top of page
Resources for Vocation Ministry

Vatican & USCCB Documents

The Vatican and the USCCB occasionally publish information about vocation ministry.

DSC09991_edited.jpg

Magnifica Humanitas

Read the full text of Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence" about safeguarding human dignity as modern technology and AI continues to develop.

Download
content_photo-courtesy-of-vatican-va-_-pope-signs-christus-vivit-496.jpg

Christus Vivit
"Christ Lives"

In his fourth apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis has written a personal, readable letter to young people (ages 16-30). The concepts from the document flow from the October 2018 synod on "youth, faith, and vocational discernment."

Read More
Friar Pedro Lopez OFM COnv. 11.jpg

Program of Priestly Formation (PPF)

The NRVC Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors references the USCCB's Program for Priestly Formation (PPF) standards in the application process and in the guidelines for candidate issues in discernment.

Visit USCCB
content_two_brothers.jpg

Identity & Mission of the Religious Brother

Written as a reflection, this document contributes to the appreciation of the richness of the different vocations, especially within male consecrated life, and seeks to shed light on the identity of the Religious Brother and the necessity of this vocation.

Read More

Additional vocation-related Church documents

Magnifica Humanitas: On Safeguarding the Human Person in the Time of Artificial Intelligence

Pope Leo XIV's first encyclical about safeguarding human dignity in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

View
Program of Priestly Formation (PPF) - 6th Edition

The NRVC Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors references the USCCB's Program for Priestly Formation (PPF) standards in the application process and in the guidelines for candidate issues in discernment.

View
Dilexi Te

(Apostolic Exhortation, I have loved you, Pope Leo, 2025)

View
Dilexit Nos

4th Encyclical Letter (He loved us, Pope Francis, 2024)

View
Synod 2021-2023

Details of the 2021-2023 Synod from the Vatican

View
Mensuram Bonum

Good Measure for Catholic Investors, 2012

View
Fratelli Tutti

3rd Encyclical Letter (All Brothers, Pope Francis, 2020)

View
Christus Vivit

Apostolic Exhortation (Christ is Alive! Pope Francis, 2019)

View
Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment

Read the full text of the Preparatory Document for the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme "Youth, the faith, and vocational discernment" that happened in 2018.

View
Identity and Mission of the Religious Brothers in the Church

2018 document about the importance of religious Brothers in the Catholic Church

View
Gaudete et Exsultate

Apostolic Exhortation (Rejoice and be Glad, Pope Francis, 2018)

View
Amoris Laetitia

Apostolic Exhortation (The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family, Pope Francis, 2016)

View
Laudato Si ’, mi’ Signore

2nd Encyclical Letter (Praise be to you, my Lord, Pope Francis, 2015)

View
Apostolic Letter to All Consecrated People

(Pope Francis, 2015)

View
Misericordiae Vultus

(The Face of Mercy, Pope Francis, 2015)

View
Rejoice!

(A letter to consecrated men and women, Pope Francis, 2014)

View
Evangelii Gaudium

Apostolic Exhortation (The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis, 2013)

View
Lumen Fidei

1st Encyclical Letter (The Light of Faith, Pope Francis, 2013)

View
Pastoral Guidelines for Fostering Vocations (ENGLISH)

Congregation for Catholic Education, Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations, 2012)

View
Pastoral Guidelines for Fostering Vocations (SPANISH)

Congregation for Catholic Education, Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations, 2012)

View
Caritas in Veritate

Encyclical (Charity in Truth, Pope Benedict XVI, 2009)

View
Spe Salvi Encyclical

(In hope we were saved, Pope Benedict XVI, 2007)

View
Program of Priestly Formation

Fifth edition, USCCB, 2006

View
Deus Caritas Est

(God is Love, Pope Benedict XVI, 2005)

View
Starting Afresh from Christ

(CICLSAL, 2002)

View
Vita Consecrata

(The Consecrated Life, Pope John Paul II, 1996)

View
Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests

(Congregation for the Clergy, 1994)

View
Pastores Dabo Vobis

(I will give you shepherds, Saint Pope John Paul II, 1992)

View
Redemptoris Missio

(The Mission of Christ the Redeemer, Pope John Paul II, 1990)

View
Code of Canon Law

(1983)

View
Washington Statement on a Call to Brotherhood

(Holy Trinity Mission Seminary, 1979)

View
Evangelii Nuntiandi

Apostolic Exhortation (Proclaiming the Gospel, Pope Paul VI, 1975)

View
Gaudium et Spes

(The Joys and Hopes, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

View
Perfectae Caritatis

(Complete Love, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

View
Ad Gentes

(To Nations, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

View
Lumen Gentium

(Christ is the Light, Pope Paul VI, 1964)

View
Selected Quotes of Pope Francis by Subject

Quotes from Pope Francis based on subject.

View
Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

The USCCB's pastoral document intended to help each priest discern and formulate an individualized plan of formation.

View
Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions

The USCCB's guidelines for the use of Psychology during admissions to the seminary.

View
National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons

The USCCB's resource to help communities grow and sustain permanent diaconate programs.

View
Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the United States

Guide for drafting and implementing policies regarding international pastoral ministers.

View
bottom of page