Sister Violet Grennan, of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in Newton, has recently been named executive director of the Religious Formation Conference, a national organization that serves men and women religious.

Sister Violet will bring extensive educational and pastoral experience to her new position. She most recently served in Rome as international vice president for her community of the Missionary Franciscan Sisters.

Sister Violet will follow the leadership of Sister Janet Mock, CSJ, who has served the Religious Formation Conference for 10 years.

The Religious Formation Conference is the only national organization that serves all men and women religious in the United States. It offers programs and services for congregational leaders, formation ministers, new members of congregations and members pursuing lifelong growth in religious life.

Sister Violet will be introduced at the Conference’s National Congress in Pittsburgh in November. Her position as executive director will become effective Jan. 1, 2008.