International approaches to vocation ministry

How importing foreign-born members is affecting vocation ministry and the U.S. church

By David B. Couturier O.F.M., Cap.

Foreign-born religious bring many gifts to the U.S. church. However, at the same time, the practice of importing members holds multiple perils for religious communities. Read more...

Nigeria: plentiful candidates bring blessings and challenges

By Rita Schwartzenberger OP

Many young Nigerians seek religious life. Yet cultural factors, poverty and overtaxed vocation and formation ministers are a few of the challenges. Read more...

Obstacles and successes in British vocation ministry

By Cath Lloyd R.S.C.J. and Paul Smyth C.M.F.

British religious congregations are aging, and new members are few. Yet a new optimism and desire for collaboration are taking hold in vocation ministry. Read more...

Great rivers of grace: Vocation ministry in the Amazon region of Brazil

By Nancy Schramm O.S.F.

Religious life can be a hard sell in Brazil’s Amazon region, but base Christian communities and martyrs for the faith are inspiring a new generation to consider church vocations. Read more...

Vocation ministry in Canada today

Canadian vocation efforts face challenges of vast geography and language divisions, among others. Yet new vocation promotion projects continue to emerge. Read more...

Challenges and successes of vocation ministry in Australia

By Mary Ryan R.S.J.

Seven years ago this author described the state of vocation ministry in Australia. She can point to dramatic inroads since then in establishing a pervasive vocation culture. Read more...

A brief overview of vocation ministry in Japan

By Ward Biddle CP

Japan sorely needs vocation outreach. While some programs are reaching out to young adults, much more remains to be done. Read more...

Vocation realities for one religious order in Ivory Coast

By Joseph Tanga-Koti

Many young men are knocking on this congregation’s door in Ivory Coast. They bring great vitality, but at the same time, they face numerous challenges during discernment and formation. Read more...

An international conference to encourage vocations

Through a five-day international conference, two connected congregations of brothers stirred enthusiasm for inviting new members and began forming strategic plans for promoting vocations. Read more...

Vocation ministry in Ireland today

By Andrew and Andrew O’Connell

Irish church vocations have diminished dramatically in recent decades, but the Presentation Brothers are making strides within a new social and church context. Read more...

Preparing new members for an intercultural world

By Fr. Paolo Martinelli O.F.M., Cap.

Many religious communities are deeply affected—both in ministry and membership—by the intermingling of cultures in a globalized world. The new reality has challenges and blessings, especially for new members. Read more...

UK vocation ministry: new ventures and growth

By Judith Eydmann

In England and Wales religious communities are moving forward to promote religious life and help individuals of a new generation to discern their calling. Read more...

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