Fall & winter events
Fall & winter events
This year the NRVC is offering three workshops on-site at the Summer Institute in Leavenworth, KS, and five workshops virtually at the Fall Institute. These workshops are designed 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.
Our annual Summer Institute will offer three onsite workshops at the Marillac Center, in Leavenworth, KS, July 8-21, 2025. Choose to attend one or several workshops, it's your choice. All workshops include overnight accommodations 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 9-13, 2025, Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors
July 15-17, 2025, Behavioral Assessment 1 workshop
July 19-20, 2025, Vocation Promotion for Today’s Discerners workshop
Please use our online store to register for Summer Institute workshops.
Take a virtual workshop this autumn in the comfort of your home. Enjoy a travel-free, hassle-free learning experience -- no packing required! Our experienced presenters will engage participants with a reasonable schedule integrated with screen breaks. We will mail your workshop materials to you. Click on each workshop link for specific details.
October 6-10, 2025, Virtual Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors
October 13 2025, Understanding the Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on Candidates for Religious Life
October 14, 21, and 28, 2025 (only Tuesdays), Culture Matters: are we listening with today's discerners virtual workshop
October 15-17, 2025, Virtual Behavioral Assessment 1 workshop
October 29-30, 2025, Virtual Ethical Issues in Candidate Assessment workshop
Registration for Fall Institute workshops are open in the online store.
Candidate Assessment through the Lens of Interculturality
June 13, 2025, Delaware Valley Member Area, Philadelphia, PA
September 6, 2025, Southwest Member Area, San Antonio, TX
October 18, 2025, Midwest Member Area, Chicago, IL
Registration is open for September 6 and October 18 workshops.
Workshops are open to NRVC members at a discounted rate and for non-members at an affordable price. Each workshop is $185 per person per day for members and $270 per person per day for non-members, regardless of the workshop. Summer Institute overnight accommodations are $115 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.
Fall Institute registrations received after October 1 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before June 30/Summer Institute, and October 1/Fall Institute to receive a full refund less a $100 processing fee. After June 30/October 1, 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
Have you ever experienced asking a question that elicits very different responses depending on a person’s culture? Learning to be culturally mindful when assessing applicants for admission requires a clear lens to see the giftedness of the cultural wealth in each discerner and acknowledging the impact of socio-economic factors and generational trauma that impacts their health and behavior, such as Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE), post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and heart disease. This workshop explores how different cultures express psychopathology and symptomology, including serious mental health issues that can be hereditary, and/or have enduring behaviors that require lifelong treatment that would preclude admission to vowed communal life.
This workshop will address how to respectfully gather the information needed without stereotyping, generalizing, or minimizing behaviors that can make community life challenging. It will also explore the blind spots, microaggressions, and implicit biases vocation ministers have during interviews. Come with your questions, your insights, and your curiosity to learn and unlearn interview techniques to assess all aspects of a person’s identity and culture. Bring your team members to learn together at the affordable cost of $25 per person.
This one day workshop will be offered 9:00 am to 3:00 pm in the following Member Areas:
June 13, 2025, Delaware Valley Member Area, at Redeemer Health Spark Transformation Center, 521 Moredon Rd, Huntingdon Valley, PA 19006
September 6, 2025, Southwest Member Area, St. Mary's University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio TX 78228. Registration is open in the store.
October 18, 2025, Midwest Member Area, Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart, 9201 W St. Francis Road, Frankfort, IL 60423. Registration is open in the store.
This workshop is part of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation grant to the NRVC to provide interculturality workshops to NRVC members and their religious institutes to enhance skills to be cultural mindful leaders. As a result, each participant will be asked to create one intercultural goal.
The workshop fee of $25 covers lunch, breaks, materials, venue, and speaker stipend. We kindly ask NRVC members to register the total number of participants attending from their community for one payment in the NRVC on-line store.
Overnight accommodation is not provided. If needed, please seek the assistance of the Member Area Coordinators where the workshop is offered.
This workshop is open only to NRVC members and members in their religious institute. Click here to become an NRVC member.
