Called by Name vocations program begins Sept. 4-5
By Dan McWilliams
Anyone who has ever thought that a fellow parishioner should consider the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life can submit the person’s name to the diocese through a new vocation-awareness program.
Bishop Richard F. Stika launched the Called by Name program this month in the Diocese of Knoxville. Parishioners heard about the program at weekend Masses Sept. 4 and 5, and it will continue through Sept. 19. Called by Name was begun some 30 years ago by the Serra Club in the bishop’s native St. Louis.
“We used it in St. Louis, and it was somewhat successful,” he said. “It encourages people to see in their parishes potential candidates for the priesthood and the religious life. A lot of times God calls people, but those vocations are not nurtured or people are afraid to talk about it. All of a sudden, when you have someone else who notices it, it brings to the individual’s attention that, ‘Hey, maybe I do have the characteristics,’ or ‘possibly I’m not so strange.’”
The diocesan Vocation Promotion Council, chaired by Father Michael Cummins, met at the Chancery this past March to discuss getting information about Called by Name to the parishes. Parishes were also asked to plan vocation activities, such as eucharistic adoration for vocations. Materials for the program are being made available in English and Spanish.
During Masses on Sept. 4 and 5, priests were encouraged to preach on vocations and introduce the details of the program. Parishioners will be asked to pray for vocations and think about those who might be suited to the priesthood or religious life.
The second weekend of the program, Sept. 11 and 12, parishes are asked to present a witness talk by a priest, deacon, or religious on the experience of being called.
Parishes will be provided with nomination cards during the second weekend. The faithful can find on the cards a list of several characteristics to look for in a potential candidate for the priesthood, diaconate, or religious life. Characteristics include “a growing prayer life and relationship with God,” “an ability to articulate faith and principles in his or her own words,” “and the distinction of being a real church person who accepts and lives out the teachings and morals of the Church.”
The cards will also include a prayer, in English and Spanish, from Bishop Stika for an increase in vocations as well as a form for writing in the nominee’s name and other details.
“Eventually the cards will go to the vocation office for the diocese, and they’ll begin to make contact with people who have been recommended,” said the bishop.
The third weekend, Sept. 18 and 19, may include a wrap-up homily on the program. Parishioners will be asked to pray for nominees from their parish.
The cards may be placed in collection baskets during the second and third weekends.
For all three weekends, parishes may insert a number of prayers with a vocation theme into the intercessions.
Many people likely have thought about another parishioner, “I wonder why he doesn’t think about the priesthood,” or “Why doesn’t she think about the religious life?” said Bishop Stika. Called by Name gives people a way to encourage those potential vocations.
“Called by Name is the community calling people forth,” said the bishop.
