Sister Donna Del Santo, S.S.J., Rochester, NY

How long have you been involved in vocation ministry?

I’ve helped with vocation ministry  since 1996. I’ve been our  vocation director since March 2003.

Are you part of a vocation team?

I am a solo director, yet I have what we call the “Vocation Think Tank,” made up of 16 Sisters who volunteer their time in vocation ministry. We meet about every 6 weeks and together plan events.  They help launch our ideas into action, assisting with things like Busy Person Retreats, opportunities for adoration or compline, etc.

How has being a member of NRVC been helpful to you? 
NRVC has helped me become educated for this ministry and helped me network with other vocation directors. 

What has been your best outreach effort? 
Our “Weekend Service Retreat” has helped us introduce folks to ministry, community and prayer—all within a short timeframe.

Do you have any words of wisdom to those who are new to this ministry? 
Listen, listen, listen. Be available to young people. Go where they are and stay awake, literally as well as figuratively. Their schedule is not 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday!  Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, especially of seasoned vocation directors. Don’t get stuck on numbers. Be faithful to your call as a vowed religious, and live with joy!