EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Planting the seeds for growth

Dear Friend of NRVC, As you read through this 2004 Annual Report, you will see that this has been an extraordinary year for the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC). We completed our five year strategic plan; our Convocation was a major success; our various NRVC workshops attracted a notable attendance of over 400 people; we continue to improve and to expand our NRVC services, publications and websites; and we have extended our collaboration with other major organizations within the Church. Although we are proud of these impressive achievements, we are far from finished! Committed to ensuring the future of consecrated life, the NRVC Board began the process of developing a Five Year Strategic Plan two years ago. Gathering the valuable input of our members, major superiors and directors of our collaborating organizations, the Board outlined specific strategies and plans to meet the challenges of projected vocation trends. We are excited about this plan’s completion, and we are confident that it will give NRVC the direction and focus necessary so that we may assist the religious discernment of women and men in the future. That is why your support of our mission of vocation awareness, invitation and discernment is so appreciated and why your continued support of our efforts is so essential. The good of our Church and the future of our religious congregations and societies depend upon it. As I meet with our NRVC members around the country, I am always amazed at how they maintain a passion and hope for religious life in a climate of such uncertainty. This reality was further affirmed at our biennial Convocation in September when vocation ministers, major superiors, formators and younger religious gathered to celebrate the theme, “Fidelity to Jesus: A Paradigm of Hope.” Our participants’ profound love for Jesus and the Gospel and the Church and religious life was palpable, if not contagious. It is a tremendous privilege to be a vocation minister today. Following the footsteps of Jesus Christ, vocation ministers walk with people on their journey to discover God’s deepest desire for them. As I am grateful for their service to the Church, I am also truly grateful for our National Board, our NRVC staff, and for the tremendous support of the many people like yourself who care deeply about the future of religious life and its members. In his message on the occasion of the 2004 World Day of Prayer for Vocations, Pope John Paul II wrote: “My heartfelt wish is that prayer for vocations be intensified ever more; prayer that is adoration of the mystery of God and thanksgiving for the ‘great things’ that he has accomplished and does not cease to carry out…” I invite you to join me in a prayer of thanksgiving for the blessings we have reaped this year in vocation ministry and may the Lord of the harvest guide us in faith as we anticipate the “great things” we hope are yet to come.

Sincerely,

Brother Paul Bednarczyk, CSC Executive Director YEAR IN REVIEW

A year filled with faith, hope, and action

FIVE YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN “Fidelity to Jesus: A Paradigm of Hope.” In addition, Dr. Kathleen McChesney, COMPLETED Director of the USCCB Office of Child and After two years of much prayer, Youth Protection, addressed the assembly consultation and discussion, NRVC is on the work of her office. The Convocation proud to have completed a Five Year ended with a “fishbowl discussion” Strategic Plan for the organization and facilitated by our presenters with major the services it provides. The impetus superiors, vocation directors and younger for this plan was to meet the needs and religious participating. No one can dispute challenges of vocation ministry in the the scholarly input of the speakers or the future and to respond formally to the high energy present in the spirit of the directives of the Pastoral Plan of the 2002 participants. Continental Congress on Vocations. The Plan focuses on six priorities: • Education of the laity about consecrated life and ordained ministry; • Creation of a “vocation culture”; • Scientific research on contemporary vocation trends; • Ethnic and racial inclusion and vocation ministry; • Resources and support for religious institutes and societies of apostolic life to welcome and retain new members; and • Organizational and operational review of NRVC. Specific tasks for each priority have been outlined with some initiatives already begun. We are especially grateful to all who shared with us their insights, creativity and suggestions in formulating NRVC also presented four awards this plan. at the concluding banquet of the Convocation. NRVC Recognition Awards CONVOCATION 2004 – went to members Brother James “Fidelity to Jesus: McVeigh, OFM, and Sister Mary A Paradigm of Hope” Pellegrino, CSJ, for their contributions to vocation ministry. The 2004 Harvest From September 9-13 NRVC hosted a Awards went to Mrs. Dorothy Foss, successful Convocation at the Marriott former Executive Director of NCDVD, and O’Hare Hotel in our home city of Chicago. Rev. Raymond Lafontaine, author of the Gathering over 500 vocation ministers, Vocation Congress Pastoral Plan. major superiors, formators and young religious, keynote speakers Sister Mary Maher, SSND, and Rev. Timothy Radcliffe, OP, treated the theme of 3 YEAR IN REVIEW

Prior to the Convocation, NRVC our policies for candidate assessment sponsored an additional three are up to date and consistent with the workshops: Inviting and Discerning guidelines put forth by both the USCCB with the Latino/Hispanic Candidate, and Praesidium. Discernment: the Asian Way, and Vocation Ministry and the Issues of Civil, TWO NEW STANDING COM- Canon and Immigration Law. Because of the high demand for the legal workshop, MITTEES ESTABLISHED NRVC will sponsor this program again To meet the needs of our members, this year with Rev. Dan Ward, OSB, the NRVC Board approved this year and Sister Margaret Perron, RJM, as the formulation of two new standing presenters. committees.

