Nicole Bettini has been a consecrated virgin since 2007. Now, she ministers to consecrated men and women in her role as delegate for consecrated life in the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.

She joined host Patrick Conley on the “Practicing Catholic” radio show to talk about an important upcoming event  — the World Day for Consecrated Life. It takes place Feb.2 and there will be virtual vespers for consecrated women and men at 7 p.m. that day with Archbishop Bernard Hebda.

“We need this day because of what the role of consecrated life is in the Church,” said Bettini, who noted that the first World Day for Consecrated Life was in 1997. “It’s essential to its mission. And as the Church universal is called bride of Christ, the consecrated men and women reflect that in the world.”

Since beginning her role as delegate for consecrated life six months ago, Bettini has been visiting religious communities in the archdiocese, which she said “has just been a delight.” The communities are vibrant and healthy, but she said there are concrete ways that lay Catholics can join her in supporting these men and women.

“Praying for vocations is just so key,” said Bettini, who acknowledged that numbers in religious communities overall have been decreasing. “There’s great hope with it (vocations in the archdiocese), but, as always, the laborers are few and the vineyard is ready. So, we always want to pray for more.”

In addition to prayer, Bettini suggested other ways to support consecrated men and women.

“Just reach out and thank them or send them a note,” she said. “In our convents and our communities, you can go pray with them at Mass or make a visit.”

Also, people can offer financial gifts or drop off food baskets with goodies to help the consecrated men and women celebrate World Day for Consecrated Life. Perhaps, when they drop something off, people can even stay and join in the celebration.

To hear Bettini talk more about consecrated life, listen to “Practicing Catholic” when it airs at 9 p.m. Jan. 26 on Relevant Radio 1330 AM, or when it repeats at 1 p.m. Jan. 27 and 2 p.m. Jan. 28.

Produced by Relevant Radio and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, the latest show also includes a discussion with Archbishop Bernard Hebda on how Catholic schools galvanize faith, and a conversation with Derek Waldbillig, donor engagement officer for St. Paul’s Outreach college campus ministry, about SPO’s Late Night Live event. 

Listen to interviews after they have aired at PracticingCatholicShow.com or choose a streaming platform at Spotify for Podcasters.