Crystal Taylor-Dietz, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist in Maryland and the District of Columbia. Since 2007, Dr. Taylor-Dietz has been working in behavioral health/mental health holding positions in community based, residential and outpatient services, including leadership, management and supervisory roles. She operates her private practice in Maryland conducting individual and family therapy with adults and adolescents. Dr. Taylor-Dietz was the director of Caritas Counseling Center, Saint Luke Institute in Maryland, a member of executive leadership, supervised clinical staff, provided clinical services, and managed the daily operations of the outpatient center. Dr. Taylor-Dietz is a member of the supervising faculty at The George Washington University Professional Psychology Program and was a teaching faculty member in the Child and Adolescent Training Program at the Washington School of Psychiatry. Her research/publications, teaching and clinical interests have included issues related to mental health/wellness, race/ethnicity, personality and culture and the intersection of psychology and spirituality.
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.
Having these opportunities in Member Areas makes them more accessible and covering so many topics with so much detail was very helpful and practical. I plan to share what I have learned with my Community's administration. --Sister Helen Sanchez, M.P.F., Morristown, NJ
I plan to take an implicit bias test to build an understanding of my own implicit biases. -- Father Patrick Kifolo, O.S.F.S., Wilmington, DE
Everyone I spoke with has some sort of questions/concerns on this topic. My team and I are going to have a significant conversation around this topic and then share it with the wider community. -- Sister Laura Teresa Downing, I.H.M., Mavern, PA
This workshop have me some good resources as well as encouraged me to improve in this area of assessment. I plan to establish a very strong candidate assessment process for our discernment with men. -- Brother John Skrodinsky, S.T., Silver Spring, MD
This workshop in the Member Area is very helpful--it opens up options to come with other team members. I found the acronym OCEAN most helpful along with the information on implicit biases and pathologies. The presenter is excellent! --Sister Diane Tomkinson, O.S.F., Aston, PA
Please contact Sister Debbie at debbiesscm@nrvc.net
Registration is open for the September 6 and October 13 workshops in the NRVC store.
This virtual workshop is essential for all new and recently 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 process, vocation promotion, canon law, boundaries, animating vowed membership, relevant resources, and research, along with resiliency and self-care of the vocation director.
Please note this five-day workshop begins on October 6 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on October 10 at 3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S.
There is a 60-minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. Workshop materials will be mailed to participants at least two weeks before the workshop.
Please note: This workshop is not recorded to allow the presenter and participants the opportunity to speak authentically in a learning community. Personal recording is prohibited.
Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, and postage.
NRVC member: $925 Non-member: $1,400
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Registration is open later in the online store.
All workshop registrations received after October 30 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net before October 30 to receive a full refund minus a $100 processing fee. After June 30, all fees are non-refundable.
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 served within her community as vocation director, on the formation committee, and elected congregational leadership team. Sister Debbie has previous ministerial experience in pastoral care, youth ministry, college campus ministry, and immigration advocacy. She has presented and written on various topics in vocation ministry in Ireland, Canada, and throughout the United States. Sister Debbie holds a Master of Divinity degree and a Master of Arts degree in Pastoral Studies from Loyola University, Chicago.
Brother Mark Motz, S.M. ministers as the Vocation Director for the Marianist Province of the United States. He has worked in vocation ministry for 12 years, with this being the start of his ninth year as the National Vocation Director for the Province. He holds a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from the University of Dayton. Brother Mark has ministered at the high school level and at all three of the Marianist Universities in San Antonio, TX, Dayton, OH and Honolulu, HI. Brother Mark currently serves as the Member Area Coordinator for Southwest Member Area and has presented this workshop previously with Sister Debbie.
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, please apply here.
Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.
"I am overwhelmed. You have exceeded my expectations. I have learnt a lot of new things, and I am grateful… . I am going to join other vocation ministers in my Member Area to promote vocations."
–--Sister Mavis Animah, S.J.S
The wealth of information was incredibly helpful, particularly the concrete examples that the presenters were willing to share. The resources on the ethics of vocation ministry were very helpful. I also really appreciated the attention given to self-care and entering into our own vocation story as a way of better ministering to others.
--Father Johnathan Turba, O. Praem.
