aboutus
The NFCRV was established by the National Religious Vocation Conference in 2014 through an initial grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and additional funding from the GHR Foundation to assist NRVC member religious communities in welcoming candidates with educational debt. The Fund is sustained through the generosity of individual donors and foundations and organizations, including the Helen Brach Foundation and the National Council of Catholic Women (NCCW).
ourmission
The National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV) serves as a sign of hope in the future of consecrated life and is dedicated to increasing the number of women and men entering religious communities.
The Fund hopes to accomplish this goal by:
-
Offering financial assistance to religious institutes so that they may accept candidates who have student loan obligations.
-
Assisting congregations in developing policies and resources so that they may work effectively with those who have educational debt.
-
Inviting contributors to invest so that the vital legacy of religious life continues for the Church and the world.
The Fund awards grants based on need. Any canonically recognized religious institute with membership in the National Religious Vocation Conference may apply for a grant to service a candidate’s educational debt during formation.
The National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations
The challenge of educational debt and vocations
ourboard

Clockwise from upper left, Board members Sr. Charlene Herinckx, S.S.M.O.; Phil Loftus; Walter Pophin; Len Uhal; Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher, C.S.F.N.; Fr. Anthony Vinson, O.S.B.. meet virtually.
NFCRV BOARD
​
Cardinal Sean O’Malley, O.F.M.Cap., Honorary Chair
​
Fr. Anthony Vinson, O.S.B., Board Chair and Monk and Priest, Saint Meinrad Archabbey
​
Sr. Michele Vincent Fisher, C.F.S.N., Vice-Chair and Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth
​
Sr. Charlene Herinckx, S.S.M.O., Board Secretary/Treasurer and Vocation Director, Sisters of St. Mary's of Oregon
Br. Ronald Hingle, S.C., Board Director and Provincial of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, Province of the United States
Len Uhal, Board Director, National Vocation Director, Society of the Divine Word | NRVC Board Representative
​
​
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
​
Phil Loftus
​
​
EMERITUS DIRECTORS
​
Keith Armato | Br. Paul Bednarczyk, C.S.C. | William Booth |
Robert Fallon | Carmelita Linden | Sr. Kristin Matthes, SNDdeN |
Fr. Charles Shelby, C.M. | Mark J. Teresi | Sr. Lois Wetzel, O.Carm.
​

Phil Loftus with Board Chair Fr. Anthony Vinson, O.S.B. during a break at a meeting at Saint Meinrad Abbey.
our
executive
director
Phil Loftus has spent his professional career building and growing brands, client business, and leading teams with exceptional results. He is a 30-year plus marketing expert focused on innovative launch, retention and brand building initiatives. Prior to coming to NFCRV, Phil helped both the National Religious Vocation Conference (NRVC) and the National Fund for Catholic Religious Vocations (NFCRV) in a consulting role contracted through TrueQuest Communications.
​
Phil Loftus
NFCRV Executive Director
312-318-0180