Education: The purpose of this com-

RISK MANAGEMENT AND mittee is to collaborate with Catholic VOCATION MINSITRY educators in the area of vocation pro- The recent sexual abuse crisis has motion and awareness. It is hoped that affected the way we all do ministry in the the work of this committee would as- Church. Aware of this reality and wanting sist school administrators, teachers and to insure that parish directors of religious education in proper preventative their responsibility in building a vocation measures are culture. in place for Religious Priesthood: This committee future candidate has been established to respond proac- assessment, tively to the unique issues and challenges NRVC has been related to promoting the vocation of in close contact religious priesthood. with Praesidium Religious Services, As recommended by our Strategic an organization Plan, and as a way to broaden greater subcontracted responsibility for vocation promotion, all by CMSM, in of our NRVC Standing Committees now cooperation with include representatives of other national Christian Brothers Catholic organizations. Risk Management Services, to assist OUTREACH TO NATIONAL “I would recommend religious communities in responding to the Bishops’ Charter by providing CATHOLIC EDUCATION the NRVC orientation standards, policies, resources, technical ASSOCIATION (NCEA) program for anyone assistance and the implementation In January the two Executive Directors of accountability for accreditation in who will be working to of NRVC and NCDVD met with the providing safety to minors. Executive Council of the National provide vocations In a similar fashion, NRVC has also Catholic Education Association (NCEA) within the Church.” been in discussion with the USCCB Office in Washington, DC. The purpose of this of Child and Youth Protection on the meeting was to discuss the pivotal role BROTHER GARY HUMES, SC policies and guidelines we recommend of NCEA plays in vocation promotion. for the assessment and admission of new As a result our organizations have candidates. now established formal collaborative We are happy to report that both relations. Brother Bernard Stratman, Praesidium and the Office of Child SM, Executive Director of the NCEA and Youth Protection are in general Seminary Department, currently agreement with our NRVC guidelines. serves as our liaison with the NCEA. NRVC continues to work closely with With NCEA’s encouragement, both both organizations so as to insure that NRVC and NCDVD have since met with representatives from key publishing 4 companies to encourage adequate YEAR IN REVIEW

coverage of vocation education in traffic to advertiser’s websites from religious textbooks. It is hoped that the the Vision site; new Education Standing Committee will • special assistance provided continue the work that has begun. to advertisers by TrueQuest Communications in the NEW SPANISH WEBSITE: enhancement, design and effectiveness of their individual In the few months since www.vocacioncatolica.com websites. I was called from Africa In March the NRVC launched a new • e-mailed reader responses to Spanish-language website, www.vocac advertisers in addition to to return to the States ioncatolica.com, for Hispanic Catholics advertiser 24-hour access to the to take up Vocation who are seeking spiritual development Vision Advertiser Updater, which and who may be considering religious contains all the data of individual Ministry, I’ve been life. This new website, which is an advertiser reader service and welcomed and supported affiliate of www.visionguide.org, has summaries of all Vision reader an attractive, contemporary design activity. first by NRVC. It has to appeal to younger Latinos, ages • Opportunities section online, given me the skills to do 18 to 35, living a bilingual, bicultural which allows for free postings existence in the U.S. The site includes: of retreats, summer service my new ministry with programs, come and see professionalism while a sampling of articles about finding • weekends, vocation fairs, etc. one’s path, religious life, prayer, and encouraging me web advertising by communities living in two cultures; • on the website has shown up to as a person.” descriptive listings of participating • five times the amount of traffic religious communities; FATHER BILL CHRISTY, CSSP being sent to their websites. an opportunities section posting • Vision’s multimedia presence discernment and educational events is a most effective retreats, and ministry and service approach for reaching opportunities for Latino/a youth; young adults today. • a web index that links visitors to many sites of interest to Hispanic The NRVC and its Catholics and Latino/a young adults partners, TrueQuest seeking information about church Communications, vocations, religious life and Catholic continue to investigate culture and teaching. ways in which Vision can expand its market and VISION: enhance its services to advertisers, The Annual Religious distributors and readers. Vocation Discernment Guide Vision and its accompanying website HORIZON ACCEPTED BY www.visionguide.org continue to reach CATHOLIC LIBRARY AND hundreds of thousands of students, PERIODICAL INDEX parishioners, and young adults in NRVC was delighted to learn that discernment each year. This unique Horizon, the NRVC professional vocation resource is an essential tool journal, was accepted this past year in vocation ministry with a controlled into the Catholic Library and Periodical distribution to all dioceses, parishes, Index. This will allow for greater schools, retreat centers, and campus exposure and distribution of this ministers and direct requests from periodical. Special thanks to content parishes, schools, and advertisers. Some editor, Carol Schuck Scheiber, and Vision highlights and improvements this to the NRVC Editorial Board, for their year include: attentive and exceptional work with a streamlined online reader-service • this fine publication. form, which has increased the number

of reader requests for advertiser information, and has increased the 5 YEARREPORTS IN REVIEW

Bishop Blase J. Cupich, Chair U.S. Bishops’ Committee on Vocations

Greetings in the Lord Jesus Christ! As the hope to continue the positive momentum new Chair for the Bishops’ Committee on that resulted from this Congress. Vocations (BCV), I would like to share The BCV also embarked on a with you some important endeavors in national program to assist presbyterates vocation ministry. in inviting young men to consider a First of all, I have learned of the priestly vocation. This inviter program We are pleased to many good things NRVC members have will be refined during some preliminary announce that during achieved. Brother Paul Bednarczyk, CSC pilot programs. The National Conference continues to keep the Bishops’ Committee of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD) the Year of the Eucharist on Vocations updated on NRVC activities. is assisting us in these endeavors. a monstrance blessed by As you are aware, it was after the Some of you may have read that our the Holy Father will travel untimely death of former chair Bishop Holy Father has asked that the American Kevin Britt that I assumed responsibility Church to have a National Day of Prayer through North America for the Committee. I assure you that for Priestly Vocations. The bishops of for Eucharistic Adoration the same level of collaboration that the BCV will discuss this endeavor. We has always existed between NRVC and look forward to collaborating with NRVC for vocations to ordained the BCV will continue to flourish as we regarding this matter, especially with ministry and consecrated work together in promoting vocations to your new standing committee of religious ordained ministry and consecrated life. communities of priests. life. We are pleased to announce that In addition, we continue to look at during this Year of the Eucharist a vocation efforts from a multicultural monstrance blessed by our Holy Father perspective, and the many ways in which will travel through North America for our culture and society have impacted Eucharistic Adoration for vocations to young people and their response to the ordained ministry and consecrated life. Lord’s call. We also want to study how The coordination of these efforts is being parents and parish families approach orchestrated through Serra International. vocation ministry, as well as how If you are interested in learning more effective we are in challenging our young about how to acquire the use of this people to consider a Church vocation, monstrance, please contact your local with a special emphasis on ministry diocese. with young adults and campus ministry. In keeping with the spirit of the recent As we prepare for World Youth Day Continental Congress on Vocations, the 2005 in Cologne, Germany the Bishops’ Secretariat for Vocations and Priestly Committee on Vocations is planning Formation has received a number of to be actively involved in utilizing vocation action plans from dioceses and this universal experience as a time of religious communities. My hope is to significant discernment in the hearts of solicit from my brother bishops a clear our youth. understanding about the need for another It is reassuring to the U.S. bishops National Strategy for Vocations in the that NRVC is a close collaborator. The United States. Once we have received presence of your Executive Director on their responses, the BCV will assess our Committee affords us an opportunity whether or not a draft of a new strategy for sharing in the mission of the Church on vocations is necessary. Regardless, we to pray and beg the Lord of the Harvest to send workers into the harvest. Thank you for all that you do and be assured of my prayers for your work in vocation ministry. 6 REPORTSY E A R I N