"It gives me a great deal of confidence that finally I have some basic resources to enrich my ministry."
–--Sister Sherly Padayattil, F.S.S.E.:
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
Registration is open later in the online store.
Join us for an enriching and transformative virtual workshop series designed for those passionate about promoting vocations and engaging with diverse candidates. Over three dynamic days, you will have the opportunity to:
Please note this three-day workshop begins on October 14 at 9:30 a.m. for three successive Tuesdays, and ends on October 28 at 3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. There is a 60-minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. Workshop materials will be mailed to participants at least two weeks before the workshop begins.
Please note: This workshop is not recorded to allow the presenter and participants the opportunity to speak authentically in a safe, learning community. Personal recording is prohibited.
October 14, 2025: Examining “Culture Matters” in Vocation Promotion, Accompaniment, and Discernment, presented by Br. Ernest Miller, F.S.C.
Delve into the burgeoning topic of ‘culture matters’ and its expanding role in consecrated life. Drawing inspiration from Pope Paul VI’s poignant statement in Evangelii Nuntiandi, “the split between the gospel and culture is without a doubt the drama of our time, just as it was of other times,” this session will explore the theological and practical aspects of culture present in the discernment process, and ultimately, community life. Engage with texts and voices that offer insights into accompanying and fostering authentic and genuine hospitality within your community.
October 21, 2025: Called to Serve the Church in 2050, presented by Ms. Katherine Angulo Valenzuela
Address the pressing challenge of younger generations' disaffiliation from their faith. This session will provide you with strategies to cultivate a culture of engagement that invites the Church of 2050 to participate in God’s mission. Examine the factors influencing young adults' faith choices, decision-making, use of time, and their connections to technology and family. Hear ways young adults build communities, connect with the Church, participate in service immersion experiences, and nurture their faith. Learn what enthusiastic vocation ministers need to know when visiting college campuses to effectively engage students.
October 28, 2025: Stories Matter: Helping Applicants Write Their Autobiographies, and Reading Them from Cultural Lenses, presented by Fr. Patrick Keyes, C.Ss.R.
Understand and appreciate the diverse backgrounds of applicants seeking entrance into religious life. This session will help you guide applicants in writing their cultural autobiographies while also reflecting on your own cultural identity. Share your experiences and learn how cultural backgrounds shape engagement with applicants' narratives. This session builds upon the previous sessions, providing a comprehensive approach to fostering inclusive and welcoming communities.
Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, and postage.
NRVC member: $ 555 Non-member: $ 840
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Registration is open in the NRVC store for this three-day virtual workshop.
All workshop registrations received after October 1 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net. After October 1, all fees are non-refundable.
Brother Ernest Miller, FSC, is a member of the Brothers of the Christian Schools, commonly known as the De La Salle Christian Brothers. He currently serves as Director of the Adrien Nyel Project within the Office for Mission and Ministry in the Lasallian District of Eastern North America. Previous ministry includes Vice President for Mission and then Vice President of Mission, Diversity, and Inclusion at La Salle University in Philadelphia. He also served on the teaching faculty at three La Salle secondary schools. He holds a doctorate in ministry from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and master's degrees in education from La Salle University, international affairs from The George Washington University, and liberal studies from Georgetown University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Loyola University New Orleans.
Ms. Katherine Angulo Valenzuela is the Program Director of the Thriving in Ministry Initiative. She directs five important outreach efforts, up to $19 million supported by Lilly Endowment Inc. The newest, called Pathways to Communion, aims to strengthen the ecosystem of theologically informed service opportunities for young Catholics in the United States. Katherine also 1) works to prepare pastoral leaders for long-term ministry in the Church in the Strong Foundations for Catholic Leaders program, 2) provides intellectual and spiritual renewal for invited diocesan priests in the Bishop John M. D'Arcy Program in Priestly Renewal, and 3) is partnering with Iskali to create cultures of affiliation in the Hispanic Catholic Church in the United States through the Young Adult Innovation Hub.
