Please contact the RFC office via email at rfc@relforcon.org should you encounter any broken links, need to update a resource, or would like your resource listed here.
Church
• Holy See
www.vatican.va
Official website of the Holy See. Includes church documents, prayers, news items, photos, videos and all materials related to the Holy See.
• Congregation for Consecrated Life and Secular Institutes (CICLSAL)
www.vatican.va/roman_curia/congregations/ccscrlife/index.htm
Located on the Vatican website, this webpage contains information pertaining to the Consecrated Life and Secular Institutes.
www.congregazionevitaconsacrata.va
Official website of CICLSAL specially detailing all programs, events, publications, etc. pertaining to the Consecrated Life. (webpage seems to only be in Italian but many international congregations -with members in the USA – know Italian.)
• Pontifical Council on Justice and Peace
www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/justpeace/index.htm
Located on the Vatican website, this webpage contains documents regarding issues of global justice and peace, e.g. integral human development, Laudato Si’, reform of the international financial system, etc.
• Code of Canon Law
www.vatican.va/archive/ENG1104/_INDEX.HTM
Located on the Vatican website, this webpage contains the complete text of the Code of Canon Law (1983).
• United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB)
www.usccb.org
Official website of United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB). Includes public statements made by the USCCB, as well as information regarding prayer and worship, social justice, photos, videos and all materials related to the USCCB.
• Office for Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations – USCCB
www.usccb.org/about/clergy-consecrated-life-and-vocations/
Located on the USCCB website, this webpage contains information regarding the promotion, support and education of church membership about the priesthood, diaconate and Consecrated Life.
• Migration and Refugee Services – USCCB
www.usccb.org/about/migration-and-refugee-services/
Located on the USCCB website, this webpage contains information regarding the bishops’ interests on issues related to migration and refugee services in the United States.
• National Hispanic Catholic Organization – USCCB
www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/cultural-diversity/hispanic-latino/national-hispanic-catholic-organizations.cfm
Located on the USCCB website, this webpage contains links and contact information for known Catholic Hispanic organizations throughout the United States, e.g. Mexican American Catholic College (MACC).
• Office for Clergy, Consecrated Life & Vocations -- USCCB
http://www.usccb.org/about/clergy-consecrated-life-and-vocations/index.cfm
The Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations assists bishops, both collectively and individually, in promoting, supporting, and educating about the Church’s pastoral needs and concerns for the priesthood, diaconate, and Consecrated Life within culturally diverse communities of the United States; and in addressing issues concerning the life and ministry of bishops.
• National Religious Retirement Office (NRRO)
www.usccb.org/about/national-religious-retirement-office/index.cfm
Located on the USCCB website, this webpage contains information regarding the National Religious Retirement Office and the services they provide to Religious Congregations throughout the United States.
Religious Life – National Organizations
· National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC)
www.nrvc.net
The National Religious Vocation Conference is a professional organization of vocation ministers that presents religious life as a viable option in the Catholic Church. NRVC promotes vocation awareness, invitation, and discernment to life as a religious sister, brother, or priest.
· Conference of Major Superiors of Men (CMSM)
www.cmsm.org
CMSM serves the leadership of the Catholic orders and congregations of vowed religious priests and brothers of the United States.
· Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR)
www.cmswr.org/
The Council of Major Superiors of Women Religious (CMSWR) is a canonically approved organization founded in 1992, to promote religious life in the United States.
· Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR)
www.lcwr.org
The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is the association of the leaders of congregations of Catholic women Religious in the United States. The conference represents approximately 80 percent of women religious in the United States.
· Religious Brothers Conference (RBC)
www.todaysbrother.com
The Religious Brothers Conference was founded in 1972 and remains the only service organization devoted exclusively to promoting the vocation of the religious Brother.
· Association of Contemplative Sisters (ACS)
www.acsisters.org
The Association of Contemplative Sisters fosters and supports the contemplative journey
of contemplative sisters throughout the United States.
