC is offering five workshops 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.
We will offer the Behavioral Assessment 2 workshop at The Well Spirituality Center in LaGrange Park, IL, with two unique registration options, one for commuters and one for overnight guests. Overnight guests will have a private bedroom and bathroom, along with linen service.
This workshop builds on the skills acquired in Behavioral Assessment I and is designed as a seminar. Because it is intended for those with experience conducting assessment interviews, all participants must have completed Behavioral Assessment 1. Workshop participants are asked to come prepared with topics, discussion questions, or case studies to consider during this workshop.
May 11-12, 2026, the Behavioral Assessment 2 workshop will be held at The Well Spirituality Center in La Grange Park, IL
Registration is open in our NRVC Online Store for both the commuter and overnight options
Our annual Summer Institute will offer four onsite workshops at the Marillac Center in Leavenworth, KS, July 8-24, 2026. Choose to attend one or several workshops; it's your choice. All workshops include overnight accommodation at the Marillac Center. Enjoy the convenience of having a private bedroom and bathroom, along with linen service, wi-fi, meals, and breaks. Click on each workshop link for specific details.
July 8-12, 2026, Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors
July 14-17, 2026, Behavioral Assessment 1 workshop
July 18-20, 2026, Spirituality and Vocation Ministry workshop
July 22-24, 2026, Impact of Families in Vocation Discernment workshop
Registration is open in the NRVC Online Store.
Workshops are open to NRVC members at a discounted rate and for non-members at an affordable price. Each workshop is $190 per person per day for members and $285 per person per day for non-members, regardless of the workshop. Summer Institute overnight accommodations are $120 per night and must be registered for the room block for each workshop.
If you would like to become an NRVC member to receive the discounted rate, click here.
Summer Institute registrations received after June 30 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 for Summer Institute, to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
For the Behavioral Assessment 2 workshop, cancellations must be received in writing before May 4 to receive a full refund, less a $100 processing fee. After May 4, 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
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.
Visit the CSW website to learn about Catholic Sisters Week, 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.
Write a poem and encourage others to publicize your poetry! Here's a beautiful poem written by NRVC member, Sister Cathy K. Tshitenge, f.m.m. to share with others:
Who is a Catholic Sister?
She is a woman of faith, strength, courage, and vision.
A follower of Jesus and doer of the Word of God,
A daughter attentive to the cries of the poor, women, children, and migrants.
An advocate of keeping our planet and environment healthy and clean.
A person who prioritizes personal and communal prayer.
A voice for the voiceless and outcasts of society.
A fearless woman of hope and peace.
A caregiver, a listening ear, and a compassionate person towards the sick, children, and the aged.
Let us Celebrate our Catholic Sisters now and always…
"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."
On this 63rd anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations, also liturgically known as Good Shepherd Sunday, we are invited to pray for and promote all vocations. Initiated by Saint Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council in 1964, the purpose of this day is to help all of us respond to God's call and to support in prayer all those who are discerning how to best respond to the needs of today in the vocation God calls them to be.
Participating in parish life is a way individuals can discern their vocation and receive prayerful support from parishioners. Matter of fact, people in parishes are more likely to encourage someone to discern their vocation than their own family members! Consider connecting with parishes and asking for opportunities to share information and resources about religious vocations. Examples include:
Many parishes and religious institutes commemorate this day by praying for vocations and supporting 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.
Of particular note, respondents to the 2020 NRVC/CARA Study of Recent Vocations to Religious Life reported that the day-to-day rhythm of communal prayer is paramount in community life. Below are the types of prayer preferred by newer entrants:
Prayer is essential in all of our lives, join a global effort in praying for vocations on May 11, 2025. Embrace this annual event to deepen your vocation outreach with our thoughtfully crafted prayer intentions. Inspired by the various intercessions from NRVC Convocation liturgies, this new handout offers a rich, intercultural focus to choose from over 40 intentions for vocations. Customize this resource in three easy steps to inspire heartfelt prayers integrating your charism, mission, and spirituality. This Handout is also translated into Spanish thanks to the NRVC Incorporating Cultural Diversity into Religious Life Committee.
