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Special Events

National Vocation Awareness Week

November 1-7, 2026

Promote vocations through prayer, invitation, and education.

Pink Poppy Flowers

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.

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History

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.

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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. 

NRVC Resources

Fifty Fun Facts About Vocations

Share this handout in community, school, and parish newsletters, in faith formation classes, on exhibit tables, and as greeting card inserts, throughout the year to increase awareness of vocations to consecrated life.

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"I Hope You Come to Find" Prayer Card (Available in Spanish)

Available in Spanish, this giveaway prayer card includes a prayer written by martyred Maryknoll Sister Ita Ford.

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Handout: Responsibilties of Community Members for Vocation Ministry

This handout is designed to provide clear direction for community members who support vocation promotion efforts through prayer, invitation, and encouragement, to people in discernment desiring to learn more about consecrated life.  

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10 Questions Parents Ask About Vocations to Religious Life

This colorful, four-panel brochure treats 10 questions, giving accurate answers to things parents commonly ask about vocations to religious life.

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Educational Debt Relief for Applicants

NRVC member religious communities can apply for NFCRV educational debt relief grants for their incoming members.

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VISION Vocation Guide - Digital Edition

Published online and in print, VISION is a resource for discerners as they discover God's call for their life.

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Vocation Vocabulary Booklet

This 20-page color booklet is designed for inquirers, their parents, and those who want to know more about the most common words used in vocations to religious life.

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Abundant Hope Prayer Cards

This colorful new resource contains a prayer for Abundant Hope and a verse from Fratelli Tutti. 55.

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Hearts Ablaze Retreat Booklet for Busy People

This updated 24 page retreat booklet for Catholics over the age of 18 has 17 themes filled with inspiring quotes from Papal Letters and Encyclicals, 8 scripture choices, and a variety of reflection questions.

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Transforming Religious Communities to be Antiracist and Culturally Inviting

This reflection booklet provides a framework for religious institutes and organizations that support vocation ministry to ask difficult questions to welcome and celebrate the cultural abundance of African American and Black Catholics in religious life.

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Videos on Religious Life

NRVC has over 300 videos to share on your social media platforms on our NRVC YouTube Channel, including our Learn it! Love it! Live it! webinar series. 

Walking Humbly Together with Brother Joseph Bach, OFM Conv.
02:53

Walking Humbly Together with Brother Joseph Bach, OFM Conv.

The NRVC has designed this Walking Humbly Together series to serve as a valuable resource for fostering culturally mindful conversation and advocacy in vocation ministry. The NRVC is sharing personal narratives to create opportunities for reflection and engagement, encouraging viewers to examine their own practices and perspectives on interculturality and anti-racism. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net
NRVC Walking Humbly Together with Friar Joseph Bach, OFM Conv. H1
00:49

NRVC Walking Humbly Together with Friar Joseph Bach, OFM Conv. H1

The NRVC has designed the Walking Humbly Together series to serve as a valuable resource for fostering culturally mindful conversation and advocacy in vocation ministry. The NRVC is sharing personal narratives to create opportunities for reflection and engagement, encouraging viewers to examine their own practices and perspectives on interculturality and anti-racism. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net
Walking Humbly Together, Brother Joseph Bach, OFM Conv. V1
00:49

Walking Humbly Together, Brother Joseph Bach, OFM Conv. V1

The NRVC has designed the Walking Humbly Together video series to serve as a valuable resource for fostering culturally mindful conversation and advocacy in vocation ministry. The NRVC is sharing personal narratives to create opportunities for reflection and engagement, encouraging viewers to examine their own practices and perspectives on interculturality and anti-racism. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net
NRVC Walking Humbly Together with Brother Joseph Bach, OFM Conv. H2
00:45

NRVC Walking Humbly Together with Brother Joseph Bach, OFM Conv. H2

The NRVC has designed the Walking Humbly Together series to serve as a valuable resource for fostering culturally mindful conversation and advocacy in vocation ministry. The NRVC is sharing personal narratives to create opportunities for reflection and engagement, encouraging viewers to examine their own practices and perspectives on interculturality and anti-racism. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net

Abundant Hope video: Sr. Jeannette Kong V.D.M.F.
02:46

Abundant Hope video: Sr. Jeannette Kong V.D.M.F.

For more information on todays Catholic religious priests, sisters, and brothers, go to our Bold and Faithful: Meet Today's Religious storymap at https://tinyurl.com/meettodaysreligious. A resource of the National Religious Vocation Conference, nrvc.net.
Abundant Hope video: Br. Blair Nuyda, A.A.
01:55

Abundant Hope video: Br. Blair Nuyda, A.A.

For more information on todays Catholic religious priests, sisters, and brothers, go to our Bold and Faithful: Meet Today's Religious storymap at https://tinyurl.com/meettodaysreligious. A resource of the National Religious Vocation Conference, nrvc.net.
Abundant Hope video: Sr. Tracy Kemme, S.C.
02:19

Abundant Hope video: Sr. Tracy Kemme, S.C.