· Association of Latin American Missionary Sisters (AHLMA)
www.ahlma.org
The Association of Latin American Missionary Sisters serves Latina Sisters who are missioned to serve the People of God in the United States.
· National Black Sisters Conference (NBSC)
www.nbs68.com
The National Black Sisters’ Conference serves vowed Black Catholic Women Religious and Associates from many congregations across the United States.
• Catholic Apostolate Center
https://www.catholicapostolatecenter.org/
The Catholic Apostolate Center, a ministry of the Society of the Catholic Apostolate (Pallottines) collaborates with dioceses and other institutions and organizations in providing programs for the New Evangelization.
• Catholic Nuns Today
http://catholicnunstoday.org/
Catholic Nuns Today is a website sponsored by women religious based in Texas to show the active apostolic lives of Sisters in today’s world.
• Giving Voice
https://www.giving-voice.org/
Giving Voice is a peer led organization that creates spaces for younger women religious to give voice to their hopes, dreams and challenges in religious life.
• A Nun’s Life Ministry
https://anunslife.org
A Nun’s Life Ministry is an online faith community and nonprofit ministry that reaches out with pastoral presence to be with thousands of people worldwide each day. Opportunities are provided for conversations with Catholic sisters on topics such as spirituality, prayer, community, ministry, and more.
• National Catholic Sisters Week (NCSW)
http://www.nationalcatholicsistersweek.org/about.php
National Catholic Sisters Week, a branch of National Catholic Sisters Project, is held each March in conjunction with Women’s History Month. NCSW was created to honor women religious and to instruct, enlighten and bring a greater focus to the lives of women religious in the United States and around the world.
• National Conference of Vicars Religious
• Resource Center for Religious Institutes (RCRI)
https://www.trcri.org/
RCRI serves member institutes by providing integrated education, advocacy, consultation and collaborative initiatives to support religious institutes in meeting their current and emerging stewardship responsibilities.
• Archivists for Congregations of Women Religious (ACWR)
http://archivistsacwr.org
ACWR is a professional organization dedicated to assisting and supporting lay and religious archivists of religious congregations as they manage, interpret, and preserve the historical records of Catholic sisters and nuns in the United States and worldwide.
• National Association for Treasurers of Religious Institutes (NATRI)
http://trcri.org
NATRI operates as a professional association for treasurers of religious institutions in the U.S. It also offers educational resources, publications, and referral services.
• Communicators for Women Religious (CWR)
https://c4wr.org
Communicators for Women Religious is a professional organization of personnel responsible for communications within religious congregations of women.
Religious Life - International Organizations
- Canadian Religious Conference (CRC)
www.crc-canada.org/en
The Canadian Religious Conference serves leaders of Catholic congregations of women and men across Canada.
• National Association for Vocation and Formation Directors – Canada (NAVFD)
http://navfd.info
The National Association for Vocation and Formation Directors of Canada serves women and men religious who minister as vocation and formation directors in their respective congregations.
• Confederation of Religious of Latin America (CLAR)
www.clar.org
The Confederation of Religious of Latin America is an international organization serving the national conferences of superiors general of Religious Congregations, women and men across Latin America and the Caribbean. (Website in Spanish.)
• International Union of Superiors General (UISG)
www.internationalunionsuperiorsgeneral.org
The International Union of Superiors General is a worldwide, canonically approved global organization of Superiors General of Institutes of Catholic Women Religious.
• Union of Superiors General (USG)
www.gcatholic.org/orders/rf001.htm
The Union of Superiors General serves the leadership of men’s religious congregations worldwide.
• Conference of Major Superiors of Mexico (CIRM)
www.cirm.org.mx/
The Conference of Major Superiors of Mexico serves the leadership of women’s and men’s congregations throughout Mexico.
• Association of Major Religious Superiors of Women in the Philippines (AMRSWP)
www.claretianpublications.com/index.php/catholic-directory/organized-bodies/association-of-major-religious-superiors-of-women-in-the-philippines-amrswp/425
AMRSWP serves the leadership of all active Religious Congregations of women in the Philippines.