Fr. Patrick Keyes, C.Ss.R. is a Redemptorist priest from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is of Northern European heritage and a third-generation Cheese-head (Wisconsinite). Fr. Patrick professed first vows in 1985 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1989. After ordination, he worked primarily with the U.S. Latino Community. Fr. Patrick spent four years in Brazil's Amazon Rainforest, accompanying small Christian Communities. He served as postulant director for the Redemptorists of North America and the English-speaking Caribbean in the Bronx, New York. He holds a doctorate in pastoral counseling from Fordham University in New York; his dissertation was on creating culturally diverse communities. Fr. Patrick currently resides at the Church of Holy Trinity in Mexico City and serves as one of the postulant formation directors for his congregation.
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, please apply here.
Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.
The most helpful insight for me was the importance of focusing on behavior/data and asking questions that provoke conversation about behavior and not just thoughts or ideas about something.
--Fr. Scott Surrency, O.F.M. Cap.
Fr. Ray is direct, clear, and provides depth through his stories. He tackles tough questions. He is so clear and gives salient examples. I do not have enough superlatives to describe his attributes, skills, and knowledge.
--Sr. Marie Mackey, C.S.J.The workshop met my expectations in learning how to assess candidates to religious life and how to address sensitive areas as well as in gaining knowledge and a sense of what can raise a "red flag" in my interviews with candidates.
--Sr. Inga Kvassayova, ISMM
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 virtual 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 October 15 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on October 17 at 3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. There is a 60-minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. Workshop materials will be mailed to participants at least two weeks before the workshop begins.
Please note: This workshop is not recorded to allow the presenter and participants the opportunity to speak authentically in a learning community. Personal recording is prohibited.
Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, and postage.
NRVC member: $ 555 Non-member: $ 840
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Registration for this workshop is open in the NRVC store.
All workshop registrations received after October 1 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net. After October 1, 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.
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, please apply here.
Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.
The most helpful insight for me was the importance of focusing on behavior/data and asking questions that provoke conversation about behavior and not just thoughts or ideas about something.
--Father Scott Surrency, O.F.M. Cap.
Fr. Ray Carey knows his “stuff” and presents in a way that is digestible and with humor. His examples are much appreciated.
--Sister Jocelyn Quijano, P.B.V.M
"Fr. Carey offered an organized, thorough, practical approach to the topic, filled with engaging stories."
--Father Patrick Nolan, SJ
"Fr. Ray’s examples/stories put reality into what we needed to learn."
--Sister Rebecca Holly, C.S.J.:
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
Registration for this workshop is open in the NRVC store.
This one-day workshop will explore how childhood trauma can have lasting effects on candidates and affect their capacity for initial formation and community living. Childhood trauma can include a wide range of experiences, include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect, family violence, war, the death of a family member, parental separation, addictions, or mental health challenges within the family. The impact of these events can last a life-time, and include disruptions in relationships, depression, anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, and poor academic or job stability. Untreated (or insufficiently resolved) trauma may create significant barriers to successful formation.
This workshop aims to help vocation ministers develop a compassionate yet discerning approach to working with inquirers with a trauma history to identify potential ‘red flags’ or ‘yellow flags’ that indicate a candidate may not yet be ready for formation, or may need additional treatment to become ready.
The presenter will guide participants through critical questions to ask serious discerners before they enter the formation process, and how to assess whether trauma-related issues have been sufficiently addressed. The workshop will offer practical strategies for assisting candidates with trauma histories in seeking the healing they need while avoiding taking on the role of a therapist. It will aslo adress how to manage your own feelings as you hear stories of childhood trauma. The session will include case discussions, and group discussion to deepen understanding and promote practical application.
Please note this one-day workshop begins on October 13 at 9:30 a.m. and at 3:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. There is a 60-minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. Workshop materials will be mailed to participants at least two weeks before the workshop begins.
Please note: This workshop is not recorded to allow the presenter and participants the opportunity to speak authentically in a learning community. Personal recording is prohibited.
Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, and postage.
NRVC member: $ 185 Non-member: $ 280
Workshop registration is open in the NRVC store.
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
All workshop registrations received after October 1 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net. After October 1, all fees are non-refundable.
