Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association
Promoting a Culture of Vocations in the Archdiocese of Chicago for over 40 years
About Us
WHAT IS CAVA?
The Chicago Archdiocesan Vocation Association (CAVA) is a ministry sponsored by the Office for Religious (OFR) in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Officially established through the Archdiocesan Vocation Office in August 1979, CAVA celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2019. CAVA is an association of Roman Catholic Religious Sisters, Brothers, Priests, Consecrated Laity and partners who are active in and supportive of vocation ministry.
WHO WE ARE
CAVA members and partners belong to or avidly support religious congregations, secular institutes and lay ecclesial movements serving the People of God in the Archdiocese of Chicago. CAVA’s purpose is to nurture a Culture of Vocations within the Catholic Church. This includes accompanying and inviting young men and women to discern a vocation to consecrated life and supporting those who work in vocation ministry or providing resources to our partners.
MISSION STATEMENT
CAVA cultivates a culture of vocations and gives witness to consecrated life.
VISION STATEMENT
To help people discover and respond to God’s call in their lives.
CAVA CORE VALUES
Relationships | Witness | Accompaniment | Discernment
Relationships – Recognizing that vocations are nourished in the midst of the community of believers, CAVA provides an environment of support for both vocation ministers and discerners through the Archdiocese of Chicago and member Congregations. We offer for members to gather for prayer, peer support and ongoing formation. We promote vocation awareness in parishes, schools, colleges, universities, volunteer organizations and other ministries. We engage families, volunteers, teachers, campus ministers, catechists and others through collaboration. These relationships become the seedbed from which vocations are cultivated.
Witness –Firmly rooted in our baptismal call, we proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and in union with the Church, put our lives at the service of God’s people. CAVA honors and celebrates the diversity of gifts and charisms present among discerners and members. Rejoicing in the innate goodness of every person, CAVA nurtures prayer, acts with justice and walks humbly with one another, furthering the Kingdom of God. Led by the Holy Spirit, women and men called to the consecrated life become a sign of hope and a beacon of joy, drawing all into sacred community.
Accompaniment – Trusting in the providence of God, we walk together on our journey of faith. Through prayer, faithful listening, mentoring, sharing of resources and education, CAVA encourages its members, collaborators and discerners.
Discernment – Confident in God’s presence within and around us, CAVA offers a mutually safe, contemplative space, programs, tools and resources where the seed of vocation can be nurtured to growth. Through questioning, listening, sifting, and sharing, we remain open to and respectful of the actions of the Holy Spirit wherever they may lead. By awakening the imagination, pondering the possibilities, nudging resistance, risking the road less traveled and waiting for the still, small voice of God, we identify where each person’s deepest joy can meet the world’s hungers. Unearthing the beauty and uniqueness of each vocation, we rejoice in the abundance of the harvest gathered from the Lord’s vineyard.
WHAT WE OFFER
CAVA’s programs include vocation fairs, presentations, campus retreats, discernment weekends, and monthly online discernment groups. We also publish quarterly newsletters that provide what’s going on in the vocation ministry scene.
WANT TO
TALK? We’re here to listen!
If you are feeling called to explore what God is calling you to be and do in your life, contact us at 847-508-2023 or cava@archchicago.org
NO STRINGS ATTACHED. We are here as companions on your journey.
GET INVOLVED WITH CAVA
We need your help in supporting this ministry. Watch our WHY CAVA? Video!
If you are passionate about nurturing a vocation culture, accompanying discerners or willing to collaborate with others, consider becoming a member of CAVA. We welcome sharing your ideas, energy, expertise and enthusiasm for vowed/consecrated life. Please contact us at 847-508-2023 or cava@archchicago.org