Sister Carole Shinnick, SSND, Executive Director Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)

In 2004, the Leadership In 2004 LCWR revamped its website Conference of Women (http://www.lcwr.org) making it more Religious, with CMSM user-friendly and attractive. LCWR planned and hosted published a booklet of reflections on a joint assembly, in ecology and earth justice called Tending Fort Worth, Tex. from the Holy. The booklet’s essays began on August 19 through 22. The theme was April 22, International Earth Day, and “No Longer Bystanders: Creating Peace in ended on June 5, World Environment Violent Times.” Keynote speaker, Dr. Mary Day. This year, a second booklet will be Robinson, drew on her vast international published on the theme of the 2004 joint experience as President of Ireland and United Nations’ High Commissioner of All that LCWR does Human Rights, and greatly challenged the only makes sense when assembly participants. In addition to collaborating with balanced with the CMSM on the joint assembly, LCWR joined forward-focused work of with the men’s conference to visit various offices in the Vatican during the annual NRVC. LCWR is deeply Rome visit. The combined delegations grateful for the special met with James Nicholson, then the US ministry of NRVC and its Ambassador to the Vatican, to discuss several international concerns, especially members. NRVC is about the war in Iraq and the stalemated peace creating the future. process in the Middle East. Ambassador Nicholson listened attentively and shared assembly. It will begin with reflections his own deep commitment to, and his on May 3, the anniversary of the 1983 work on the problem of human trafficking. issuance of the US Bishops’ pastoral Every five years, LCWR chooses a new letter on peace, and will conclude on set of goals. The plan for 2004-2009 took June 26, the date when the UN Charter a more free-flowing form. The prologue to was signed in 1945 the document, now states that: Of course, all that LCWR does only “We, the members of the Leadership makes sense when balanced with the Conference of Women Religious, believe forward-focused work of NRVC. LCWR is that God’s call is written in the signs of deeply grateful for the special ministry our time. Our foremothers and founders of NRVC and its members. NRVC is about stepped into the chaos and the unknown creating the future. of their day, trusting in God’s good guidance and great providence. In our time, we are called to do the same. Inspired by the radical call of the Gospel, led by God’s Spirit and companioned by one another, we embrace our time as holy, our leadership as gift, and our challenges as blessings.”

7 REPORTS

Father Ted Keating, SM, Executive Director Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM)

CMSM as a conference life and its ministry in this country. In finished its work this year fact, it has led to collaborative work on preparing membership through Praesidium between NRVC and for a complete review CMSM. of their handling of the Conference leadership was insistent, issues of protection of however, that these issues not overly children and dealing with dominate the work of the conference allegations of sexual over these years. For example, a Brothers abuse. Praesidium Religious Services, Task Force was convened early in 2003 under the direction of Dr. Monica to tackle the question of the struggles Applewhite, led conference membership over the Brothers’ vocation in the U.S. through a process of education and It quickly became apparent that the clarification of how established national Brothers were bearing the brunt of standards could be used to bring more difficulties over the ambiguities about expertise, coherence, and objective the identity of men religious in general. standardization to the protection of Clerical religious have often become children and the handling of allegations overly focused on their priestly identity of sexual abuse. The whole program to the disadvantage of their religious life identity, just as the Brothers’ vocation in the U.S. became more and more professionalized with respect to the teaching and health care professions. Exaggerated focus on what we do reduces the clarity about the fullness of our vocation as religious. The work of the Task Force has been published for the conference and has led to some of the work at the August 2003 Assembly. This complements in some ways the former work of NRVC on the perceptions of young adults about religious life in the 1990’s. Recent CMSM delegations to Haiti leads to a process of public accreditation and Cuba have opened up avenues of and accountability for these efforts with work in these often neglected areas of Praesidium, an organization which advocacy and public education. In both provides this service for many of the instances, the religious life is central top child care agencies of the United to the developments in these countries States. Membership will have completed that are so often off the radar screen of a complete review of their handling of Congress and the Administration. There these painful matters by the summer will also be an Inter American Meeting of of 2005. In surprising ways, this work religious in May 2005, a meeting that has has opened up avenues of renewal and occurred about every five years since the clarification of about the role of religious late 1960’s. The meetings bring together leadership from the religious conferences of the whole hemisphere. More strategic collaboration between the conferences is the focus of this coming meeting. 8 Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) Sister Gabrielle Mary Braccio, RSM, Coordinator

REPORTS

Sister Gabrielle Mary Braccio, RSM, Coordinator Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR)