• Association of Major Religious Superiors of Men in the Philippines (AMRSMP)
www.claretianpublications.com/index.php/catholic-directory/organized-bodies/association-of-major-religious-superiors-of-men-in-the-philippines-amrsmp/424
AMRSWP serves the leadership of all active Religious Congregations of men in the Philippines.
• Catholic Vocations Ministry Australia (CVMA)
www.catholicozvocations.org.au
Catholic Vocations Ministry Australia is a national organization whose purpose is to foster a “vocation culture” that educates and promotes vocations to the priesthood, Consecrated Life, as well as the married and single life.
• European Vocations Service (EVS)
www.vocations.ccee.eu/
Established in 1999 the EVS is a federation of national vocation services of European countries which promote and educate about the priesthood and Consecrated Life.
• National Office for Vocation – England and Wales
www.ukvocation.org/?page_id=184
The National Office for Vocation for England and Wales strives to build a culture of Vocation for the priesthood, deaconate, married life, Consecrated Life and other forms of vocation.
• Conference of Religious of England and Wales
https://www.corew.org
The Conference of Religious of England and Wales serves the major superiors of Religious Congregations of women and men in England and Wales.
• Conference of Religious of Ireland (CORI)
See AMRI below
• Association of Missionaries and Religious of Ireland (AMRI)
www.amri.ie
The AMRI represents and promotes active collaboration between Religious Institutes, Societies of Apostolic Life and Lay Missionaries both in Ireland and oversees.
• Vocation Ireland
www.vocationsireland.com/
Vocation Ireland is the website for the association of vocation directors of Religious Congregations in Ireland.
• Leadership Conference of Consecrated Life – Southern Africa (LCCL)
www.lcclsa.co.za/about/
The LCCL is the association of elected leaders of women’s and men’s Religious Congregations or Societies of Apostolic Life in Southern Africa.
Prayer
• Pray As You Go – Jesuit Media
https://www.pray-as-you-go.org/home
Pray as you go is a daily prayer session, designed to go with you wherever you go, to help you pray whenever you find time, but particularly whilst travelling to and from work, study, etc.
• The Jesuit Post
https://thejesuitpost.org
The Jesuit Post offers a Jesuit, Catholic perspective on the contemporary world. It aims to show that faith is relevant to today’s culture and that God is already at work in it. The Jesuit Post focuses on both sacred and secular issues because it is convinced that God does too.
• 3-Minute Retreats
https://www.loyolapress.com/3-minute-retreats-daily-online-prayer
3-Minute Retreats invite you to take a short prayer break right at your computer; spending quiet time reflecting on a Scripture passage.
• Busted Halo
https://bustedhalo.com/
Busted Halo is a unique resource that utilizes a relevant and accessible voice to help people understand the Catholic faith, put it into practice in their everyday lives, and share it with others.
• Creighton Online Ministries
http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/online.html
Creighton Online Ministries is a ministry of the Collaborative Ministry Office at Creighton University. A very useful website which offers daily reflections on the readings of the day, online retreats, video presentations and audio podcasts on a wide range of spirituality topics.
Foundations
• GHR
http://www.ghrfoundation.org/
The GHR Foundation is a private, family philanthropy that works to create change with
partners around the world in the areas of global development, education and health.
• PORTICUS
https://us.porticus.com/en/homeus
PORTICUS is the international organization that manages and develops the philanthropic programs of the charitable entities established by the Brenninkmeijer family entrepreneurs.
• Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
https://www.hiltonfoundation.org
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation is a family foundation that provides funds to nonprofit organizations working to improve the lives of disadvantaged and vulnerable people throughout the world.
• Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for Sisters
http://www.hiltonfundforsisters.org/
The Conrad N. Hilton Fund for Sisters honors the desire of Conrad Hilton to support the Work of Roman Catholic Sisters around the world. This fund supports the apostolic works of Sisters in their direct service to the vulnerable and disadvantaged within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Publications
• America Media
https://www.americamagazine.org/about-america-media
America Media provides content for Catholics and those who want to know what Catholics are thinking. America Media leads the conversation about faith and culture by producing excellent, unique, relevant and accessible content across multiple platforms.
