Sister Jenny Howard, vocation director for the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, just returned from the National Religious Vocation Conference in Cleveland, entitled “Casting the Net – Vocation Ministry in a Global Church and World.” She and about 400 other vocation directors convened Nov. 4-8 to talk about shared concerns and challenges in inviting women and men who feel called by God to join religious life and the priesthood today. They discussed what the gifts and blessings are for young people today who receive that kind of an invitation.
There was also discussion about the spirituality of sustainability, globalization and the Church, and the need for vocation directors to be highly involved in social media as a means of communicating with young people. “It’s always wonderful to connect with other vocation directors to network and share ideas,” said Sister Jenny. “You get a sense that you are not alone, and that vocations is bigger than one community’s efforts. There is a sense of unity and a sameness that Providence is at work. We’re all facing the same challenges. It helps put everything into perspective,” added Sister Jenny.
The convocation included keynote speakers, workshops, theological reflection and celebrations of common prayer and the Eucharist. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about becoming a woman religious, visit events and consider attending one of the upcoming events sponsored by the Sisters of Providence. Many times it’s the encouragement from others that helps confirm the call to vocations in a person, so why not be that encouragement to someone you know?
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