The Council of Major 70 religious communities. Photos of Superiors of Women the Congress and order forms for the Religious (CMSWR) presentations can be found on the is a canonically CMSWR website: www.cmswr.org. approved Other CMSWR news and activities organization include: founded in 1992 to • Sisters participated in regional promote religious workshops with the theme, life in the United States. Our present Catholic Social Teaching and the membership includes 154 members Eucharist;” representing 117 religious communities • CMSWR plans and approximately 6500 women to sponsor 70 religious. We are pleased that this year Sisters to attend six new applications were accepted. and to serve as A major event for CMSWR this year volunteers at the was the Eucharistic Congress held upcoming World September 24-25, 2004, at the National Youth Day 2005 Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Cologne, in Washington, D.C. The theme of the Germany, from Eucharistic Congress, Heaven Unites with August 2-22; Earth, was inspired by the writings of • Nine Sisters Pope John Paul II in his recent encyclical are presently “Ecclesia de Eucharistia.” The keynote studying at speakers included His Eminence, Domus House of Francis Cardinal Arinze, Prefect of the Studies in Rome; Congregation for Divine Worship and • The Sisters the Discipline of the Sacraments, Sister of Life, founded Nirmala, MC, Superior General of the by Cardinal John O’Connor, and Missionaries of Charity of Kolkata, the Servants of the Lord and the His Eminence, James Francis Cardinal Virgin of Matara, in Washington, DC, Stafford, Major Penitentiary of the both have had their Constitutions Apostolic Penitentiary, Most Reverend approved and are now officially Daniel DiNardo, Coadjutor of the Diocese recognized by the Church as a of Galveston-Houston, and the Most Religious Institute of Devine Right; Reverend William E. Lori, Bishop of • A proposed Code of Conduct Bridgeport. is being prepared for use by the It was the hope and the prayer of the CMSWR membership. CMSWR and the Planning Committee that by participating in the Congress, people would deepen their faith, hope, and love through Liturgy, music, catechesis, processions, prayer and adoration. Our prayers were answered with over 4000 persons in attendance with representation of approximately

9 National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD), Mr. J. Steven Covington, Executive Director

REPORTS

Mr. J. Steven Covington, Executive Director National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD)

The National In the past year, NCDVD provided Conference training and formation opportunities for of Diocesan vocation directors through our Annual Vocation Convention, held in September in Directors (NCDVD) has a mission that’s Anchorage, Alaska, as well as programs unique in the Catholic Church: to promote offered in regional settings around the priesthood through training, support, and country. advocacy for diocesan vocation directors. NCDVD served as an advocate for the Currently, about 93% of dioceses in diocesan priesthood by representing the the United States are active members needs and concerns of vocation directors in NCDVD. We’re also blessed to count before the United States Conference among our numbers dioceses from Great of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Probably the most Britain, Ireland, Canada, and Australia. Vocations. In its consultative role with Much of 2004 was dominated by a the Committee, NCDVD’s leadership important role NCDVD transition in leadership for NCDVD. Mrs. helped the BCV adopt a definition provides is through the Dorothy Foss, who served as Executive of vocation that gives guidance to Director for nine years, retired in June. In religious education text book publishers, network of fraternal July, Mr. Steven Covington was appointed among others. At NCDVD’s urging, the support offered to to fill the Executive’s position. The Committee also agreed to pursue the organization’s national office subsequently establishment of a national registry that vocation directors. moved from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina would track men who made application to Neillsville, Wisconsin. to priestly formation programs in each NCDVD affirmed its mission of service diocese throughout the United States. by identifying three broad goals it desires NCDVD provided guidance to the to meet: USCCB staff as they began developing Training: Provide resources and programs an updated Priest as Inviter resource to assist members in becoming compe- to promote vocations within the parish tent and effective in the promotion of setting. vocations, assessment of candidates, and Probably the most important role formation of seminarians. NCDVD provides is through the network of fraternal support offered to vocation Advocacy: Represent well the interests directors. In the past year, members had of diocesan vocation ministry and to the opportunity to gather at regional promote these issues with appropriate meetings sponsored by NCDVD and at constituencies of influence. our Annual Convention in Anchorage. The organization’s executive and regional Support: Connect our individual members leadership also met at the J. S. Paluch to the collective knowledge, experience, Company’s Annual Vocation’s Seminar and wisdom of the Conference so that held in suburban Chicago. Furthermore, they may serve more effectively in their NCDVD began to significantly overhaul local churches. its media, including its quarterly newsletter and website, to ensure that vocation directors across the country and the world felt connected to one another and benefited from each other’s best efforts in the field.

10 REPORTS

Sister Diane Poplawski, OP, Executive Director National Coalition for Church Vocations (NCCV)

The National We are currently in dialogue with Coalition for some NRVC members about some new Church Vocations resources on charisms, creating a culture (NCVC) provides parishes, schools, of vocations in the family, and prayer dioceses, and religious communities with cards. If you have an idea, concern, or vocation resources. NCCV is the largest suggestion, please contact us. not-for-profit publisher and distributor of vocation resources in the United States. Partner members of NCCV are the: NCDVD, NRVC, J. S. Paluch Company, Inc., Priests of the Sacred Heart, Rogationist Fathers, and the USA Council of Serra International. This past year NCCV updated our secure website that contains the Vocation Resource Catalog. We also published the 2005-2006 Vocation Resource Catalog, which contains forty new items. Some of the new resources include: Spanish and African American materials, videos, prayer cards, posters, music CDs, discernment resources, meditation mementos, ribbons, and Vocation Views. Sister Mary Therese Johnson, OP (Sinsinawa) authored a parish prayer that provides follow-up The staff of NCCV includes: Sister to the Third Continental Congress on Diane Poplawski, OP, Sister Mary Therese NCCV appreciates our Vocations and encourages us to foster a Johnson, OP, and Mr. Saul Garcia. This long-standing relationship “culture of vocations.” NRVC Executive year in October we celebrated Saul’s ten- Director Brother Paul Bednarczyk, CSC year anniversary. I am grateful for his with NRVC and the many authored a discernment prayer based on dedicated, generous, and faithful service collaborative ways we are Mary’s generous yes (Luke 1:38). to NCCV over the years! The kits for National Vocation NCCV appreciates our long-standing able to work together. Awareness Week, World Day for relationship with NRVC and the many Consecrated Life, and World Day of Prayer collaborative ways we are able to work for Vocations are now available in English together. Thank you for being a part of and Spanish in print or CD format. The our continued growth and development. NVAW and WDP kits include a family We are here to serve you and wish you take-home page. A new Duplication Policy blessings in your vocation ministry to your for the kits was initiated. Thanks to the congregations and the church. many NRVC members who continue to generously assist with the development of lesson plans for the popular NVAW kits.