• Commonweal
https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/
Commonweal's mission is to provide a forum for civil, reasoned debate on the interaction of faith with contemporary politics and culture.
• Human Development Magazine
http://www.hdmag.org/
Human Development Magazine covers the latest research in the fields of medicine, psychology, and the integration of spirituality today. Its audience is those involved in the work of fostering the human and spiritual growth of others.
• Sojourners
https://sojo.net/magazine
The Sojourners Magazine and movement seek to inspire hope and transform individuals, communities, the church, and the world.
• Salt & Light Media
http://saltandlighttv.org/
Salt & Light Media is dedicated to proclaiming Jesus Christ and the joy of the Gospel to the world by telling stories of hope that bring people closer to Jesus and the Catholic faith.
• Zenit
https://zenit.org/?l=english
ZENIT is a news agency specializing in coverage of the Holy Father, life in the Holy See, and events of interest to the Church.
• National Catholic Reporter (NCR)
https://www.ncronline.org
NCR is a religious news source with worldly interests with issues of the Catholic church, as well as, with religious and social forces shaping public policies and institutions.
• National Catholic Register
http://www.ncregister.com
The National Catholic Register’s mission is to provide a perspective on the news of the day as seen through the eyes of the Magisterium.
• Global Sisters Report (GSR)
https://www.globalsistersreport.org
Global Sisters Report is an independent, non-profit source of news and information about Catholic Sisters and the critical issues facing the people they serve. GSR journalists report about their lives and works, and Sisters write commentary from their perspective.
• The Way – UK Jesuit Spirituality
https://www.theway.org.uk/thisissue.shtml
The Way is an international journal of contemporary Christian spirituality published by the British Jesuits.
• Review for Religious Archives of Articles (1942-2012)
http://cdm.slu.edu/cdm/landingpage/collection/rfr
Free access to all articles published in Review for Religious from 1942 to 2012.
• Vision Vocation Network
https://vocationnetwork.org/en/
VISION Vocation Guide and its VISION VocationNetwork.org are the most comprehensive resources available in print and online for those seeking information on Catholic religious vocations and men’s and women’s religious communities.
• ¡Oye!
http://hispanic-ministry.com/publications/oye-magazine/
¡OYE! is an initiative of Claretian Publications that serves as a useful tool for young Hispanics within the Catholic Church as they search to discern God’s call in their lives.
• Vocation.com
http://vocation.com/
Vocation.com offers a wealth of resources to young people considering vocations and all those interested in promoting and fostering vocations.
• TrueQuest Communications
http://www.truequestweb.com
TrueQuest Communications is a publisher for national and international non-profits, specializing in marketing, communications, and publishing services
• Horizon (NRVC)
https://nrvc.net/publication/3759/article/17290-horizon-s-readership-and-reach
HORIZON is the quarterly journal of the National Religious Vocation Conference. It is a resource for understanding the contemporary reality of Religious Life, particularly as it affects new membership.
• Catholic Press Association (CPA)
https://www.catholicpress.org
The CPA is a group of Catholic communicators whose stories are carried in over 200 publications worldwide.
• SEDOS – Service of Documentation and Study on Global Mission
https://sedosmission.org
SEDOS is a forum open to Institutes of Consecrated Life which commit themselves to deepening their understanding of global mission. SEDOS encourages research and disseminates information through its bulletin and website, public conferences, working groups and its annual seminar.
Psychological Services
• Saint Luke Institute (SLI)
https://sli.org
Saint Luke Institute is an independent, international Catholic education and treatment center dedicated to healthy life and ministry for priests, deacons, and religious.
• St. John Vianney Center (SJVC)
https://www.sjvcenter.org
SJVC serves Catholic clergy and religious men and women providing holistic, inter-disciplinary, evidence-based, and individualized programs for behavioral and emotional issues, addictive disease, compulsive behaviors, and weight management programs.