Ms. Kathy Galleher, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist in Maryland who specializes in working with individuals in religious life and ministry. She received her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University in 1993. Dr. Galleher was a professor of psychology at St. Mary’s University of Winona, MN, and for 8 years, she was a residential psychologist at the St. Luke Institute in Silver Spring, MD. In 2006, she started her company, KMG Consultation, to support healthy ministry through workshops, training, and facilitation. She offers workshops on self-care, conflict management, transitions, grief and loss, sexual integration, tools for formation, and healthy boundaries. She also offers programs for healthy celibate living for men in post-novitiate formation in DC and Chicago. She has worked with numerous religious communities and ministry groups and national groups, including the RFC, IRF, NRVC, and LCWR.
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, 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.
Please contact Sr. Dina Bato, S.P. at dinasp@nrvc.net
This workshop is designed to assist vocation directors, formation directors, congregational leaders, and vocation team members in understanding and articulating the basic ethical values, principles, and standards of vocation ministry. Topics include the ethical principles governing agency, confidentiality, and obligations related to positions of trust; dissemination of information; the timeliness of admissions or dismissal decisions; dual relationships; document disposition; the respect for human dignity, interculturality, and other issues related to ethical rights of candidates and of those in positions of authority.
Please note this two-day workshop begins on October 29 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on October 20 at 3:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. There is a 60-minute break from noon - 1:00 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) U.S. Workshop materials will be mailed to participants at least two weeks before the workshop begins.
Please note: This workshop is not recorded to allow the presenter and participants the opportunity to speak authentically in a learning community. Personal recording is prohibited.
Workshop fees include materials, speaker stipends, and postage.
NRVC member: $ 370 Non-member: $ 560
Become an NRVC member here to save on workshop fees.
Registration is open in the NRVC store.
All workshop registrations received after October 1 incur a $100 late fee.
Cancellations for workshops must be received in writing to dinasp@nrvc.net. After October 1, 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 a Lifetime NRVC member for his work in service of vocation ministry.
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.
“Fr. Ray Carey is an excellent presenter and very knowledgeable in the subject matter. His real-life examples and different situations presented have helped me understand the importance of the subject matter/course.
--Sister Siena Fisk, O.S.B.“This workshop exceeded my expectations….Father Ray's technique of giving examples and telling stories to deepen the topic is very good.”
--Father Carlos Jacobo, C.S.C.“This workshop went over and above my expectations. Fr. Ray Carey is great! He is so knowledgeable and an expert in what he imparts. I am so glad that he provides examples for each topic. It is a lot of good information to process and so necessary. Thank you!"
--Sister Marie Elise Kurikombil, FSSE“This workshop exceeded my expectations because Fr. Ray is an excellent presenter. He presents the information in a very understandable and practical way."
--Sister Jennifer Tecla Hyatt, F.S.P.
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.
Registration is open in the NRVC store.
National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer, invitation, and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering these vocations.
Please avail yourself of the many resources NRVC offers to help promote NVAW in your community, parish, school, or campus ministry office. Note: for social media posts, use the hashtag #NVAW. or #NationalVocationAwarenessWeek.
The new interactive vocation resource showcases today’s Catholic sisters, nuns, brothers, and priests, the Bold and Faithful Storymap: Meet Today's Religious.
This storymap is designed for use by individuals considering a religious vocation and for parishes, campuses, and classrooms to promote vocations and connect those in religious life to everyday Catholics.
Featuring audio, video, articles, an interactive events calendar, and a religious institute map, the 2023 Bold and Faithful storymap is a companion resource, along with 2021 Religious Life Today storymap, to the NRVC’s 2020 Study on Recent Vocations to Religious Life.
Fifty Fun Facts about Religious Life handout
Responsibilities of Members for Vocation Ministry Handout
Ten Questions Parents ask about Vocations to Religious Life Brochure
Ten Questions People ask about Vocations to Religious Life Brochure
VISION Vocation Guide Digital Edition | VISION Article Index
What You Might not Know about Religious Life
Additional NRVC videos to share on your social media platforms are also available on the NRVC YouTube Channel, including our Learn it! Love it! Live it! webinar series.
