In the United States, National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW) is celebrated each November, this year from November 1-7, 2026. NVAW is a time to highlight and promote vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life and renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations. Follow SSND on Instagram and Facebook for special posts throughout NVAW.
There are several ways you can observe NVAW, such as special intercessions at Mass, sharing a personal message of gratitude for the gift of religious life with those in your circle of influence, visits to a nearby Catholic school or campus ministry to share your vocation story, etc. The possibilities are abundant, as are these resources on the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) website. For vocation prayers, click here. Enjoy the week, have fun, take a picture or two, and let us know what you did!
The SSND North American Vocation Team serves the congregation in the U.S. and Canada by promoting a culture of vocation, with an understanding that we are all called by God to continue the mission of Jesus in some particular way. Feel free to invite others to connect to the NAVT here, where you’ll find upcoming events and resources, including a monthly discernment newsletter, Vocation Reflections and our vocation brochure in English and in Spanish.
If you find yourself wondering if you might be called to religious life, we are happy to support you in the joys, hopes, anxieties, and questions. Here are some ways you can go deeper in discernment and connect with us:
● Check out this website and follow us on social media. You’ll learn about our congregation and find discernment resources. Sometimes you just need to browse and learn first!
● Sign up to receive Vocation Reflections, our monthly discernment newsletter. You’ll get reflections from sisters, helpful resources, and learn about upcoming discernment opportunities.
● Join us for our monthly online evening prayer to journey in community with those who have similar dreams and questions. You are not alone!
● Connect with a sister on our vocation team to chat about whatever would be most helpful for you. We’re happy to answer questions, connect you to resources, or simply be a listening ear. No pressure and no strings attached!
You could be part of the next generation of religious women. As you discern, you have the support and prayers of all the generations before you. The God who calls has always been and will always be faithful. Imagine the possibilities!