For those combining World Day of Prayer for Vocations with the Jubilee Year, order 3-inch colorful Jubilee logo stickers to give away at all Masses and events! Also, a new Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Prayer for Vocations handout was created to use throughout the Jubilee Year. Both resources and many more choices are available in our online store.
"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."
"I've noticed in the last ten years that young people seem to have a deeper interest in spirituality and what is their purpose in life. I don't know what brings that change about, I don't know whether it is the Holy Spirit at work, which I'm assuming that it would be, but there does seem to be a different attitude."
"I find most rewarding is our truly deep desire to seek God together and what God is calling us to in this time and place. I also deeply appreciate our prayer that sustains us."
"The most rewarding aspect of religious life is our community living. In community, we pray, live, recreate, and minister together. Our cohesiveness and sense of identity as religious serving others as ministers of the Gospel is wonderful!"
Cultivate within our hearts, minds, and spirits--our very selves--the disposition to fully live out our vocations, which have been planted in our hearts through our baptism,
And grant us the grace to say yes to our call daily, irrespective of how we may feel from moment to moment.
Let us know that we can come to You as we are, wherever we are, and as we accompany those discerning Your call. Help us to hear and
Listen to Your voice amid the various voices vying for our attention so that we may take the right actions that lead to abundant life.
Ignite in us a hope-filled passion for service, using our gifts to bring your Reign to fruition today and always.
Never let us forget that all we have are indeed gifts from You and that we are called to
Give all we are and have in love and service to You in our sisters and brothers. Amen.
Please note: NRVC members can download these resources in the Member Toolbox as a benefit or purchase them through these links.
Hearts Ablaze: a retreat for busy people
I Hope You Find prayer card in Spanish
Hearing God's Call: Thirty days of vocation discernment booklet
Pilgrims of Hope Jubilee Prayer for Vocations handout
Responsibilities of Members for Vocation Ministry
VISION Vocation Network articles on prayer
Resources offered by the USCCB
Resources offered by Serra International
Rosary for Vocations with the Luminous Mysteries
A vocation is a precious gift that God sows in our heart, a call to leave ourselves behind and embark on a journey of love and service. Every vocation in the Church, whether lay, ordained or consecrated, is a sign of the hope that God has for this world and for each of his children.
The discovery of our vocation comes about as the result of a journey of discernment. That journey is never solitary, but develops within a Christian community and as a part of that community.
Dear friends, the world pushes you to make hasty decisions and bombards you with a constant blare that prevents you from experiencing a silence that is open to God who speaks to the heart. Have the courage to pause, to listen to what your heart tells you, and to ask God about his dreams for you. The silence of prayer is indispensable if we are to learn how to hear God’s call amid the specific circumstances of our lives and to respond consciously and freely.
I urge that every effort be made to foster vocations in the various spheres of human life and activity, and to help individuals to be spiritually open to the Lord’s voice. It is important, then, that adequate space be given to the accompaniment of vocations in educational and pastoral planning.
-Pope Francis, World Day of Prayer for Vocations, 2025
2025 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
2024 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message
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.
2007 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
2006 World Day of Prayer for Vocations Papal message.
A Prayer for Vocation Directors
God who calls me by name, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude for the many blessings You have bestowed upon me. I remember the moment You called me to serve You, to dedicate my life to helping others, especially the marginalized, the vulnerable, and those in most need. Just as You have shown me the path to compassion and love, I ask You to guide me in the ministry of vocations.
You have blessed me with the witness of those who have lived their faith with joy and devotion—whose lives radiate Your love, a community that supports and nurtures each other. Their example stirs something deep within me, to promote our way of life filled with purpose, joy, and a profound sense of peace.
As I follow Your call as a vocation minister, help me to see Your presence in the ordinary moments of life. Teach me to find You in every vocation event, every service, every prayer, every shared laugh, and every silent moment of contemplation. In Your presence, may I discover the joy of living fully for You, and inviting the next generation to follow You. Amen.