VISION Vocation Network resources: NRVC's VocationNetwork.org offers many vocation-related resources, including, articles, videos, prayers, and quizzes on vocation discernment and religious life. Order free VISION guide, prayer cards, and posters.
The USCCB website offers news releases, prayer cards, video clips, and other resources.
Global Sisters Report offers lessons for classrooms about Catholic Sisters.
Serra International offers Spark Vocation Tools.
Please send us any plans, photos, or news about your events celebrated during National Vocation Awareness Week. We're happy to spread the good news.
Observance of Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976 when the U.S. bishops designated the 28th Sunday of the year for the celebration. It was later moved to the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord in January. In 2014, after extensive consultation, the Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life, and Vocations moved the observance of National Vocation Awareness Week to November to engage Catholic schools and colleges more effectively in this effort.
The National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC) is a biennial three-day experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, and service, sponsored by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM). Over 10,000 high school teens, parents, and youth ministers from across the country will gather November 20-22, 2025, around the theme, I Am | Yo Soy. NCYC takes place at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. All participating adults must adhere to a code of conduct and complete and be current in either their home diocese’s Safe Environment program, Praesidium, or the Archdiocese of Indianapolis’ program. There are no exceptions.
In collaboration with NFCYM, the NRVC invites you to be part of this celebration of the Catholic faith and to promote vocations to religious life. There are three ways to participate in NCYC:
You may register as an individual or register with members of your religious institute; there is no minimum or maximum number of volunteers you can register, but everyone must have proof of current Safe Environment training. Travel, meals, parking, and accommodations are not included, you must make these reservations on your own. Because volunteer registration is not yet open, please email debbiesscm@nrvc.net the names and email addresses of those who want to volunteer so you can be contacted with additional instructions about volunteer registration to signify you are an NRVC volunteer.
For all NRVC members participating in NCYC, please email debbiesscm@nrvc.net the names of participants, emails, and the website of your religious institute. All NRVC members will receive a ribbon for their name tags on site and listed on this website page.
In 1997, Pope Saint John Paul II instituted a day for women and men in consecrated life. This global celebration is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord on February 2nd. This Feast is also known as Candlemas Day; the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.
There are several ways to celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life. Invite sisters, brothers, and priests to publicly renew their vows at Mass, send cards of support to newer entrants, ask to visit a mother house to meet and pray with sisters, brothers, and priests, invite a vocation director to visit your classroom, Board meeting, or faith group to learn more about consecrated life. Send flowers, make a donation to a religious community, or invite someone to discern their vocation to consecrated life!
Spark a conversation about religious life using the Abundant Hope prayer cards, and Abundant Hope video series of newer entrants and senior professed members talking about their lived experiences of intergenerational and intercultural vowed communal life. There are 76 videos of sisters, brothers, and priests sharing abundant hope on the NRVC YouTube Channel. On World Day for Consecrated Life, gather together to talk about unwavering hope, invite others to celebrate, and record your own short videos to post on your social media sites to join this global celebration!
VISION Vocation Network articles on Religious Life
VISION Vocation Digital Guides
Consecrated Life through the lens of Fratelli Tutti video
Ideas for families and parishes to celebrate WDCL video
Fundamentals from call to charism to community living video
What you might not know about religious life three minute video
Finding joy in religious life three minute video
Religious Life is...three minute video
Takeaways from Christus Vivit through the lens of vocation ministry video
Selected vocation quotes from Christus Vivit!
USCCB Resources
Sample renewal formula from the Diocese of Brooklyn:
Eternal and Loving God, trusting in your faithful love,
I, _____________, renew my vows to live my life
following Jesus Christ in chastity, poverty, and obedience.
I commit myself anew to serve the Church
in the ministries entrusted to my Religious Congregation.
Grant me the grace, Lord Jesus,
through the intercession of Our Lady
and the prayers and support of my sisters and brothers in Christ
to live these vows faithfully. Amen.
Sample renewal formula from the Diocese of Ogdensburg:
O my God, I ____________, renew my vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, hoping with your Divine Grace to observe them faithfully.” Amen.
Sample renewal formula from the Archdiocese of Chicago:
Trusting in God’s love and fidelity,
I ____________, renew my dedication to God
Through the vows of Chastity, Poverty, and Obedience.
