Huntington, New York: Hundreds of vocation directors, staff, religious, and lay collaborators gathered this week at the Retreat and Conference Center of the Immaculate Conception for the annual National Conference of Diocesan Vocation Directors (NCDVD). The gathering aims to draw participants closer to Christ, foster brotherhood, and equip them with best practices to cultivate a culture of vocations across the Church.
Members of the NCDVD travel from across the United States and at least 10 other countries each year for this conference, described by many as “one of the highlights of their year.” The event provides both spiritual renewal and practical guidance, while also creating opportunities for fraternity among priests and vocation directors.
The NCDVD, a fraternity of vocation directors, supports members in guiding men discerning the priesthood. It encourages collaboration on projects, sharing insights from experience, and welcoming contributions from religious sisters, vocation office personnel, and lay collaborators. Core focuses include community-building, regional gatherings, fundraising, and the Vocare Institute for New Vocation Directors an intensive pre-conference training.
Vocation directors carry tremendous responsibility, often facing high-pressure decisions. The conference seeks to equip them with the knowledge and tools necessary to form priests who are both holy and healthy.
This year’s keynote, Father Stephen Rossetti, a psychologist, author, and exorcist, delivered a talk on “Deliverance Ministry for Priests,” highlighting safe and effective ways priests can assist the faithful who seek spiritual guidance. Father Boniface Hicks, OSB, spoke on the significance of spiritual direction, emphasizing the formative relationship between director and directee for personal discernment and prayer.
Throughout the week, participants attended workshops addressing topics such as operating effective vocation offices, strengthening campus ministry, and encouraging youth to serve the Church. Bishop Edward Lohse of the Diocese of Kalamazoo, Michigan, provided guidance on evaluating candidates, ensuring directors understand what can or should be asked during discernment processes.
The conference also explored contemporary issues. Tanner Kalina led a workshop, “Create Digitally, Connect Personally,” focusing on leveraging social media in ways aligned with Christian values. Miguel Naranjo, director of Religious Immigration Services at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, addressed immigration matters affecting religious workers, offering practical insights into U.S. law programs.
As the conference continues, NCDVD participants seek to return to their dioceses empowered, spiritually renewed, and prepared to guide the next generation of priests with wisdom, compassion, and holiness.