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There are vocations...

...which manifest themselves. They must be fostered.

... which are not conscious of themselves. They must be awakened.

... which do not dare manifest themselves. They must be found and encouraged.

... which are in fear of being lost. They must be reassured.

... which meet with opposition. They must be strengthened.

... which are paralyzed by poverty. They must be helped financially.

Look around you.

How many men and women in your parishes are caring and compassionate individuals who are good listeners, articulate speakers, and loving enthusiastic Catholics?

How many of these special, gifted people have ever been invited to consider becoming a priest, sister, brother, permanent deacon, or full-time lay minister?

Statistics show that 80% of the 18-30 year olds in the United States and Canada have never been asked to consider a Church Vocation.

About Vocation Ministry

Since 1935, Serra International has responded to this challenge through the first of its two objectives, fostering Church vocations. Through the years, Serra has supported the ministry of its members to call out and affirm dynamic men and women as they share their ministry in the service of the Church.

Serrans' particular ministry focuses on promoting vocations to the ministerial priesthood and religious life. We know that men and women of all ages are seeking the opportunity to serve God and their neighbor.

Serrans, through their prayers and vocation activities, invite these men and women to explore their call to service in the Church.

To engage in those projects and programs that will prepare Serra clubs and parishes to assist their bishops and vocation directors in carrying out their vocation ministry in the diocese and parishes.

To continue to develop and distribute new manuals and promotional videos dealing with such topics as: affirmation of vowed religious, ordained priests, Single Adult Discernment retreats, parish vocation committees, and programs for youth groups.

Key Areas of Emphasis

Prayer

Awareness

Affirmation

Support

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THE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR VOCATIONS

In November of 1995, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) unanimously endorsed a three year national strategy for vocations which they titled " A Future Full of Hope". The plan took effect January 1, 1996 with a conclusion scheduled for December 31, 1998.

The USCCB continues to endorse the plan as the new millennium begins. An emphasis is also added toward multi-cultural vocations. Serra renews its support to all related USCCB initiatives.

His Holiness, Pope John Paul II has selected North America for the site of the Third Continental Congress on Vocations to Ordained Ministry and Consecrated Life. This congress will took place in Montreal, Canada April 18-21, 2002.

Other Organizations Participating in the Strategy

The National Strategy invites the participation of the following organizations:

National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD)

National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC)

Knights of Columbus (K of C)

National Catholic Committee on Scouting (NCCS)

National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW)

National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM)

The Catholic Committee on Scouting and Camp Fire Girls

National Evangelization Teams (NET)

Catholic Campus Ministry Association (CCMA)

National Association of Diocesan Directors of Campus Ministry (NADDCM)

National Association of Lay Ministers

National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference

National and Catholic media




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NCCV is a not-for-profit partnership:

National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors

National Religious Vocation Conference

J. S. Paluch Company, Inc.

Priests of the Sacred Heart

Rogationist Fathers

USA Council of Serra International

Quality vocation resources:

Prayer cards

Posters

Videos

Lesson plans

Liturgical Resources

Discernment materials

Training resources

Informational brochures

Spanish language resources

National Vocation Awareness Week resources (Feast of the Baptism of the Lord)

World Day of Prayer for Vocations resources (fourth Sunday of Easter)

Meeting your needs in every ministry setting:

Parishes

Schools

Religious education programs

Adult education

Families

Campus ministry

Senior citizens groups

Religious and diocesan vocation ministers

Spiritual direction & discernment

Resources for:

Religious brothers

Religious sisters

Religious priests

Diocesan priests

Deacons

Call or e-mail for a Vocation Resource Catalogue!

Phone toll-free: 1-800-671-NCCV (6228)

E-mail: NCCV400@aol.com

Website: www.nccv-vocations.org

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An organization of men and women (mostly priests, brothers and sisters of religious congregations) committed to the fostering and discernment of vocations, particularly to religious life.

Using an inclusive and collaborative style of ministry and leadership, NRVC provides support, resources and in-service opportunities for those in vocation ministry.

Serving the Church in the following ways:

Providing opportunities for initial and ongoing educations through workshops, seminars, conferences and national convocations

Publishing materials focused on religious life for a variety of audiences

Creating opportunities for research and study on issues pertinent to vocation ministry

Publishing a quarterly journal HORIZON and a quarterly newsletter

Professional membership is open to vocation ministers appointed by their religious community, diocese or organization.

Associate membership is open to individuals who are interested and involved in vocation ministry, e.g. parish vocation committees, Serrans, NCCW, etc.

For more information contact NRVC:

Phone: 773-955-5453

Email: NRVC@aol.com

Website. www.nrvc.net




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