11 REPORTS

Sister Janet Mock, CSJ, Executive Director Religious Formation Conference

This past year volume Resource Manual. Feedback has seen a from our members indicates that leaders, continuation of formation and vocation directors have strong collaboration benefited from using the material between the contained in this resource. The Resource National Religious Vocation Conference Manual is designed to offer principles and the Religious Formation Conference. and practices on specific topics to assist At the staff level, the Executive communities in developing or updating Directors meet at least quarterly to their own formation policies. Topics share information and to discuss addressed in Volume I, published in 2002, ways of collaborating. In addition, are matters related to finances, civil and both organizations are part of a larger canon law, immigration. There is also endeavor in which staff and Board a section listing resources available members from seven organizations through RFC. Volume II addresses serving religious in the United States the following topics: curriculum; meet to share information, collaborate, multiculturalism; assessment/valuing and plan for the future. members; psychological care of During 2004-2005, members. Work has begun on Volume the Religious Formation III, which will be published in 2006. Conference is sponsoring Planning is underway for RFC’s next two-day regional workshops national Congress to be held December throughout the United States 1-4, 2005 in San Antonio, TX. The on the topic: “A Movement topic, Esperanza de Espiritu: Running to in Hope: Continuing the Catch up with the Spirit, picks up on a Conversation on a Theology presentation by Gary Riebe-Estrella, SVD of Religious Life.” The first at our last Congress and will help us day gives congregational further our conversation on a theology leaders, formation and vocation directors of religious life. This Congress will the opportunity to meet, hear input officially bring our Jubilee celebration from a professional theologian, and to conclusion and launch us into the interact from their perspectives as co- future through a process of long range ministers within their congregations. planning. We hope to see you there. The second day is open to all religious. Thank you for the privilege of The evaluations from the workshops working in close collaboration with the indicate a very positive response to National Religious Vocation Conference these gatherings. We hope to continue to further the mission of God’s reign. this kind of two-day approach in future regional workshops. The Religious Formation Conference has published Volume II of a three-

12 REPORTS

Ms. Dolores Orzel, Creative Director National Vocations Awareness Division, J. S. Paluch Co.

The National Priesthood, and Sr. Diane Poplawski, OP, Vocations of NCCV. The NVAD proudly presented its Awareness Division Leadership in Vocation Ministry Award to of the J.S. Paluch Sr. Kathy Bryant, RSC, Vocation Director Company continues its focus on vocation for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, for promotion through our calendar line and her vibrant and creative leadership and the Paluch National Vocation Seminar. her long-term commitment to vocation The 2004, 2005, and 2006 vocation ministry. calendars encourage vocations through Throughout the year, the NVAD brief biographies of holy men and women supports vocation ministry through whose lives of service inspire others to various projects and sponsorships live the gospel. The Vocation Calendar, and in consultation with the Paluch Religious Art Calendar, and Scenic Family Foundation. This past year we Catholic Calendar all include a vocation prayer each month to remind everyone of the importance of praying for vocations. We also publish a Stewardship Calendar to support parishes and organizations in their stewardship efforts. We continue to receive encouraging feedback about the catechetical value of our calendars from people across the U.S. In August 2004 the 17th annual Paluch Seminar welcomed the executive directors and national boards of NRVC, NCDVD, and NCCV; regional coordinators of NRVC were delighted to be part of the liturgy Throughout the and NCDVD; the President, Vice-President committee for the NRVC Convocation. year, the NVAD of Vocations, Executive Director, and Convocation participants also enjoyed Membership Coordinator of Serra/USA musical performances by Peter Kolar supports vocation Council; and the NVAD Advisory Board. and the Holy Cross Marimba Band and ministry through The Chicago Vocation Office co-hosted John Paluch, as well as a closing concert the event. Our speaker, Fr. Christopher featuring John Angotti, Meredith Dean various projects and Robinson, CM, from the Religious Studies Joseph, and Fr. Jim Marchionda, OP, sponsorships and in Department at DePaul University, explored arranged and funded by World Library consultation with Contemporary Vocation Ministry: Calling Publications, the Paluch music division. Men & Women To Live Marginally in a We also participated in the NCDVD the Paluch Family Postmodern World. Convention in Anchorage. Foundation. Seminar participants also heard We at NVAD look forward to another updates from Executive Directors Br. Paul year of collaborative ministry with NRVC. Bednarczyk, CSC, Rev. Edward Burns of It is a privilege to work with such a the USCCB Secretariat for Vocations and professional, enthusiastic, and dedicated Priestly Formation, Mr. J. Steven Covington staff. of NCDVD, Rev. Eugene Hemrick of the National Institute for the Renewal of the

13 REPORTS

Mr. Edward Verbecke, Executive Director U.S. Council of Serra International

As you may know the names — Life Awareness among them USA Council is one of — has been very successful. ten national councils However, vocations to the priesthood that constitute the and religious life come from the parishes; majority of Serra therefore, our Vocation Committee International. Of all has been accenting our Parish Contact the national councils, Program. The purpose of this program the USA Council is by far the largest with is get vocation awareness materials to over 13,000 members and 328 separate the parishes, especially materials that clubs throughout the US. have been produced by our vocation Since the USA Council was formed collaborators, like the NRVC, NCCV and the accent has been focused on our NCDVD. We hope to be able to provide vocation ministry. This represented for Vocation Awareness Week, World Day many of our members a major paradigm for Consecrated Life, World Day of Prayer shift, and frankly, for many one that was for Vocations and Priesthood Sunday not comfortable. Being a proactive agent materials for every parish that cannot in vocation ministry was a dramatic presently afford it. change from the passive role some Studies have shown that many priests had been accustomed to. Because and religious receive the majority of the demands placed on them by of their affirmation from vocation directors, both diocesan lay men and women. and religious, many of our Serra We have therefore place Clubs and Districts have been additional emphasis on very active for many years. our affirmation efforts. Those districts and clubs that One small example is the have been deeply involved in few dollars that are given proactive vocation ministry to NRVC to sponsor the have shown both an reception during the new increase in the numbers religious vocation director of clubs and membership. training programs. Although it Accordingly, our thrust is only a minor amount, thanks has been to export these to Brother Paul’s frugality, it successful models to other parts of the is one way in which we try to country. An example of such a model strengthen the bond between our would be the Single Adult Discernment two organizations. Program. This program, called by various Finally, you should know that we need you far more than you need us. We need your leadership, your cooperation and your support.

