2020 Virtual Convocation Update

Updated Sept. 3, 2020

What Convocation is all about 

In collaboration with its members and strategic partners, the National Religious Vocation Conference's biennial Convocation helps NRVC fulfill its mission--to support vocation ministry and religious life through professional development, advocacy, education, resources, and networking opportunities--by featuring keynote presentations, communal prayer, and networking with all those who support vocations.

Virtual Convocation Dates

Convocation begins on October 28 and ends at noon on October 31. On most days, virtual sessions will be offered from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. (Central time). 

2020 Virtual Convocation events

• INSPIRING KEYNOTE SESSIONS on the theme 2020 VISION: Focus on Hope  
• FEATURED SPEAKERS, including Fr. Linh Hoang, O.F.M., Ph.D.; Fr. Dave Kelly, C.PP.S., D. Min.; and Sr. Addie Lorraine Walker, S.S.N.D., Ph.D.
• An opportunity to PRAY TOGETHER bilingually in a prayer, entitled La esperanza nos rodea/Hope is all around us, led by composer/musician Jaime Cortez. 
• Opportunities to SHARE EXPERIENCES and ASK QUESTIONS in breakout groups  
• NEWER ENTRANTS' INSIGHTS from those who entered after 2002
• NRVC BUSINESS MEETING with a welcome by NRVC Episcopal Liaison Archbishop Charles Thompson and USCCB-CCLV Executive Director Fr. Luke Ballman
• AWARDS: NRVC will recognize Ms. Mary Lou Paluch Rafferty; Fr. Raymond Carey; Notre Dame Vision; Sr. Michael Francine Duncan, S.S.M.O.; Br. Ronnie Hingle, S.C.; Sr. Marie Mackey, C.S.J.; Sr. Priscilla Moreno, R.S.M.; and Br. Sean Sammon, F.M.S.
   

Plus three workshops to enhance your professional skills on the following topics:

• Candidate Issues in Immigration Law presented by Mr. Miguel Naranjo
• Communicating Key Messages of Hope presented by Sr. Maxine Kollasch, I.H.M.
• The Impact of the Consumption of Gaming and Pornography presented by
  Fr. David Songy, O.F.M.Cap., Psy.D.
   

Something new this year – invite a guest!

Every NRVC member who registers with a full payment may invite one newer entrant or currently elected congregational leader to register to participate for free from October 29-30. The newer entrant must have entered after 2002 and agree to write a published essay and recorded presentation after Convocation. When you register, be prepared to provide the full name and email address of the person you invite. Please ask someone from your religious institute who is not a novice, postulant, associate or current NRVC member. 
 

Cost

• NRVC member early registration rate (before Oct. 16, 2020): $300
• Non-member early registration rate (before Oct. 16, 2020): $450

Donation

One of NRVC cherished customs is our Mass collection for a local organization. Because of the unique virtual platform and the recent NRVC statement condemning racism and ongoing commitment to intercultural competence, NRVC has selected the National Black Sisters Conference (NBSC) to receive the collection this year. Established in August 1968, the NBSC is an inclusive Catholic organization of vowed Black Catholic Women Religious and Associates from many congregations of religious across the United States. Donations can be made when you register for Convocation or by sending checks payable to NRVC to the National Office with this collection designation.

July 15, 2020

The NRVC board has made the decision to convert 2020 Convocation to a virtual gathering rather than meeting in Spokane. We are still working out the details, but we want to assure that:

1. The safety and well-being of our members remains a top priority.
2. We are committed to providing high quality, professional, and inspiring programming at the 2020 Convocation--albeit, in a virtual format.
3. We are planning a new schedule for late October with presenters, prayer, networking, and a business meeting. With the experience of over 200 participants and presenters involved in NRVC's virtual Summer Institute, we have confidence in the success of a 2020 Virtual Convocation.

Entirely new registration for 2020 Virtual Convocation

Because the format and offerings will need to be adjusted, the National Office has determined that the best course is to create an entirely new registration portal for 2020 Virtual Convocation.

For those of you who have already registered for 2020 Convocation, Maureen Cetera, Director of Finance, will provide you with a full refund within the next few weeks and will email you when the refund has been processed. You will then be provided the link to register for 2020 Virtual Convocation through the new portal.

For those who have already booked travel: You will need to cancel your reservations. If you booked your hotel through NIX Conference Management, your reservations have been cancelled.
 

New 2020 Virtual Convocation registration in place soon

We hope to have our plans finalized in the next few weeks with a new registration portal in place by September 1. We will notify you once the new 2020 Virtual Convocation schedule and registration is available.

Remember to mark your calendars for Convocation 2022 

Convocation 2022 will be held in Spokane at the Davenport Grand, Nov. 3-6, 2022.

In prayer and gratitude

We are grateful for your continued patience, understanding, and support as we pray together for an end to the spread of this global virus and its impact on you--our cherished members--all communities, collaborators, and those you serve. Thank you for your courage, witness, and hope.

NRVC Board

Sr. Kristin Matthes, S.N.D.deN., Board Chair
Fr. Adam McDonald, S.V.D., Executive Committee Member
Sr. Virginia Hebers, A.S.C.J., Executive Committee Member
Sr. Gayle Lwanga Crumbley, R.G.S., Member
Sr. Anna Marie Espinosa, I.W.B.S., Member
Fr. Charles Johnson, O.P., Member
Sr. Lisa Laguna, D.C., Member
Sr. Belinda Monahan, O.S.B., Member
Sr. Anita Quigley, S.H.C.J., Member
Mr. Len Uhal, Member
Sr. Mindy Welding, I.H.M., Member
Sr. Deborah Borneman, SS.C.M., ex officio, NRVC Director of Mission Integration