I have participated in several National Association of Vocation and Formation Directors (NAVFD) Canada Conference but none touched me as deeply as the experience in St. John’s. Why? I felt a joy and enthusiasm that was contagious. Any subtle promptings of the evil one that consecrated life is dying in Canada and the U.S. was quickly squelched.
This is story is part of a series. Four representatives from the Archdiocese took part in the National Association of Vocation and Formation Directors (NAVFD) Canada Conference in St. John’s, Newfoundland Sept. 22-25. Sr. Mary Clare Stack U.J. (Ursuline of Jesus), a member of the spiritual care team at Catholic Social Services
I felt a vitality; I experienced a visibility that was so reassuring, and a new awareness of how essential it is to keep nurturing “a Culture of Vocation” in our Church today. We cannot sit back and say, “We are too old”. No, God continues to call, and every one of the baptized has a mission to nurture that call.
Among the organizing committee were several lay associates who brought a new vision and wonderful energy to the conference. Anne Walsh, an associate with the Redemptorists, told us, “There is a new flowering within the Church through associations, partnerships, collaborations, so the Holy Spirit needs to open our eyes to see this newness”.
As an Ursuline of Jesus, throughout my life the Holy Spirit has been calling me to live ever more fully the mystery of God’s love made flesh in Jesus (the Incarnation) by recognizing in the person across from me, regardless of who s/he is, the face of Jesus.
I was profoundly moved by the art work of Sr. Giang, RNDM. During COVID, God re-awakened the artist in her. Her painting entitled “Cosmic Dance”, filled our hearts with a spirit of awe and wonder. It helped us recognize, as Sr. Veronica Dunne, RNDM, told us, “Vocation is how we consciously take part in… the unfolding call of the universe in every person, creature, element and eco-system.”
The Gathering Prayer, which focused on the four elements- fire, air, earth and water- set the tone that carried us throughout the Conference and brings us to this moment; a constant reminder as we hear in the Prologue of John, “The Light shone in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.”
May each of us keep that Light burning brightly as we journey to the next Conference in 2027.
The spirit of hospitality that was experienced at the NAVFD Vocations Canada Conference held in St. John’s NL, September 22-25, 2025 was like the sunshine that shone on us every day of our gathering. Sr. Cecile Goyer, CSE and four members of the Vocations Awareness Committee- Sr. Lynde, S.A., Dany Bazira, Thomas Corrigan, and Sr. Mary Clare Stack, U.J. -were present from the Archdiocese of Edmonton.
Besides satisfying the “itch” to travel or to delight in the vibrant fall colours for which the Martimes are famous, why would one travel all the way to St. John’s N/L to participate in a Vocations Canada Conference?
- To be encouraged in one’s mission to foster a “Culture of Vocation”;
- To be nourished in body, mind and spirit through faith-filled individuals such as the gifted Scripture scholar, Dr. Sr. Barbara Reid, OP, and Brother Guy Consolmagno, S.J. who radiates the joy of one who is caught up in the “wonder, the beauty and the science of the stars”;
- To learn from others, and to discover news ways of awakening all Catholics to how the Spirit wants their hearts to be on fire as they live their baptismal call in its fullness; be that as single individuals, married couples, diocesan priests or women and men called to consecrated life;
- To introduce two young adults from our Archdiocese to their budding role as ambassadors for a “Culture of Vocation”;
- To enjoy the gift of one another through encounters at the breakfast table; workshop topics that stretch one’s thinking; round-table discussions; rich, refreshing liturgies, the walks in nature, and the joy of being immersed in “Newfie” hospitality.
Donor’s generosity provides vocation training
Thanks to generous donors, Emil and Sophie Motoska, a fund was established many years ago that provides financial support for formative experiences for young adults as they search how best to live their baptismal call and for those fostering retreats, conference et cetera that nurture the living of one’s baptismal commitment.
Read the whole Vocation Series:
Each of us a mission to nurture God’s call
Joy that we are loved, called and created for a purpose
Never-ending depths of discovery
Religious communities have much to offer young adults
For information on the Archdiocesan Vocations Awareness Committee, contact Sr. Mary Clare Stack, U.J.: mctstack@outlook.com
Read more about Vocations Awareness Committee Gathering Nov. 23
Read more about Archdiocesan Vocations
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