A Prayer for Vocation Discerners
God, even in my fear and doubt, Your call persists. In the stillness of my heart, I feel You gently urging me forward. You are calling me to something greater, a life not of my own making but one that is shaped by Your love and service to others. I surrender my fears and my uncertainties, to You. Help me trust that, even in the unknown, You will provide the courage and the strength to walk this path.
I ask for the grace to answer Your call with an open heart. May I live with the same fervor for holiness as those who have inspired me—those who have walked this journey before me, showing me how to live a life dedicated to prayer, service, and love. May I find strength my discernment to deepen my faith and help me grow in Your image.
Lord, may I be open to the support and encouragement of my family, friends, and community, who walk with me in faith. Grant me the grace to listen to Your voice, especially when it seems difficult, and to trust that Your call is full of hope, purpose, and peace. Help me to respond, Yes, and follow You with all my heart. Amen.
The heart of the identity of the Religious Brother, namely fraternity, is a gift that is received (mystery), a gift that is shared (communion), and a gift that is given away (mission). Source: Identity and Mission of the Religious Brother in the Church Vatican Document approved by Pope Francis, October 4, 2015.
Religious Brothers Day recognizes the life and vocation of Religious Brothers. It was first celebrated on May 1, 2017, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. It was created by the U.S. Brothers Think Tank composed of the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, Religious Brothers Conference, Religious Formation Conference, NRVC, and Brothers representing various religious institutes. Religious Brothers Day is held annually on May 1 throughout the world.
God of mercy and compassion, we lift our hearts in deep gratitude for the men who have answered your call to serve as Religious Brothers. Through your divine wisdom, you have chosen these extraordinary men to lead lives dedicated to prayer, fraternity, and selfless service. Bestow upon each Brother the grace to live out their vows with unwavering joy and fidelity, embodying humility and love in all their actions. Grant them the strength to be powerful heralds of the Good News, serving as radiant beacons of hope and compassion to all those they encounter and accompany.
Deepen our appreciation for their vocation, their congregational charisms, and their lifelong commitment to their profession of vows. We pray for their communities to be places of prayer, fraternity, and mutual support, so each Brother can encourage one another and grow in holiness. Strengthened by our baptismal call to holiness, inspire us to support their vocation and to invite men to consider religious life as a Brother. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
"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
Christian Brothers Conference, Regional Office
Congregation of Christian Brothers (Edmund Rice Christian Brothers)
De La Salle Christian Brothers, Midwest
De La Salle Christian Brothers, San Francisco, New Orle
Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn
Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God
Augustinian Friars, Western Province
Augustinians of the Assumption
Benedictine Monks, Assumption Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Christ the King Priory
Benedictine Monks, Glastonbury Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Mount Michael Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Newark Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Portsmouth Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Saint Procopius Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Saint John Abbey
Benedictine Monks, Saint Meinrad Archabbey
Canons Regular of the Holy Cross
Capuchin Franciscans, Custody of Puerto Rico
Capuchin Franciscans, Province of St. Joseph
Carmelite Fathers and Brothers, Province of St. Elias
Carmelite Friars, Most Pure Heart of Mary Province
Congregation of the Holy Spirit
Congregation of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood
Congregation of the Resurrection, CA
Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary
Discalced Carmelite Friars, Oklahoma Province of St. Therese
Dominican Friars, Saint Martin de Porres
Franciscan Friars of the Atonement
Franciscan Friars, Conventual, Our Lady of Consolation
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
Josephite Fathers and Brothers
Marianists, Province of Meribah
Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers
Missionaries of Our Lady of La Salette
Missionaries of the Precious Blood
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
Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Wilmington-Philadelphia
Order of Friar Servants of Mary
Order of the Most Holy Trinity
Pallotines, Immaculate Conception Province
Pallotines, Mother of God Province
Passionists, Holy Cross Province
Passionists, Paul of the Cross Province
Priests of the Sacred Heart, Dehonians
Redemptorists, Edmonton-Toronto Province
Salesians of Don Bosco, Eastern Province
Salesians of Don Bosco, Western Province
Society of Jesus, East Province
Trappist Cistercian Monks, New Clairvaux
This workshop builds on the skills acquired in Behavioral Assessment I and is designed as a seminar. Because it is intended for those with experience conducting assessment interviews, all participants must have completed Behavioral Assessment 1. Workshop participants are asked to come prepared with topics, discussion questions, or case studies to consider during this workshop.
