2019 Response

Volunteering and Vocation

"I see this program as not a year-long commitment, but as a guide for how I will live out the rest of my life." Yadira, St. Joseph Worker in Orange, CA We’ve found that a year of faith-based volunteering leaves a deep impression on those who serve. During this time, many volunteers begin to think more seriously about their lifestyle, career path, and vocation. Former volunteers often speak fondly of their service experience as a time of deep personal formation and spiritual growth. Some even consider the call to religious life during their time as a volunteer. In fact, one recent study revealed that nearly two in five former volunteers (37 percent) have considered a vocation to ordained ministry or religious life, a rate much higher than the national average. Through a variety of resources and opportunities, Catholic Volunteer Network encourages current and former volunteers in their vocational discernment. St. Joseph Workers from Orange, CA with guests from Mary's Kitchen

Experience Faith-based service engages volunteers in a process of experiential discernment through the four pillars of simple living, spirituality, community, and social justice. Our VOCARE initiative provides volunteers with opportunities to serve in new programs sponsored by congregations of women’s religious (for more information about VOCARE, see page 3). By building meaningful relationships with peers, community leaders, men’s and women’s religious communities, and program staff across a variety of ministries, volunteers experience the many ways to live out vocation. Community One thing that distinguishes CVN programs from other service opportunities is the chance to live in intentional community. This pillar of faith-based service provides encouragement, support, and a space for prayer and discernment at all stages of a volunteer’s journey and beyond. Through service days, retreats, shared prayer spaces, and alumni networks, CVN helps foster community among prospective, Many volunteers continue to reflect on their service, community-living experience, commitment to simplicity and solidarity with the poor, and spiritual journey long after they depart their volunteer program. Through our "I Chose Service" campaign and Serving with Sisters Ambassadors initiative on CVN’s Blog, you can hear from others who discerned the call to service and continue exploring their vocation beyond their time as a volunteer. To learn more about the connection between volunteerism and vocation, visit the “Explore Your Vocation” section of CVN’s website: catholicvolunteernetwork.org/resources "We are called by God and we are called by grace to serve." Ada, Vincentian Service Corps and CVN Serving with Sisters Ambassador (2017-2018) current, and former volunteers. Discernment Stories

Allison Reynolds served with Good Shepherd Volunteers in Bolivia and was a 2017–2018 Serving with Sisters Ambassador.

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