I renew the gift of my life in community
and in mission to extend God’s reign of justice, love, and peace in the world.
With total dependence upon God,
I promise fidelity to this commitment
made in accordance with the Constitutions
of my Religious Congregation.
I ask you to pray
that I will be faithful to this commitment. Amen
"This community really, for me, gave me a place and a voice to say, it's okay that you sing in Spanish. It's okay that you're abuelito did this. You had a little altarcito. It's okay. That cultural experience is valid, is valued. That's what attracted me to my community, where I could explore that and celebrate that."
"I was attracted to living in community with other people with the same charism, with the same spirit, with the same hopes for the world with our differences. I wanted to be in community. That was really important to me."
"I think the greatest joy and the greatest challenge is community life, always."
2025 Papal Homily for the 29th World Day for Consecrated Life
Consecrated obedience can act as an antidote to this isolated individualism, for it promotes an alternative model of relationship marked by active listening, where “speaking” and “listening” are followed by the concreteness of “acting”, even at the cost of setting aside our own tastes, plans and preferences. Only in this way, in fact, can a person fully experience the joy of gift, overcoming loneliness and discovering the meaning of his or her existence in God’s greater plan.
2024 Papal Message for the 28th World Day for Consecrated Life
It is good for us to look at these two elders who were waiting patiently, vigilant in spirit and persevering in prayer. Their hearts have stayed awake, like an eternal flame. They are advanced in age, but young at heart. They do not let the days wear them down, for their eyes remain fixed on God in expectation (cf. Ps 145:15). Fixed on God in expectation, always in expectation. Along life’s journey, they have experienced hardships and disappointments, but they have not given in to defeat: they have not “retired” hope.
2023 Papal Message for the 27th World Day for Consecrated Life
Your mission is enriched by the charisms of your institutes and societies, the charisms of your founders. In their remarkable variety, they all gave themselves for the edification of the Church and for her mission. All charisms are for the mission, and they are precisely so with the incalculable richness of their variety; so that the Church may bear witness to and proclaim the Gospel to everyone and in every situation.
2022 Papal Homily for the 26th World Day for Consecrated Life
What is our vision of consecrated life? The world often sees it as “a waste”, a relic of the past, something useless. But we, the Christian community, men and women religious, what do we see? Are our eyes turned only inward, yearning for something that no longer exists, or are we capable of a farsighted gaze of faith, one that looks both within and beyond? I am greatly edified when I see older consecrated men and women whose eyes are bright, who continue to smile and in this way give hope to the young. Let us think of all those times when we encountered such persons, and bless God for this. For their eyes are full of hope and openness to the future.
2021 Papal Homily for the 25th World Day for Consecrated Life
2020 Papal Homily for the 24th World Day for Consecrated Life
2019 Papal Homily for the 23rd World Day for Consecrated Life
2018 Papal Homily for the 22nd World Day of Consecrated Life
2017 Papal Homily for the 21st World Day of Consecrated Life
2016 Papal Homily for 20th World Day of Consecrated Life
2015 Papal Homily for 19th World Day of Consecrated Life
2014 Papal Homily for 18th World Day of Consecrated Life
2013 Papal Message for 17th World Day of Consecrated Life
2012 Papal Message for 16th World Day of Consecrated Life
2011 Papal Message for 15th World Day of Consecrated Life
2010 Papal Message for 14th World Day of Consecrated Life
2009 Papal Message for 13th World Day of Consecrated Life
2008 Papal Message for 12th World Day of Consecrated Life
2007 Papal Message for 11th World Day of Consecrated life
2006 Papal Message for 10th World Day of Consecrated Life
2005 Papal Message for 9th World Day of Consecrated Life
2004 Papal Message for 8th World Day of Consecrated Life
2003 Papal Message for 7th World Day of Consecrated Life
2002 Papal Message for 6th World Day of Consecrated Life
2001 Papal Message for 5th World Day of Consecrated Life
2000 Papal Message for 4th World Day of Consecrated Life
1999 Papal Message for 3rd World Day of Consecrated Life
Updated on: 2020-12-31
Convocation brings together the NRVC membership with its trademark excellence in workshops, liturgies, keynote presentations, and networking. This large membership conference also includes the member business meeting, awards, and invitations to collaborators. It provides the opportunity to celebrate the mission and vision of the organization while engaging in professional development and ongoing formation. We are excited to be heading out to Orlando, Florida, for our biennial Convocation, November 19-23, 2026.
