Parents and Families

Parents and Families

Parents and Families

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Same God, different ways to love

Same God, different ways to love

By Father Timothy Radcliffe O.P.

The vocations of marriage and consecrated life are complementary. Each is rooted in God’s love and reflects different dimensions of that love. Read more...

The profound effect of families on vocations

The profound effect of families on vocations

By Sister Mary Ellen Moore S.H.

Every member of every religious community begins that life deeply shaped by his or her family upbringing. Read more...

Parents have fears, too

Parents have fears, too

By Bill, Ernesto, Ana Avelar, Mike, Carol Schuck Scheiber, and Deb Sjoberg

Parents frequently have concerns when an adult child enters formation. What gives them pause; what do they celebrate? Read more...

Affirming a vocation culture in Hispanic families

Affirming a vocation culture in Hispanic families

By Hosffman Ospino

Vocation directors do well to understand Hispanic families, build on their strengths, and encourage a strong vocation culture among them. Read more...

What every vocation director should know about Filipino families

What every vocation director should know about Filipino families

By Sr. Myrna Tordillo M.S.C.S.

Filipino families are fertile ground for religious life vocations. But vocation directors need to understand them to be effective ministers. Read more...

How Holy Cross reaches out to parents

By Fr. James T. Gallagher C.S.C.

Holy Cross priests are successfully building bridges with parents of discerners by holding Come and See programs designed to include both parents and their sons. Read more...

Coping with parental resistance: explanations and possible solutions

Parent opposition to children or siblings who enter the novitiate or seminary has always existed, and it usually resolves over time. A vocation minister takes a look at this pattern and proposes responses. Read more...

Confessions of a seminarian’s mother

Confessions of a seminarian’s mother

By Lisa M. Anderson

I believe our son could make a wonderful priest. I also believe he could be a wonderful husband and father. Most days, I believe and trust that God will lead him and us. Read more...

Building bridges with a Family Gathering

Building bridges with a Family Gathering

By Sr. Virginia Herbers A.S.C.J.

Parents and family members can be uneasy when their loved one chooses religious life. Here is how one community fosters friendship with families. Read more...

Families & vocations by the numbers

Families & vocations by the numbers

By Jonathon C. Holland

A major study about family influence on vocation reveals that practice of faith matters, and even devout families don’t always raise the possibility of a church vocation. Read more...

2015 NRVC The Role of the Family Study Final Report

Click here to see a pdf of 2015 "NRVC The Role of the Family Study Final Report." Read more...

The Role of the Family Study Handout

Click here to see a pdf of "The Role of the Family Study Handout." Read more...

HORIZON ...

God is still calling men and women to religious life. However, ... More

National Board Nominations ...

At its spring meeting, the National Board selects new members from ... More

Keep in touch ...

Good news! Now you can use our National Office dedicated line ... More

Entrance Class Report ...

This annual CARA report presents the findings of 362 women and ... More

Bold and Faithful Storymap ...

Many vocation ministers are coping with losses in their communities at ... More

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Sister Donna Del Santo, S.S.J.

Sister Donna Del Santo, S.S.J.

Sister Donna Del Santo, S.S.J. is a new NRVC Board Member as of September 2025. She is a HORIZON contributor and a grateful recipient of the 2022 NRVC Outstanding Member Recognition Award. Read more...

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