A sample of events

THE BEST WAY TO KNOW whether religious life is right for you is to meet men and women in vowed life. There are many ways to do that: Attend a lecture where a sister, brother, or priest is speaking, spend time with a community on a discernment weekend or volunteer activity, or make a retreat hosted by a religious order. To find upcoming local or national events, make a habit of checking the VISION Calendar at VocationNetwork.org/events. Below is a sampling of what you will find.

DISCERNMENT

Holy Year of Mercy

Dates Dec. 8, 2015 until Nov. 20, 2016 Description Pope Francis proclaimed this Holy Year of Mercy to highlight the Catholic Church’s “mission to be a witness of mercy.” The biblical theme of the year will be “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”

Come and See Vocation Discernment Weekend

Sponsors Benedictine Sisters (O.S.B.), Ferdinand, IN--Monastery Immaculate Conception Event Dates Nov. 4-6, 2016; Jan. 6-8, 2017; March 24-26 Description Single Catholic women ages 18-40 have the opportunity to spend time with the sisters and learn more about their Benedictine way of life. Each event has a different topic and all offer the opportunity to pray, eat, and have free time with the sisters. Free to participants. Call 800-7389999 or email vocation@thedome.org. thedome.org.

National Vocation Awareness Week

Event Dates Nov. 6-12, 2016 Description A week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

Come and See—Lancanshire, UK

Sponsors Bernardine Cistercians, England Event Dates Jan. 27-29, 2017 Description The community at Hyning Monastery invites you to a monastic experience weekend, sharing something of their prayer, work, and community living. www.hyning.org. www.facebook.com/bernardinecistercian. Please contact: hyningbookings@yahoo.co.uk.

World Day for Consecrated Life

Event Dates Feb. 5, 2017 Description This day of prayer for women and men in consecrated life is attached to the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, also known as Candlemas Day, the day on which candles are blessed symbolizing Christ who is the light of the world. So too, those in consecrated life are called to reflect the light of Jesus Christ to all peoples.

World Day of Prayer for Vocations

Event Dates May 7, 2017, Fourth Sunday of Easter Description Also known as “Good Shepherd Sunday,” the purpose of this day is to publically fulfill the Lord’s instruction to, “Pray the Lord of the harvest to send laborers into his harvest” and pray that young men and women hear and respond generously to the Lord’s call to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, societies of apostolic life, or secular institutes.

ONLINE EVENTS

A Nun’s Life Discernment Chat and “Ask Sister” podcasts

Event Dates Monthly (check schedule at aNunsLife.org) Description Discernment Chat is a great opportunity to connect in real time with those who are just starting to discern as well as those who have been around the discernment block a few times! On the “Ask Sister” podcast, we respond to listeners’ questions on a variety of faith topics. Guest sisters join us on air. Listeners join us, too, via the live chat room. We bring questions into the conversation, leading to lively discussion.

RETREATS

St. Ignatius of Loyola Spiritual Exercises

Sponsors Sisters of Bon Secours in the USA Event Dates Dec. 2-4, 2016 Location Retreat and Conference Center, Bon Secours, 1525 Marriottsville Road, Marriottsville, MD Description Young adult retreat, in partnership with Charis Ministries. 410-442-3171. CBSVocations@bshsi.org

Desert Days for Young Adults

Sponsors Missionary Benedictine Sisters Event Dates Monthly Location Immaculata Monastery & Spirituality Center, 300 N. 18th Street, Norfolk, NE Description These days of reflection, facilitated by a team of sisters, provide an opportunity to listen with the ear of your heart to the Voice that claims you as His own. A typical "Desert Day" involves: Opening conference, followed by free time for individual prayer and reflection; sack lunch, opportunities for confession/spiritual direction; group sharing of graces; dismissal. Contact: Sr. Inviolata Mukhaabi, O.S.B. 402-750-2559. mbsmissionaries.org.