14 FINANCES, MEMBERSHIP AND PERSONNEL January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2004

REVENUE NRVC NATIONAL BOARD Workshops and Programs $268,111.00 Father Clemente Barrón, CP, San Antonio, TX Contributions and Grants 89,782.00 (Leadership Team) Membership Dues 80,368.00 Commissions 48,144.57 Sister Renée Daigle, MSC, New Orleans, LA Publications 38,597.84 Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ, Philadelphia, PA Resources 19,639.12 Investment Income 26,532.94 Father Ronald Hoye, CM, St. Louis, MO Other 6,979.93 Sister Kathy Littrell, SHF, San Francisco, CA TOTAL REVENUE $578,155.40 Sister Anita Louise Lowe, OSB, Ferdinand, IN EXPENSES Father Marty Lukas, OSFS, Toledo, OH Personnel $165,938.92 Sister Mary McNally, OSF, Tampa, FL Workshops and Programs 197,765.14 (Leadership Team) Administrative 72,548.41 Publications 43,010.73 Sister Janet Ryan, SNJM, Portland, OR Resources 9,076.96 Board Meetings/Travel/Admin. 23,732.23 Sister Deborah Suddarth, OSF, Frankfort, IL Leadership Team 3,477.88 (Leadership Team) Other 6,205.52 Sister Teri Wall, OP, Denver, CO TOTAL EXPENSE $521,755.79 REVENUE OVER EXPENSES $56,399.61 NRVC ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF Brother Paul Bednarczyk, CSC, Executive Director

EXPENSES Sister Charlene Herinckx, SSMO, Director of Investment Resources Income Other Programs and Projects 3% 5% 1 % Workshops and Programs Publications 46% Ms. Maureen O’Meara, Administrative Secretary 7% Commissions 8% Ms. Cecelia Blue, Finance Coordinator Ms. Carol Schuck-Scheiber, Publications Editor Membership Dues 14% Contributions and Grants 16% 2004 MEMBERSHIP TOTAL 1404 Professional 579 Priests 215 REVENUE Board Meetings/ Leadership Associate 150 Sisters 1,015 Travel/Admin Team Other Resources 5% 1% 1% Group 675 Brothers 111 2% Publications Personnel Deacons 3 8% 32% Laymen 18 Administrative 14% Laywomen 38 Couples 4 Internationa (from 20 countries) 87 Workshops Diocesan Vocataion Offices 31 and Programs 37% Vicars for Religious 10 CONTRIBUTORS

We are grateful for the generous Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Josephites, contributions we received for our White Plains, NY Baltimore, MD Annual Appeal. Your outstanding The Cistercians, Little Brothers of the Good support greatly assists us in our Assumption Abbey Shepherd, mission of vocation awareness Ava, MO Toronto, ON, Canada and promotion. The Cistercians, Marist Brothers of the Schools, New Melleray Abbey Bayonne, NJ The following listing reflects Peosta, IA all gifts received through Missionaries of the Sacred Clerics of St. Viator, Heart, December 31, 2004. Any donation Arlington Heights, IL Aurora, IL received after that date will be acknowledged in the 2005 Comboni Missionaries, Norbertine Fathers & Brothers, report. We regret any errors or Cincinnati, OH Depere, WI ommissions and would appreciate Congregation of Christian Norbertine Fathers & Brothers, receiving the corrected Brothers, Paoli, PA Joliet, IL information. Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, Congregation of Christian Toledo, OH Brothers, New Rochelle, NY Oblates of St. Joseph, MEN’S COMMUNITIES Santa Cruz, CA Congregation of the Blessed Alexian Brothers, Order of Friar Servants of Mary, Arlington Heights, IL Sacrament, Highland Heights, OH Chicago, IL Augustinians of the Assumption, Passionists, Worcester, MA Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Houston, TX South River, NJ Basilian Fathers, Redemptorist Fathers, Toronto, ON, Canada Congregation of the Mother Coredemptrix, New Smyrna Beach, FL Benedictine Monks, Carthage, MO Redemptorist Fathers, Benet Lake, WI Congregation of the Denver, CO Benedictine Monks, Resurrection, Salesians of Don Bosco, Conception, MO Chicago, IL New Rochelle, NY Benedictine Monks, Conventual Franciscan Friars, Society of Mary, Marvin, SD Rensselaer, NY St. Louis, MO Benedictine Monks, Discalced Carmelite Friars, Society of St. Paul, Morristown, NJ Redlands, CA Ellsworth, OH Benedictine Monks, Discalced Carmelite Friars Society of St. Sulpice, Oceanside, CA (Washington), Baltimore, MD Milwaukee, WI Benedictine Monks, Society of the Divine Word, St. Meinrad, IN Dominican Friars, Los Angeles, CA New York, NY Benedictine Monks, Society of the Divine Word, Weston, VT Edmundite Fathers and Techny, IL Brothers, Brothers of Christian Colchester, VT The Augustians, Instruction, Olympia Fields, IL Alfred, ME Franciscan Brothers of Brooklyn, The Paulist Fathers, Brothers of Christian Schools, Brooklyn, NY Jamaica, NY Adamstown, MD Franciscan Friars, Vincentian Fathers and Brothers of Christian Schools, Croation Custody of the Brothers, Burr Ridge, IL Holy Family, Earth City, MO Chicago, IL Brothers of Christian Schools, Vincentian Fathers and Napa, CA Franciscan Friars, Brothers, Brothers of Christian Schools, Cincinnati, OH Philadelphia, PA Narragansett, RI Franciscan Friars, Oakland, CA Brothers of Holy Cross, WOMEN’S Austin, TX Franciscan Friars, Brothers of Holy Cross, St. Louis, MO COMMUNITIES New Rochelle, NY Franciscan Friars, Third Order Adorers of the Blood of Christ, Brothers of Holy Cross, Regular, St. Louis, MO Notre Dame, IN Minneapolis, MN Apostles of the Brothers of the Poor of St. Holy Cross Priests and Brothers, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Francis, Bridgeport, CT Hamden, CT Cincinnati, OH Hospitaller Brothers of St. John of God, Benedictine Byzantine Sisters, Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Warren, OH Pittsburgh, PA Los Angeles, CA Jesuits, Benedictine Sisters, 16 Capuchin Franciscan Friars, Atchison, KS Santa Ynez, CA Chicago, IL CONTRIBUTORS

