July 14-16, 2026

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Registration is open in the NRVC Online Store.

Workshop description

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.

Arrival and departure dates/times

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.

Venue

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.

Liturgy

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.

Presenter

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

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.

Late fees

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.

Financial assistance available

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.

Workshop terms and conditions

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