• Southdown Institute
https://southdown.on.ca
Southdown Institute provides psychological services ranging from comprehensive
assessments through residential programming to post-residential continuing care for
clergy and religious ministers seeking healing and wholeness.
• St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute (SLBMI)
https://www.slbmi.com
SLBMI provides evidence-based behavioral health treatment and is committed to providing compassionate care for those seeking psychological and physical health.
Education / Professional Development / Sabbatical
• Catholic Theological Union (CTU)
https://ctu.edu
CTU is a premier school of theology, sponsored by twenty-four religious communities, with a global reputation for academic and pastoral excellence.
• Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry @ CTU
https://ctu.edu/bernardin-center
The Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry @ CTU continues the work of Cardinal Bernardin by exploring reconciliation, peacemaking, and interreligious dialogue through a commitment to public outreach and educational initiatives.
• Center for the Study of Consecrated Life @ CTU
http://www.ctuconsecratedlife.org
The Center for the Study of Consecrated Life serves as a theological, academic, and pastoral resource for engaging contemporary issues and realities in consecrated life today from a global perspective.
• TOGETHER: A Collaborative for Theological Education, Formation, and Community
https://www.relforcon.org/together
TOGETHER is cosponsored by CTU and RFC. It offers Roman Catholic Sisters and Brothers who are currently in formation and have completed their canonical novitiate an opportunity to participate in ongoing formation in an intercultural, inter-congregational, and intergenerational cohort @ CTU.
• Hesburgh Sabbatical Program @ CTU
https://ctu.edu/academics/special-programs/#1519923853861-a5e3cf39-e174
The Hesburgh Sabbatical Program is a curriculum-centered, community-based, holistic sabbatical that fosters both personal and professional renewal and provides continuing education for men and women from around the world.
• Institute of Religious Formation @ CTU
https://ctu.edu/academics/special-programs/#1506101075529-695177b6-7804a14d-d739
The Institute of Religious Formation offers to those charged with formation ministry a comprehensive, spiritual, collaborative, intellectual, and experiential approach to learning, life, and ministry – all focused within the context of formation.
• Tolton Program @ CTU
https://ctu.edu/initiatives/tolton-program/
The Tolton Program is an initiative of CTU and the Archdiocese of Chicago. Tolton Scholars study the best of Catholic Social Teaching so to become agents of change for justice, healing, and peace in Chicago, Ferguson, Charlottesville, and wherever the need demands.
• Oblate School of Theology
https://ost.edu/
Oblate School of Theology is a Catholic graduate and professional school that provides education in Catholic theology for the church’s mission and ministry in the world.
• Catholic Universities and Colleges in the U.S.
http://www.usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/how-we-teach/catholic-education/higher-education/catholic-colleges-and-universities-in-the-united-states.cfm
Located on the USCCB website, this webpage lists all Catholic universities and colleges in the U.S.
• Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA)
https://cara.georgetown.edu/
CARA is a national, non-profit, Georgetown University affiliated research center that conducts social scientific studies about the Catholic Church.
• National Catholic Education Association (NCEA)
http://www.ncea.org/
NCEA is the largest, private professional education association in the world. The NCEA works with Catholic educators to support ongoing faith formation and the teaching mission of the Catholic Church.
• Leadership Collaborative
https://thelc.global/
The Leadership Collaborative is a working group of women’s religious congregations and organizations committed to developing the capacity for transformational leadership among women religious and their associates now and into the future.
Lay Volunteer Organization / Outreach to Young Adults
• Catholic Volunteer Network
https://catholicvolunteernetwork.org
Catholic Volunteer Network fosters and promotes full-time domestic and international faith-based volunteer service opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and skills.
• Jesuit Volunteers (JVC)
http://www.jesuitvolunteers.org
JVC is the largest lay Catholic full-time volunteer program in the world offering participants and opportunity to work tirelessly for social justice while exploring their spirituality and faith through a framework of Catholic, Ignatian values.
