In response to the directive from the recent DENA District Chapter to establish Vocation Animation Teams at our District ministries, a workshop was held at Christian Brothers Center in Narragansett, RI on 3-4 October.  The secondary schools were the target audience, and each received an invitation.   Half sent at least one representative.   The 13 attendees gathered with Brothers Paul Avvento, Edward Shields, Thomas Casey and Mr. Chris Swain, Director for the RELAN Office of Lasallian Vocation Ministry.  The concept of vocation was discussed, characteristics of a culture of vocation were articulated, and an inquiry regarding outreach to students, staff, and parents was shared. A vibrant exchange occurred at this inaugural gathering and individuals were engaged in formulating an action plan to establish or nurture a Vocation Animation Team at their respective ministry.

The evaluations of the gathering were positive. One attendee noted that, “Getting together in person with other vocation animators, in an atmosphere of prayerfulness and community, was terrific.”  Another commented, “It was nice to hear what ideas other ministries are already implementing and come up with concrete ideas that we can take back to our own ministries.” Additional feedback echoed those reviews with one participant expressing, “The gathering was a meeting of like-minded and prayerful individuals” and another saying, “This was a great practical experience that helped me clarify what our next steps would be as a school.”   

The next step in the evolution of the development of Vocation Animation Teams in DENA occurs via small group Zoom calls in November.