Benedictine Sisters, Daughters of Charity, Franciscan Sisters, Bismarck, ND Emmitsburgh, MD Little Falls, MN Benedictine Sisters, Daughters of Charity, Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, Boern, TX Evansville, IN Lemont, IL Benedictine Sisters, Daughters of Charity, Franciscan Sisters of Mary, Bristow, VA Los Altos Hills, CA St. Louis, MO Benedictine Sisters, Daughters of Charity, Franciscan Sisters of Our Lady Cottonwood, ID St. Louis, MO of Perpetual Help, St. Louis, MO Benedictine Sisters, Daughters of Mary Immaculate Cullman, AL (Marianists), Franciscan Sisters of Peace, San Antonio, TX Haverstraw, NY Benedictine Sisters, Duluth, MN Daughters of Charity of the Franciscan Sisters Sacred Heart of Jesus, of Perpetual Adoration, Benedictine Sisters, Littleton, NH La Crosse, WI Ferdinand, IN Dominican Congregation Franciscan Sisters of the Benedictine Sisters, of St. Catherine De Ricci, Atonement, Fort Smith, AR Elkins Park, PA Garrison, NY Benedictine Sisters, Dominican Sisters, Franciscan Sisters Glendora, CA Adrian, MI of the Sacred Heart, Frankfort, IL Benedictine Sisters, Dominican Sisters, Madison, WI Blauvelt, NY Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters, Techny, IL Benedictine Sisters, Dominican Sisters, Mt. Angel, OR Great Bend, KS Holy Union Sisters, Milton, MA Benedictine Sisters, Dominican Sisters, St. Leo, FL New Orleans, LA Hospital Sisters of the Third Order of St. Francis, Benedictine Sisters, Dominican Sisters, Springfield, IL Watertown, SD Ossining, NY Ladies of Bethany, Benedictine Sisters, Dominican Sisters, Pittsburgh, PA Yankton, SD Racine, WI Little Company of Mary Sisters, Benedictine Sisters Dominican Sisters, Evergreen Park, IL of Perpetual Adoration, Sinsinawa, WI Clyde, MO Little Franciscans of Mary, Benedictine Sisters of the Dominican Sisters, Worcester, MA Springfield, IL Sacred Heart, Little Sisters of the Assumption, Lisle, IL Dominican Sisters, Walden, NY Tacoma, WA Bernardine Sisters of the Third Marianites of Holy Cross, Order of St. Francis, Dominican Sisters New Orleans, LA King of Prussia, PA of Mission San Jose, Fremont, CA Mill Hill Sisters, Carmelite Sisters of Charity, Albany, NY Brooklyn, NY Dominican Sisters of St. Mission Helpers of the Sacred Carmelite Sisters of St. Therese, Catherine of Siena, Kenosha, WI Heart, Oklahoma City, OK Baltimore, MD Cenacle Sisters of North Dominican Sisters of the Presentation, Missionary Benedictine Sisters, America, Norfolk, NE Chicago, IL Dighton, MA Dominican Sisters, St. Mary Missionary Catechists of the Congregation of Sister Servants Sacred Hearts of Jesus and of the Immaculate Heart of of the Springs, Columbus, OH Mary, Mary, Victoria, TX Scranton, PA Eucharistic Missionaries Missionary Servants of the Most Congregation of Notre Dame, of St. Dominic, New Orleans, LA Blessed Trinity, Ridgefield, CT Philadelphia, PA Congregation of Sisters of St. Felician Sisters, Lodi, NJ Missionary Sisters of Our Lady Agnes, of Africa, Fond du Lac, WI Franciscan Handmaids Winooski, VT Congregation of the Humility of of Mary, Missionary Sisters of the Holy Mary, New York, NY Rosary, Davenport, IA Bryn Mawr, PA Franciscan Missionaries Congregation of the Sisters of Missionary Sisters of the Nazareth, of Mary, Bronx, NY Immaculate Conception, Los Angeles, CA Paterson, NJ Franciscan Sisters, Daughters of Charity, 17 Albany, NY Wheaton, IL CONTRIBUTORS