• Mercy Corps Volunteers (MVC)
https://www.mercyvolunteers.org
MVC promotes social change by placing and supporting volunteers for one year of service with people who are poor and marginalized in the United States and South America. Mercy Volunteers live together in community and grow spiritually while serving God’s people.
• Catholics on Call
http://www.catholicsoncall.org/
Catholics on Call supports Catholic young adults (ages 18-35) as they strive to discover God’s call in their lives and explore the possibility of a life of service in the Church.
Social Justice
- Solidarity with South Sudan
https://www.solidarityssudan.org/
Solidarity with South Sudan is a venture of religious institutes of men and women, which are members of the Unions of Superiors General (USG and UISG), and the Church of South Sudan. This project seeks to promote the Kingdom of God in partnership with the local church and the people of Sudan through the establishment and development of teacher and health training institutes and those pastoral services deemed most urgent.
• Talitha Kum – AntiTrafficking UISG
https://www.talithakum.info/members/13/talitha-kum-uisg
Talitha Kum is an international network of religious congregations against trafficking of persons. Working as a network it facilitates collaboration and the interchange of information between consecrated men and women globally.
• Global Catholic Climate Movement (GCCM)
https://catholicclimatemovement.global/
GCCM is a global network of over 600 Catholic organizations working to care for creation by responding to climate change.
• Christian Peace Witness
http://christianpeacewitness.org
Christian Peace Witness is an ecumenical, ad hoc group of partners who are called and committed to raising a Christian voice for peace.
• NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
https://networklobby.org/
NETWORK engages women religious in political activism at the federal level for social justice since all people of faith are called to live the Gospel in a broken and suffering world.
• Pax Christi USA (PCUSA)
https://paxchristiusa.org/
PCUSA is a Catholic peace and justice movement that seeks to model the Peace of Christ in our witness to the mandate of the nonviolence of the Cross.
• Center of Concern
https://educationforjustice.org/resource/board-update-on-center-of-concern-and-education-for-justice/
A think tank located in Washington, D.C. that offers resources on many topics concerning social justice in our country and world. (In October 2018 Center of Concern posted that they are unable to continue normal operations.)
Additional Resources
• NIX Conference & Meeting Management
https://nixassoc.com/
NIX Conference & Meeting Management services many national conferences and meetings of religious congregations in the US and beyond.
· United States Conference of Secular Institutes (USCSI)
www.secularinstitutes.org
The United States Conference of Secular Institutes serves women and men in the US who discern a call to live the evangelical counsels in the world and for the world. Members of secular institutes commit to a specific spirituality and life style through a sacred bond accepted by the Church.
• Canon Law Society of America
https://canonlawsocietyofamerica.org/
The Canon Law Society of America is a professional association dedicated to the promotion of both the study and application of canon law in the Catholic Church.
• U.S. Catholic Mission Association (USCMA)
https://uscatholicmission.org/
USCMA is a national alliance of individuals and organizations dedicated to the mission Jesus entrusted to his followers. Members are called to listen for the ways Jesus calls to go beyond self, to move outside of one’s comfort zone, to cross some type of border, to risk a personal encounter with a stranger, and to do so for the common good.
• Catholic Health Association (CHA)
https://www.chausa.org/
CHA offers a wealth of resources to help canonical sponsors, board members, senior leaders, mission leaders and other ministry executives of health care facilities navigate today's challenging environment and maintain the Catholic identity of these health systems and facilities.
• Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINC)
https://cliniclegal.org/
CLINC provides immigration legal services across the U.S. Its network includes faith-based institutions, farmworker programs, domestic violence shelters, ethnic community-focused organizations, libraries and other entities that serve immigrants.
• National Association of Church Personnel Administrators (NACPA)
http://www.nacpa.org/
NACPA promotes leadership in human resources, finance and administration that models Gospel values, promoting justice in the workplace.
• Catholic Charities USA
https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/
Catholic Charities USA helps people, regardless of their faith, who are struggling with poverty and other complex issues. The national office, through its advocacy and disaster relief programs – and its support of member agencies --- is making tangible progress toward better serving people across the nation.