Please note this two-day workshop begins on May 11, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and ends on May 12, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Central time. Overnight accommodation is included with arrivals after 3:00 p.m. on May 10, 2026, and departures before 10:00 a.m. on May 13, 2026.
We have two unique registration options, one for participants needing overnight accommodations and one for commuters:
NRVC member overnight: $740 Non-member overnight: $930
NRVC member commuter: $380 Non-member commuter: $570
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before May 4, 2026, to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After May 4, 2026, 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.
This spring workshop will be offered at The Well Spirituality Center, in La Grange Park, IL. The nearest airports are Chicago Midway International Airport (MDW), about 10 miles from the Center, and O’Hare International Airport (ORD), about 14 miles from the Center. Ground transportation is available through ridesharing services, such as Uber and Lyft.
Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day. Each workshop includes communal prayer.
To support NRVC members' professional development, the Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available. Scholarship funds can be applied to NRVC workshops; however, they do not cover 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 workshop was built on the foundation set by the Behavioral Assessment 1 workshop. The real-life cases brought forth by participants and Father Ray’s experience and accommodation were very helpful.
--Father Toshio Sato, C.M.
Father Ray exceeded my expectations. The workshop was highly informative and helped me look more deeply. I feel so much better about completing a behavioral assessment.
-- Sister Cathie Meighan, S.S.J.
The various stories shared by both participants and Father Ray are always helpful. I learned a lot and got my questions answered.
--Brother Mark Motz, S.M.
The workshop answered my questions before and during the sessions. Father Ray is wonderful—simple in his way of presenting his methodology. I really appreciate that he allows everyone to participate.
-- Sister Helen Diouf, S.M.S.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 develop their professional competencies further.
Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net
This foundational workshop is essential for all newly 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 processes, vocation promotion, canon law, boundaries, animating vowed membership, relevant resources, current research, and establishing resiliency and promoting self-care of the vocation director.
Please note this five-day workshop begins on July 8 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on July 12 at 4:30 p.m. CST. Overnight accommodations are included, with arrivals after 3 pm on July 7 and departures before 9 am on July 13. If you are registered for the next workshop, you do not have to check out; your room and meals are provided between workshops.
This workshop will be the first workshop available at our annual Summer Institute at the Marillac Center in Leavenworth, KS. It is the home of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The nearest airport is Kansas City (MCI) and ground transportation is available through Lyft, Uber, and Super Shuttle. The airport is 16 miles from the retreat center.
Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel, which includes Sunday Mass. All participants are invited to be Liturgical leaders for Mass.
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).
Friar Mario L. Serrano, OFM Conv., has experienced fraternity locally and globally. As a Franciscan friar, he was privileged to have mission experiences in Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Kenya, Mexico, and Zambia. His ability to speak Spanish gave him the unique experience of gathering with friars from around the world in Assisi for the 2019 and 2025 General Chapter as an English-Spanish translator. Before becoming the Province Secretary and Vocation Director for the Franciscan Friars Conventual, Province of Our Lady of Consolation, Friar Mario engaged in university ministry for 12 years in three different settings: at a Catholic University, a University Parish, and a Diocesan University Student Center.
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 7 (the afternoon before the workshop begins) and checking out by 9:00 a.m. on July 13 (the morning after the workshop ends). If you are registered for the next workshop, you do not have to check out, your room and meals are provided between workshops.
NRVC member: $1,670 Non-member: $2,145
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Registration is open in the NRVC Online store.