Missionary Sisters of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal, Sisters of Mercy Precious Blood, “Grey Nuns”, of the Americas, Reading, PA Lexington, MA Chicago, IL Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Sisters of Mercy Heart of Jesus (Cabrini Sisters), Nazareth, KY of the Americas, New York, NY St. Louis, MO Sisters of Charity of New York, Notre Dame Sisters, Bronx, NY Sisters of Mercy Omaha, NE of the Americas, Inc., Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, Silver Spring, MD Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Lowell, MA Heart of Jesus, Sisters of Mercy Hubbard, OH Sisters of Charity of Our Lady of the Holy Cross, of Mercy, Merrill, WI Order of St. Clare (Poor Clare Charleston, SC Nuns), Sisters of Notre Dame, Jamaica Plain, MA Sisters of Charity Chardon, OH of the Incarnate Word, Our Lady of Victory Missionary Houston, TX Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters, Covington, KY Huntington, IN Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, Sisters of Notre Dame, Poor Handmaids of Jesus Christ, San Antonio, TX Toledo, OH Donaldson, IN Sisters of Christian Charity, Sisters of Notre Dame Religious of the Sacred Heart Mendham, NJ de Namur, of Mary, Cincinnati, OH Tarrytown, NY Sisters of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, IN Sisters of Providence, Religious Teachers Filippini, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, IN Morristown, NJ Sisters of Holy Cross, St. Laurent, QC, Canada Sisters of Providence, Salesian Sisters, Holyoke, MA San Antonio, TX Sisters of Mary Reparatrix, Riverview, MI Sisters of Providence, Salesian Sisters of St. John Seattle, WA Bosco, Sisters of Mercy, Haledon, NJ Belmont, NC Sisters of St. Anne, Marlborough, MA School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Mercy, Baltimore, MD Burlingame, CA Sisters of St. Basil, Uniontown, PA School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Mercy (Ny-Pa-W), Berwyn, IL Pittsburgh, PA Sisters of St. Dominic, Akron, OH School Sisters of Notre Dame, Sisters of Mercy Dallas, TX of the Americas, Sisters of St. Dominic, Cincinnati, OH San Rafael, CA School Sisters of Notre Dame, Mankato, MN Sisters of Mercy Sisters of St. Dominic, of the Americas, Amityville, NY School Sisters of Notre Dame, Dallas, PA St. Louis, MO Sisters of St. Dominic, Sisters of Mercy Caldwell, NJ School Sisters of Notre Dame, of the Americas, Wilton, CT Merrion Station, PA Sisters of St. Francis, Hastings-on-Hudson, NY School Sisters of St. Francis, Sisters of Mercy Milwaukee, WI of the Americas, Sisters of St. Francis, Hartsdale, NY Sylvania, OH School Sisters of Third Order Regular of St. Francis, Sisters of Mercy Sisters of St. Francis of Assisi, Bethelehem, PA of the Americas, St. Francis, WI Auburn, CA Servants of Mary, Sisters of St. Francis Omaha, NE Sisters of Mercy of Mary Immaculate, of the Americas, Joliet, IL Servants of the Immaculate Watchung, NJ Heart of Mary, Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale, Saco, ME Sisters of Mercy Pittsburgh, PA of the Americas, Sisters of Bon Secour, Cedar Rapids, IA Sisters of St. Francis Marriottesville, MD of Philadelphia Sisters of Mercy Aston, PA Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, of the Americas, Mount St. Joseph, OH Brooklyn, NY Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception, Sisters of Charity of Halifax, Sisters of Mercy West Peoria, IL Halifax, NS, Canada of the Americas, Omaha, NE Sisters of St. John the Baptist, Sisters of Charity of Bronx, NY Leavenworth, Sisters of Mercy Leavenworth, KS of the Americas, Sisters of St. Joseph, 18 Farmington Hills, MI Brighton, MA CONTRIBUTORS

Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of the Holy Family Society of Helpers Concordia, KS of Nazareth, Chicago, IL Philadelphia, PA Sisters of St. Joseph, Society of St. Teresa of Jesus, Philadelphia, PA Sisters of the Holy Family Covington, LA of Nazareth, Sisters of St. Joseph, Pittsburgh, PA Society of the Holy Child of Rochester, NY Jesus, Sisters of the Holy Names, Drexel Hill, PA Sisters of St. Joseph, Los Gatos, CA Tipton, IN Sisters of the Holy Names Society of the Sacred Heart, Sisters of St. Joseph, of Jesus and Mary, St. Louis, MO Toronto, ON, Canada Marylhurst, OR, Union of the Presentation Sisters of St. Joseph, Sisters of the Humility of Mary, Sisters, Wichita, KS Villa Maria, PA Phoenix, AZ Sisters of St. Joseph Sisters of the Immaculate Ursuline Sisters, of Carondelet, Conception of the BVM, Louisville, KY Los Angeles, CA Putnam, CT Ursuline Sisters, Sisters of St. Joseph Sisters of the Incarnate Word Paola, KS of Chambery, and Blessed Sacrament, West Hartford, CT Corpus Christi, TX Ursuline Sisters of Mount Saint Joseph, Sisters of St. Joseph Sisters of the Living Word, Maple Mount, KY of LaGrange, Arlington Heights, IL LaGrange Park, IL Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Sisters of the Most Precious Union, Sisters of St. Joseph of Medaille, Blood, Bronx, NY Cincinnati, OH O’Fallon, MO Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Sisters of St. Joseph Sisters of the Order of St. Union, of Nazareth, Benedict, Dedham, MA Nazareth, MI St. Joseph, MN Ursuline Sisters of the Roman Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange, Sisters of the Presentation, Union, Orange, CA Fargo, ND Crystal City, MO Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, Sisters of the Presentation, Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk, Washington, DC Staten Island, NY Canfield, OH Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace, Sisters of the Presentation Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, Bellevue, WA of BVM, Jamaica, NY Dubuque, IA Sisters of St. Joseph of Wheeling, Sisters of the Presentation OTHER FRIENDS Wheeling, WV of BVM, San Francisco, CA Ascension Health Care, Sisters of St. Joseph, TOSF, St. Louis, MO Garfield Heights, OH Sisters of the Presentation of BVM Bednarczyk, Mr. and Mrs. Sisters of St. Mary of Oregon, New Windsor, NY Casimir Beaverton, OR New Haven, CT Sisters of the Presentation Sisters of the Blessed of Mary, Catholic News Publishing, Sacrament, Manchester, NH New Rochelle, NY Bensalem, PA Sisters of the Presentation Claretian Publications, Sisters of the Catholic of Mary, Chicago, IL Apostalate (Pallottines), Methuen, MA Harriman, NY DePaul University, Chicago, IL Sisters of the Resurrection, Sisters of the Divine Savior, Castleton, NY Milwaukee, WI Gallagher, SP, Sister Joan Seattle, WA Sisters of the Resurrection, Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Chicago, IL Hyde Park Bank, Jamaica, NY Chicago, IL Sisters of the Third Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Family, Order, Mercy Home for Boys and Girls, Downey, CA Syracuse, NY Chicago, IL Sisters of the Holy Family, Sisters, Servants of Mary, Provena Health System, Fremont, CA Kansas City, KS Chicago, IL Sisters of the Holy Family Sisters, Servants of the Resurrection Health System, of Nazareth, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Chicago, IL Des Plaines, IL Monroe, MI TrueQuest Communications, Sisters of the Holy Family Sisters, Servants of the Chicago, IL of Nazareth, Immaculate Heart of Mary, Grand Prairie, TX World Library Publications of Immaculata, PA the J.S. Paluch, Co., Inc., Chicago, IL 19 National Religious Vocation Conference 5420 S. Cornell Avenue, #105, Chicago, IL 60615-5604 Voice: 773-363-5454 • Fax: 773-363-5530 [email protected] • www.nrvc.net