For more information on todays Catholic religious priests, sisters, and brothers, go to our Bold and Faithful: Meet Today's Religious storymap at https://tinyurl.com/meettodaysreligious. A resource of the National Religious Vocation Conference, nrvc.net.
Abundant Hope video: Fr. Hubert Kavusa Mulekya, O.S.C.
02:07

Abundant Hope video: Fr. Hubert Kavusa Mulekya, O.S.C.

For more information on todays Catholic religious priests, sisters, and brothers, go to our Bold and Faithful: Meet Today's Religious storymap at https://tinyurl.com/meettodaysreligious. A resource of the National Religious Vocation Conference, nrvc.net.

Abundant Hope: Sister Josita Colbert, SNDdeN
03:29

Abundant Hope: Sister Josita Colbert, SNDdeN

Spark a conversation about religious life using this video series of senior professed members talking about their lived experiences of intergenerational and intercultural vowed communal life. For more information and to support vocations to religious life, go to http://www.nrvc.net
Abundant Hope: Sister Gloria Ardenio Agnes, M.M.
02:04

Abundant Hope: Sister Gloria Ardenio Agnes, M.M.

Spark a conversation about religious life using this video series of newer entrants talking about their lived experiences of intergenerational and intercultural vowed communal life. For more information and to support vocations to religious life, go to http://www.nrvc.net
Abundant Hope: Brother Joseph Bach, O.S.F.
01:49

Abundant Hope: Brother Joseph Bach, O.S.F.

Spark a conversation about religious life using this video series of newer entrants talking about their lived experiences of intergenerational and intercultural vowed communal life. For more information and to support vocations to religious life, go to http://www.nrvc.net
Abundant Hope: Father Raymond Akumbilim, S.V.D.
01:56

Abundant Hope: Father Raymond Akumbilim, S.V.D.

Spark a conversation about religious life using this video series of newer entrants talking about their lived experiences of intergenerational and intercultural vowed communal life. For more information and to support vocations to religious life, go to http://www.nrvc.net

Keys to the Future: workshop reflections
03:53

Keys to the Future: workshop reflections

NRVC members, newer entrants, congregational leadership, and those who support vocation participated in the "Keys to the Future" workshop and this video highlights some of their reflections. This seminal workshop took place in San Antonio June 4-6, 2012, and was generously funded by the GHR Foundation.
Keys to the Future - Responding to God's Call
05:40

Keys to the Future - Responding to God's Call

Six Catholic sisters, brothers, and priests describe their experience of responding to God's endless call, what drew them to religious life, and their hopes for the future. To learn more about religious life and to support vocation ministry, visit www.nrvc.net
Keys to the Future: The Value of Living Together
04:27

Keys to the Future: The Value of Living Together

Six Catholic sisters, brothers, and priests describe their experience of the value of living together in community, the challenges, and the blessings of community life. To learn more about religious life and to support vocation ministry, visit www.nrvc.net
Keys to the Future: The Value of Praying Together
04:40

Keys to the Future: The Value of Praying Together

Six Catholic sisters, brothers, and priests reflect on their experience of communal prayer and the value of praying together as a community. To learn more about religious life and to support vocation ministry, visit www.nrvc.net

RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY Webinar 1: Fundamentals from call to charism to community living
58:18

RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY Webinar 1: Fundamentals from call to charism to community living

Fundamentals from call to charism to community living | NRVC Religious Life Today | Webinar 1 of 6 For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net/webinars Webinar series schedule: 1 Fundamentals from call to charism to community living | Sept. 30, 2021 Primary audience: DISCERNERS. Video: https://youtu.be/DVB9Hyu6JnE 2 Using all avenues to support vocation ministry | Nov. 17, 2021 Primary audience: VOCATION DIRECTORS. Video: https://youtu.be/RIXENjTjx-k 3 Creating a collaborative environment | Jan. 13, 2022 Primary audience: Religious Institute LEADERSHIP and DIOCESAN VOCATION OFFICES. Video: https://youtu.be/WIy8zf6dxOw 4 Wellsprings of support for vocations | March 3, 2022 Primary audience: CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS, PARISHES, CAMPUS MINISTERS. All are welcome. Part 5 Addressing parental concerns: Wisdom and advice | April 21,2022 Primary audience: PARENTS. All are welcome. Part 6 Call to Religious Life: New members stories | June 2, 2022 Primary audience: ALL SUPPORTERS OF MEN & WOMEN IN CONSECRATED LIFE. All are welcome. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net/webinars
RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY Webinar 2: Using All Avenues to Support Vocation Ministry
56:29

RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY Webinar 2: Using All Avenues to Support Vocation Ministry

