Do you know a young man who exhibits qualities of faith, leadership, and a heart for service? During Masses this weekend, parishioners will be asked to take part once again this year in the Called by Name initiative. Called by Name invites parishioners to submit -after prayerful consideration- the names of young men in their community whom they believe would be open to learning more about the priesthood.
Specifically, parishioners will be asked if they know of a young, unmarried man “who exhibits qualities of faith, leadership, and a heart for service” and then to nominate the individual to the Diocesan Vocation Office as a way of encouraging what may be a priestly vocation. Candidates should be 15-35 years old. Parishioners will be able to submit names through various ways; more information will be provided at parishes.
Honorees receive a letter of encouragement from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., followed by resources and invitations to events from the Vocation Office.
In a recent communication to priests in the Diocese on Called by Name, Bishop da Cunha explained that last year 164 young men were recognized through the initiative and that the Vocations Office reports more men in discernment groups, attending events, and in ongoing communication with Vocation Teams.
