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Resources for Vocation Ministry

Vatican & USCCB Documents

The Vatican and the USCCB occasionally publish information about vocation ministry.

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Christus Vivit
"Christ Lives"

In his fourth apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis has written a personal, readable letter to young people (ages 16-30). The concepts from the document flow from the October 2018 synod on "youth, faith, and vocational discernment."

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Program of Priestly Formation (PFF)

The NRVC Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors references the USCCB's Program for Priestly Formation (PPF) standards in the application process and in the guidelines for candidate issues in discernment.

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Identity & Mission of the Religious Brother

Written as a reflection, this document contributes to the appreciation of the richness of the different vocations, especially within male consecrated life, and seeks to shed light on the identity of the Religious Brother and the necessity of this vocation.

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Young People, the Faith, and Vocational Discernment

Read the full text of the Preparatory Document for the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme "Youth, the faith, and vocational discernment" that happened in 2018.

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Additional vocation-related Church documents

Dilexit Nos

4th Encyclical Letter (He loved us, Pope Francis, 2024)

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Synod 2021-2023

Details of the 2021-2023 Synod from the Vatican

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Fratelli Tutti

3rd Encyclical Letter (All Brothers, Pope Francis, 2020)

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Christus Vivit

Apostolic Exhortation (Christ is Alive! Pope Francis, 2019)

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Identity and Mission of the Religious Brothers in the Church

2018 document about the importance of religious Brothers in the Catholic Church

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Gaudete et Exsultate

Apostolic Exhortation (Rejoice and be Glad, Pope Francis, 2018)

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Amoris Laetitia

Apostolic Exhortation (The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family, Pope Francis, 2016)

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Laudato Si ’, mi’ Signore

2nd Encyclical Letter (Praise be to you, my Lord, Pope Francis, 2015)

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Apostolic Letter to All Consecrated People

(Pope Francis, 2015)

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Misericordiae Vultus

(The Face of Mercy, Pope Francis, 2015)

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Rejoice!

(A letter to consecrated men and women, Pope Francis, 2014)

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Evangelii Gaudium

Apostolic Exhortation (The Joy of the Gospel, Pope Francis, 2013)

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Lumen Fidei

1st Encyclical Letter (The Light of Faith, Pope Francis, 2013)

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Pastoral Guidelines for Fostering Vocations (ENGLISH)

Congregation for Catholic Education, Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations, 2012)

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Pastoral Guidelines for Fostering Vocations (SPANISH)

Congregation for Catholic Education, Pontifical Work for Priestly Vocations, 2012)

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Caritas in Veritate

Encyclical (Charity in Truth, Pope Benedict XVI, 2009)

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Spe Salvi Encyclical

(In hope we were saved, Pope Benedict XVI, 2007)

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Program of Priestly Formation

Fifth edition, USCCB, 2006

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Deus Caritas Est

(God is Love, Pope Benedict XVI, 2005)

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Starting Afresh from Christ

(CICLSAL, 2002)

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Vita Consecrata

(The Consecrated Life, Pope John Paul II, 1996)

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Directory on the Ministry and Life of Priests

(Congregation for the Clergy, 1994)

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Pastores Dabo Vobis

(I will give you shepherds, Saint Pope John Paul II, 1992)

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Redemptoris Missio

(The Mission of Christ the Redeemer, Pope John Paul II, 1990)

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Code of Canon Law

(1983)

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Washington Statement on a Call to Brotherhood

(Holy Trinity Mission Seminary, 1979)

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Evangelii Nuntiandi

Apostolic Exhortation (Proclaiming the Gospel, Pope Paul VI, 1975)

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Gaudium et Spes

(The Joys and Hopes, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

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Perfectae Caritatis

(Complete Love, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

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Ad Gentes

(To Nations, Pope Paul VI, 1965)

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Lumen Gentium

(Christ is the Light, Pope Paul VI, 1964)

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Selected Quotes of Pope Francis by Subject

Quotes from Pope Francis based on subject.

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Mensuram Bonum

Good Measure for Catholic Investors, 2012

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Dilexi Te

(Apostolic Exhortation, I have loved you, Pope Leo, 2025)

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Guide to Ongoing Formation for Priests

The USCCB's pastoral document intended to help each priest discern and formulate an individualized plan of formation.

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Guidelines for the Use of Psychology in Seminary Admissions

The USCCB's guidelines for the use of Psychology during admissions to the seminary.

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National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons

The USCCB's resource to help communities grow and sustain permanent diaconate programs.

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Guidelines for Receiving Pastoral Ministers in the United States

Guide for drafting and implementing policies regarding international pastoral ministers.

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