Mrs. Sabrina Harper

Please introduce yourself and your role with the NRVC.

My name is Sabrina Harper. I am the Vocations Promoter for the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, East-West Province. I am also a MAC with NRVC for the West Coast.

How did you come to vocation ministry?

I came to vocation ministry through parish work. I served as a Pastoral Associate at a parish within the Archdiocese of San Francisco. My role included administration of the parish, as well as faith formation for families, youth, and young adults. During those twenty years, I helped families, youth, and young adults discern their involvement in parish life, their readiness to receive sacraments, their commitment to faith formation, as well as pastoral accompaniment during challenging periods of life. When it became time to move on from parish ministry, I didn't have a clear path. However, as God closed one door, he opened another with the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. About five years before this time, I had become an Associate with the sisters and was introduced more intimately to their lives and ministries. I had attended Notre Dame schools from 5th-12th grade, so in many ways, I feel as though God has led me full circle back to the sisters and their charism of "making known God's goodness" in the world.

Tell us one blessing and one challenge in your work.

One blessing of this work is learning from the sisters and their wisdom and care for one another. A challenge in this work is "imposter syndrome," that feeling that somehow I don't have anything to contribute because I've not taken vows. But then I remind myself that I have been chosen for this role, I have unbounded enthusiasm and energy for this work, and I keep just moving forward!

How has being a member of the NRVC helped you?

Being a member of NRVC has been invaluable to me. The Summer Institute was a perfect orientation that gave me a firm foundation to build upon. The subsequent trainings and connections I've made have been so helpful in understanding more about vowed life, the requirements for entrance, and the issues that vocation ministers may encounter. For ongoing support, Talk it Up Tuesdays are fantastic as well. I know that at any time, there are multiple people that I can contact for answers to my questions.

What would you say to a lay person considering working in vocation ministry?

Make sure your role is clearly defined by your leadership team and that you have a budget that includes resources for training. Connect with NRVC and take advantage of all they have to offer. Remember that the congregation chose you because they believe you can fulfill this role!