Sister Eileen McCann, C.S.J.

Briefly introduce yourself and your role with the NRVC.

I am Sister Eileen McCann, C.S.J., a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. I am the Vocation Promoter for my congregation and also serve on our Congregational Leadership Team. Presently, I serve on the NRVC Board as one of the vice chairs.

How did you come to vocation ministry?

I was privileged to minister to and with the younger members of our Church for many years. I then left that ministry to serve in leadership in my province. As I was discerning the next steps of my journey, our Congregation was seeking a Vocation Promoter. With my experience in youth and young adult ministry, it seemed like a natural fit. God led me to accept the position.

Tell us one blessing and one challenge in your work.

The young people I come into contact with are the greatest blessing of my ministry. They are searching and thirsting for more. I love sitting and listening to them and assuring them that they are not alone. In many cases, the challenge is that their catechesis has been lacking. Leading them to a more mature knowledge of their faith and a more mature spirituality takes many hours of accompaniment. While that is a blessing, it takes patience and time. Being a member of NRVC is a wonderful asset because of the many opportunities to network with other vocation directors facing the same challenges. I also find the resources very, very helpful.

What do you like to do on your time off?

In my spare time, I like to read and do the NY Times Wordle, Connections, and Sunday puzzle. When the weather permits, I like being outside and chasing a little white ball around a course. In some circles, this would be called golf! For me, it’s the joy of getting the ball in the hole with a double bogey or, when really lucky, just a bogey!