Our History

On the last day of the Third National Conference of Vocations Ministers (1995), a decision was made to establish a National Association of Vocations Ministers. Following consultation with State Associations and Networks, the new Association was given the title of Catholic Vocations Ministry Australia (CVMA).

Contact was made with the Bishops (ACBC) and Congregations Leaders (ACLRI now CRA) for initial funding. This was granted along with endorsement and encouragement. Today funding and donations comes from a variety of sources including the Bishops, Individual Congregations, Serra, State Associations/Networks and Catholic Church Insurance. This is necessary as the Office has grown over the years.

In 2001 the National Office was established with Sr Mary Ryan rsj as the first Executive Officer.  The office was housed in the CRA building at Annandale.  In 2005 the Sisters of Mercy, Parramatta offered CVMA office space at the Congregational Centre in Parramatta.

Sr Mary Ryan rsj completed six years as Executive Officer in 2006 and Sr Veronica McCluskie sgs completed three years in the same position in 2009. Sr Katherine Tyrrell rsj held this position during 2010. In 2011 Sr Melita Bagnall rsm has moved from the position of Administrative Officer to Executive Officer.

National Office: Sr Melita Bagnall rsm - Executive Officer  

The purpose of CVMA is to foster a 'vocations culture' that: 
 

• Educates people about the nature of vocation;

• Promotes, at a national level, the development of vocations ministry;

• Actively promotes vocations to the ordained ministry, consecrated life and societies of apostolic life;

• Fosters a sense of unity and collaboration amongst state, diocesan and congregational vocations ministers;

• Supports vocations ministry networks through the sharing of resources, materials, skills and achievements;

• Fosters and presents a coordinated approach to Vocations Ministry throughout Australia;Helps ensure that personnel and resources are most effectively utilised on behalf of the Church.

  (CVMA Statutes, 2006)