Sister Liz Sjoberg, DC

Please introduce yourself and your role with

the NRVC.

My name is Sister Liz Sjoberg, and I am the Vocation Director for the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul. I am also a Member Area Coordinator for the East Coast Member Area.

How did you come to vocation ministry?

This is my third year of Vocation Ministry. I have a background in both university campus ministry and social work, which provides a great foundation for accompanying young adults in making life decisions. I have always had an interest in the unique challenges young adults face: finding one’s calling, living as a Christian witness in today’s society, and the idea of being chosen for a mysterious and often misunderstood vocation in our current culture. 

Please share one blessing and one challenge you encounter in your work.

A blessing of doing vocation ministry is the relationships of trust we build with discerners and other young people. I love to witness their love of God grow, particularly when they can see and feel the presence of God leading them to deeper intimacy and trust. 

One major challenge that I see is the anxiety young adults have about making steps towards a life choice. There are many competing values: the parents’ desires for them, plans they had professionally because of their education, and a hesitancy to trust authority figures. 

Young adults need a lot of support to understand and lean into a deliberate, thoughtful discernment process, which involves trusting in the Lord who doesn’t reveal everything all at once. My biggest challenge is not taking on too much. I am a recovering overachiever, so it’s important for me to really discern what the best use of my time is, rather than trying to do everything people ask me to do. 

How has being a member of the NRVC helped you?

Being a member of NRVC helps me to connect with peers in this space who understand the experience of vocation ministry. We can share ideas, stories, and perspectives that elevate all our practice to provide a quality and rich service for those entrusted to our care. I know there are a number of colleagues I can reach out to, and I’ll be met with understanding, wisdom, and practical advice.

What do you enjoy doing on your time off?

I find being active a real outlet for me: cycling, swimming, weightlifting. I also love to chat with friends over a good cup of coffee.