The second webinar in our Religious Life Today six-part series featuring Sr. Donna Del Santo, S.S.J. and Fr. Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net/webinars Webinar series schedule: 1 Fundamentals from call to charism to community living | Sept. 30, 2021 Primary audience: DISCERNERS. Video: https://youtu.be/DVB9Hyu6JnE 2 Using all avenues to support vocation ministry | Nov. 17, 2021 Primary audience: VOCATION DIRECTORS. Video: https://youtu.be/RIXENjTjx-k 3 Creating a collaborative environment | Jan. 13, 2022 Primary audience: Religious Institute LEADERSHIP and DIOCESAN VOCATION OFFICES. Video: https://youtu.be/WIy8zf6dxOw 4 Wellsprings of support for vocations | March 3, 2022 Primary audience: CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS, PARISHES, CAMPUS MINISTERS. All are welcome. Part 5 Addressing parental concerns: Wisdom and advice | April 21,2022 Primary audience: PARENTS. All are welcome. Part 6 Call to Religious Life: New members stories | June 2, 2022 Primary audience: ALL SUPPORTERS OF MEN & WOMEN IN CONSECRATED LIFE. All are welcome. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net/webinars
RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY Webinar 3: Creating a collaborative environment
56:25

RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY Webinar 3: Creating a collaborative environment

The third webinar in our Religious Life Today six-part series featuring Bishop Gary Janak, Sister Ana Cecilia Montalvo, F.Sp.S., Ana Bojorquez, and Fr. Guillermo Hernandez. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net/webinars. Webinar series schedule: 1 Fundamentals from call to charism to community living | Sept. 30, 2021 Primary audience: DISCERNERS. Video: https://youtu.be/DVB9Hyu6JnE 2 Using all avenues to support vocation ministry | Nov. 17, 2021 Primary audience: VOCATION DIRECTORS. Video: https://youtu.be/RIXENjTjx-k 3 Creating a collaborative environment | Jan. 13, 2022 Primary audience: Religious Institute LEADERSHIP and DIOCESAN VOCATION OFFICES. Video: https://youtu.be/WIy8zf6dxOw 4 Wellsprings of support for vocations | March 3, 2022 Primary audience: CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS, PARISHES, CAMPUS MINISTERS. All are welcome. Part 5 Addressing parental concerns: Wisdom and advice | April 21,2022 Primary audience: PARENTS. All are welcome. Part 6 Call to Religious Life: New members stories | June 2, 2022 Primary audience: ALL SUPPORTERS OF MEN & WOMEN IN CONSECRATED LIFE. All are welcome. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net/webinars
RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY Webinar 4: Wellsprings of support for vocations
55:48

RELIGIOUS LIFE TODAY Webinar 4: Wellsprings of support for vocations

The fourth webinar in our Religious Life Today six-part series featuring Sr. Susan Kidd, CND, a Catholic college campus minister, and Craig Gould, a diocesan young adult minister, who outline ways their work supports those discerning God’s call and helps promote religious vocations. Webinar series schedule: 1 Fundamentals from call to charism to community living | Sept. 30, 2021 Primary audience: DISCERNERS. Video: https://youtu.be/DVB9Hyu6JnE 2 Using all avenues to support vocation ministry | Nov. 17, 2021 Primary audience: VOCATION DIRECTORS. Video: https://youtu.be/RIXENjTjx-k 3 Creating a collaborative environment | Jan. 13, 2022 Primary audience: Religious Institute LEADERSHIP and DIOCESAN VOCATION OFFICES. Video: https://youtu.be/WIy8zf6dxOw 4 Wellsprings of support for vocations | March 3, 2022 Primary audience: CATHOLIC ORGANIZATIONS, PARISHES, CAMPUS MINISTERS. All are welcome. Part 5 Addressing parental concerns: Wisdom and advice | April 21,2022 Primary audience: PARENTS. All are welcome. Part 6 Call to Religious Life: New members stories | June 2, 2022 Primary audience: ALL SUPPORTERS OF MEN & WOMEN IN CONSECRATED LIFE. All are welcome. For more information, go to http://www.nrvc.net/webinars . Religious Life Today Storymap: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4a6bd86853514999967cd8cd0f7da798 . Religious Life Today Infographic: https://nrvc.net/509/publication/9180/article/21262-2020-study-on-recent-vocations-infographic . Religious Life Today Brochure: https://nrvc.net/509/publication/9180/article/21313-religious-life-today-brochure . Additional information on the 2020 Study on Recent Religious Vocations: https://nrvc.net/509/publication/9180-2020-study-on-recent-vocations-to-religious-life NRVC Store for resources. https://nrvc.net/519/publication/11025-nrvc-store Learn more at http://www.nrvc.net

Other Resources

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.

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USCCB Website

The USCCB website offers news releases, prayer cards, video clips, and other resources.

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Global Sisters Report

Global Sisters Report offers lessons for classrooms about Catholic Sisters.

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Serra International

Serra International offers Spark Vocation Tools

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Keep Us In the Loop!

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. 

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