Fraternity โข Renewal โข Education
Annual Convention
Fraternity โข Renewal โข Education
Annual Convention
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Sep 11-15, 2026 โข New Vocation Directors
Vocare Institute
The Vocare Institute is a three-day โboot campโ for new Vocation
Directors that occurs before the main convention begins. Presented by members of the NCDVD Board, this special workshop offers intensive, in-depth training on all aspects of running a Vocation Office and thriving as a happy, healthy, and effective Vocation Director. Presentations focus on three primary aspects:
PROMOTION: Events and initiatives to create a culture of vocations
ACCOMPANIMENT: Supporting and evaluating men as they discern the priesthood
FORMATION: Mentoring and managing seminarians as a loving father
Vocare also includes a focus on the psychological assessment of candidates, led by veteran Vocation Directors and seasoned psychologists.
*Note that many second-year Vocation Directors attend Vocare as a โrefresher courseโ once that they have more experienceโand more questions!
REGISTRATION: The 2026 Vocare Institute is September 11-15. Sign up when you register for the main convention.
The Value of GATHERING in person
Priests Equipping Priests
โThe NCDVD Bootcamp gave me the confidence I needed to step into my new role, armed with wisdom from veteran Vocation Directors. I also appreciated the spiritual grounding that NCDVD emphasizesโbringing Our Lord back to the center of everything so that we Vocation Directors stay focused on what truly matters.
One of the most valuable takeaways for me was learning the questions and issues to raise with candidates. The sessions on the admissions process and psychological evaluations were especially useful. It helped me understand the red flags and counter-indicators when working with candidates.
As for the conference itselfโitโs so easy to do things virtually these days, but thereโs something irreplaceable about being together in person. The fraternal and spiritual benefits are immense. And I say that as a Vocation Director from the West Coast who has to travel a long way! But thereโs an incarnational reality to gathering in person. In a mysterious way, God chooses to work through our humanity to reveal His presence to one another.โ
Fr. Kyle Ratuiste
Diocese of Spokane
What to Expect
2026 Convention Preview
- Liturgies in the beautiful chapels of the Immaculate Conception Retreat Center
- Retreat-like atmosphere on expansive grounds adjacent to the Long Island sound
- Dinner Tuesday with regional brothers
- More than 30 sponsors from vocation apostolates
- Workshops on various aspects of vocation promotion and formation
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
- Five days of prayer, brotherhood, and inspiration!
See you in New York!
Fraternity ยท Renewal ยท Education
NCDVD ANNUAL CONVENTION