All workshop registrations received after June 30 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
The Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available to assist NRVC members with their professional development. 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 content and resources are very rich, informative, and applicable to the reality of life of vocation directors. Both Sr. Debbie and Fr. Mario are very excellent in presenting and elaborating their knowledge and experience in discussing and answering every question from all participants." --Fr. Sebastian Mulu, OSM
“I loved the case studies because I had a chance to think with other participants. Networking with other vocation directors was most helpful." --Sr. Nodelyn Abayan, SSS
"I really enjoyed being able to talk with other participants about the content to contextualize it to their circumstances and experiences." --Deacon Dan Haverty from the Diocese of Sacramento
“The content was excellent, with good overviews. The small group sessions/case studies, real-life examples, and sample documents were most helpful. After this workshop, I plan to go through our documents and procedures.” --Mrs. Jacqueline Rapp, representing the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth
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 14 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on July 16 at 4:00 p.m. Central time. Overnight accommodations are included, with arrivals after 3 pm on July 13 and departures before 9 am on July 17. If you are registered for the Spirituality and Vocation Discernment workshop, you do not have to check out; your room and meals are provided between workshops.
This workshop at our Summer Institute will be held at the Malliac Center, Leavenworth, KS. It is the home of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The nearest airport is Kansas City (MCI), and ground transportation is available through Lyft, Uber, and Super Shuttle. The airport is 16 miles from the retreat center.
Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel. All participants are invited to be Liturgical leaders for Mass.
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.
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 13 (the afternoon before the workshop begins) and checking out by 9:00 a.m. on July 17 (the morning after the workshop ends). If you are registered for the next workshop, you do not have to check out; your room and meals are provided between workshops.
NRVC member: $1,050 Non-member: $1,335
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Registration is open in the NRVC Online Store.
All workshop registrations received after June 30 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
The Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available to assist NRVC members with their professional development. 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 Prog
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 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.
“Fr. Ray is extremely knowledgeable, and I am honored to have participated in the workshop in person. The NRVC team did a great job of putting this together--very caring and helpful.” --Sr. Nancy Rose Gucwa, OSB
“The workshop provided excellent content and resources. It was supported by a great amount of experience over the years of ministry. Thank you, Fr. Carey, for your wisdom. It's not only helpful for my ministry, but also for personal growth" --Fr. Ivan Dhzur, C.Ss.R.
“This workshop offered exceptional content for anyone involved in vocational ministry, as well as for community members engaged in formation. It provides valuable insight into the diversity of human development and each person’s unique story, helping us foster healthier, more understanding community relationships. Truly a rich resource for ongoing formation and growth.” --Sr. Agnes Ahn, OCD
“Fr. Ray's wealth of knowledge and experience showed us exactly why behavioral assessment of candidates is so important. I am grateful for his wisdom and for having these days to learn from him." --Fr. Steven Huber, CSB
Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. , at dinasp@nrvc.net
This workshop will examine the theology of discernment and its significance in accompaniment. Participants will explore evolving images of God and ways to recognize, respect, and engage with various images by honoring and beholding the Holy Mystery within us, discerners, and the world. This includes looking at the whole person – body, mind, spirit – and attention to healthy boundaries in spiritual accompaniment. It also includes best practices for discerning the emerging integration of a candidate’s personal spirituality within religious life and a congregation’s charism. We will also look at strategies for honoring and incorporating diverse cultural and religious traditions into communal spiritual life. Sessions balance theological input with reflective and creative practices, small-group conversation, and engagement with art, culture, and practical applications.
Please note this three-day workshop begins on July 18, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. and ends on July 20, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CST. Overnight accommodations are included, with arrivals after 3:00 p.m. on July 17, 2026, and departures before 9:00 a.m. on July 21, 2026. If you are registered for the Impact of Families in Vocation Discernment workshop, you do not have to check out; your room and meals are provided between workshops.
This workshop will be the first workshop available at our annual Summer Institute at the Marillac Center, in Leavenworth, KS. It is the home of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The nearest airport is Kansas City (MCI), and ground transportation is available through Lyft, Uber, and Super Shuttle. The airport is 16 miles from the retreat center.
Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day at 8:00 a.m. in the Chapel, which includes Sunday Mass. All participants are invited to be Liturgical leaders for Mass.
Sister Julie Vieira, IHM, is a writer, presenter, and thinker in spirituality, with particular attentiveness to living the darkness and light — the poetry and rough prose — of everyday life. She is a professed member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) of Monroe, Michigan. Her writings appear on Global Sisters Report and on her blog at julievieira.org. She also works as a retreat director and as a consultant in the unfolding of religious life and mission. She holds a Master of Arts in Theology from St. Michael’s College at the University of Toronto.
