FALL RIVER — Sunday, November 10, will be Called by Name Sunday in the Diocese of Fall River, and parishioners will be asked to take part in this initiative to help identify and accompany faithful young men who may have a calling to the priesthood.

The Called by Name initiative was introduced to parishioners in a letter from Bishop Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V, shared at parish Masses the previous weekend, November 2-3.

“One of the most significant responsibilities I have as your bishop is ensuring that future generations of the faithful will continue to have shepherds to guide them,” the bishop writes. “This is why the promotion of priestly vocations is not merely an optional task for us – it is central to our mission as a Church.”

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.

The bishop explained, “Often, the voice of God is heard through the encouragement of others, and this campaign provides a structured way for parishioners to prayerfully nominate individuals who exhibit qualities of faith, leadership, and a heart for service.”

Those who are nominated will receive a letter of encouragement from Bishop da Cunha and the opportunity to opt into receiving resources from the Vocations office and invitations to discernment events.

Called By Name is not a matter of mere recruitment; it’s about accompaniment, explains Father Jack Schrader, Vocations director for the Diocese of Fall River, and the pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in East Sandwich.

“One of the most challenging parts of being a Vocations director is simply knowing who to work with,” he said.

He and Assistant Vocations Director Father John Garabedian want to reach out to as many faithful young men as possible to share what the priesthood is really like.

During Masses this weekend (November 9-10), 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 Vocations Office as a way of encouraging what may be a priestly vocation. Parishioners will be able to submit names through available pew cards, a QR code on Called by Name materials or the Vocations Office website  www.fallrivervocations.org/called.

“Let us all renew our commitment to pray for and promote priestly vocations,” writes Bishop da Cunha in the conclusion of this letter. “Through the grace of God and our collective efforts, may we see a new generation of priests arise who will continue to serve the Church with love, faith, and dedication.”

Diocese of Fall River
Diocese of Fall River
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