Welcome Reception and Ritual begins at 5:30 p.m., November 19, 2026
Awards dinner ends at 9:00 p.m., November 22, 2026
The venue selected is the Rosen Centre at 9840 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819. It has an olympicsize tropical outdoor swimming pool and is close to theme parks, shopping and world-class golf. Rosen Centre Hotel is just 12 minutes from Orlando International Airport. Parking is $15 per night and each room has complimentary wi-fi.
The NRVC has contracted a block of rooms for three days prior and 3 days after Convocation for a reduced rate of $149 per night plus 12.5% tax. While it may be cheaper for reservations elsewhere or through third parties, the NRVC depends upon your reservations through Nix conference management to keep the overall rate of the conference affordable. If we do not meet our contracted rooms, the NRVC will be penalized financially. Check-in is after 3:00 pm and check-out is before 1100 am. Please note reservations for the hotel discount rate ends on October 18, 2026.
Please do not make your hotel reservations, please wait for the NRVC reservations in April 2026.
An opening reception on Thursday evening, lunch on Friday and Saturday, along with the closing awards supper on Sunday, are all included in your registration fee. There are several restaurants within walking distance from the hotel. There is also a restaurant in the hotel
Registration fee: TBA
Pre-Convocation workshop, 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., on November 19, 2026
Member rate: $200 includes lunch
Non-member rate: $300, includes lunch
The hotel overnight rate is $149 plus 12.5% tax from November 16-26. Parking is $15 per night. Please do NOT make reservations directly to the hotel or through third parties as they will not be applied to our NRVC contract. Thank you.
If you need to cancel your reservation, please email debbiesscm@nrvc.net Due to contracts with the hotel/vendors, all registration fees are non-refundable after October 1, 2026.
If you need financial assistance, the NRVC Misericordia Fund is available to help with Convocation registration fees. For information and applications, please click here.
Many levels of Sponsorship are available and we welcome your support. Please contact our Director of Development, Mr. Phil Loftus at ploftus@nrvc.net.
Exhibits are available to those who are sponsors at the $2,000 and higher levels. Exhibits open at 3:00 p.m. on November 19 and close at 4:00 p.m. on November 21 p.m. Exhibits include 1 table, two chairs, and up to two Convocation registration fees.
Come a day early to elevate your skills and enhance your ministry! This workshop is designed for vocation ministers, leadership teams, and all those responsible for the admissions process. Workshop registration for NRVC members is $200 which includes a buffet lunch. The price for non-members is $300.
Communal and personal prayer are important values of the NRVC. Each day, Mass will be celebrated along with opportunities for Communal Prayer. A prayer room will be located in the hotel for those who seek a quieter, contemplative space.
The NRVC presents up to four categories of awards at the biennial Convocation: The Harvest Award, the Lifetime Member Award, the Mustard Seed Award, and Outstanding Service Recognition. More information to follow.
It is the custom of the Host Member Area to select a local non-profit organization for the collection taken at the closing Mass at Convocation.
The closest airport is the Orlando International Airport (MCO). Arline service includes Aer Lingus, Aero Mexico, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Allegiant, American Airlines, Breeze, Delta, Frontier, JetBlue, Poreter, Southwest, Spirit, Sun Country, United, Virgin Atlantic, Volaris, and Westjet. Taxi/Uber/Lyft/other app-based ride services, and car rental companies at your own expense. On-sire car rental is available at the hotel.
Please read our NRVC terms and conditions for all events and programs.
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“I’m an off-the-charts extrovert,” says Mrs. Teri Iverson, vocation ministry coordinator for the Sisters of the Precious Blood in Dayton, Ohio. “I love building relationships and connecting with people in person at conferences and events.” She comes to vocation ministry after three decades in youth ministry. Read more...
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