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 17, 2026 (the afternoon before the workshop begins) and checking out by 9:00 a.m. on July 21, 2026 (the morning after the workshop ends). If you are registered for the Impact of Families in Vocation Discernment workshop, you do not have to check out; your room and meals are provided between workshops.
NRVC member: $1,050 Non-member: $1,335
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Registration is open in the NRVC Online Store.
All workshop registrations received after June 30 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
The Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available to assist NRVC members with their professional development. 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.
Workshops are designed from the NRVC curriculum for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the complex theological, spiritual, psycho-sexual, ethical, and diversity issues often present in contemporary vocation ministry. NRVC recommends that vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to attend to their own vocation, faith formation, and to further develop their professional competencies.
Questions about Summer Institute workshops?
Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. , at dinasp@nrvc.net.
Discerners come to us from vastly diverse family backgrounds and experiences that may impact vocation discernment. This workshop addresses family-of-origin issues to assist those who accompany and assess people discerning a call to religious life. Our presenters will facilitate participants in topics such as examining their biological family of origin and/or their family of adoption, and in learning how their family functions in relation to relationship/bonding, adaptability/structure, conflict, and response to change. The impact of the family of origin on prayer, community life, and spirituality will be explored. Participants will also discuss these learnings as they accompany discerners from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Please note this two-and-a-half-day workshop begins on July 22, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. and ends on July 24, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. CST. Overnight accommodations are included, with arrivals after 3:00 pm on July 21, 2026, and departures before 9:00 am on July 25, 2026.
This workshop will be available at our annual Summer Institute at the Marillac Center, in Leavenworth, KS. It is the home of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The nearest airport is Kansas City (MCI), and ground transportation is available through Lyft, Uber, and Super Shuttle. The airport is 16 miles from the retreat center.
Eucharistic Liturgy for workshop participants will be offered each day at 8:45 a.m. in the Chapel. All participants are invited to be Liturgical leaders for Mass.
Sister Bea Eichten, OSF, is a member of the Franciscan Sisters of Little Falls, MN, and currently serves as their Community Minister/President. Her ministries have included education, health care administration, pastoral psychotherapy, community leadership, strategic planning, consultation with religious congregations, leadership development, and facilitation of congregational meetings. Sister Bea has a B.A. in Foods and Nutrition/B.A. in Home Economics Education from the College of St. Teresa, Winona, MN. She has a Master's of Pastoral Studies/Counseling from Loyola University, Chicago, and clinical training at Parkside Pastoral Counseling Center, Park Ridge, IL. Sr. Bea is a certified Fellow (retired) of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors.
Sister Maria Nguyen, OSB, is a Benedictine Sister at Mount Saint Scholastica Monastery, Atchison, Kansas. She holds a master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University and currently works at Keeler Women’s Center as a spiritual director and case manager. Sister Maria is a consultant for many religious communities and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of Divine Work College. She is the assistant Chaplain of the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement for the John Paul II Midwest region. For her own community, she has served as President of their Senate. She completed the Souljourner’s Program at Sophia Center in Atchison and has been certified as a spiritual director.
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 21, 2026 (the afternoon before the workshop begins) and checking out by 9:00 a.m. on July 25, 2026 (the morning after the workshop ends).
NRVC member: $945 Non-member: $1,175
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Registration is open in the NRVC Online Store.
All workshop registrations received after June 30 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30 to receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
The Misericordia Scholarship Fund is available to assist NRVC members with their professional development. 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.
Workshops are designed from the NRVC curriculum for those who wish to deepen their understanding of the complex theological, spiritual, psycho-sexual, ethical, and diversity issues often present in contemporary vocation ministry. NRVC recommends that vocation ministers participate in ongoing educational opportunities to attend to their own vocation, faith formation, and to further develop their professional competencies.
Questions about Summer Institute workshops?
Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P., at dinasp@nrvc.net.
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