‘Called by Name’ campaign invites young men to consider priesthood
“Often, the voice of God can be heard through the encouragement of others,” said Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., in a letter to the faithful introducing a new effort to identify young men in the Archdiocese of Newark who may be open to the priesthood.
The Called by Name campaign will be officially launched at Masses during the weekend of April 25-26. The people of the archdiocese are encouraged to prayerfully consider whether there are young men in their parish community who show faith, generosity, and leadership and might be open to a call from God to serve Him as ordained priests.
Names can be submitted via prayer cards available at local parishes or by completing an online form on the campaign website.
The reason for the campaign is simple: The Catholic Church faces a significant need for priests, who are essential to celebrating the Eucharist, administering the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, and shepherding and providing pastoral care to the faithful.
“The whole Church shares the responsibility to pray for vocations and encourage young men whom God may be calling,” Cardinal Tobin explained in his letter.
‘Planting a seed’ to discover God’s will
Called by Name nominees, who should be between the ages of 15 and 35, need not have expressed a desire to become priests. Those honored will be personally congratulated by Cardinal Tobin and will receive follow-up support from the Office of Priestly Vocations, including information, resources, and gentle invitations to prayer and fellowship.
The intent is not to pressure candidates, but to honor their commitment to their faith and “plant a seed” that can help them discern God’s will for their lives.
“We took a poll at our own seminary, and the seminaries all said that when another person says something, it increases almost exponentially their desire to seriously consider the question,” said Father Patrick Seo, Director of Priestly Vocations, in a video presenting the campaign.
The We Are His Witnesses pastoral initiative of the Archdiocese of Newark has brought greater attention to the shortage of priests and pastors and to the need to respond together. In this context, the “Called by Name” campaign offers pastors and lay people a way to participate in that response. As the Archdiocese continues to reflect on parish life, mission, and ministry to share the Gospel in a changing world, this effort supports the identification of priestly vocations and encourages all the faithful to consider how they are being called to serve and evangelize.
Detailed instructions and further information about the Called by Name campaign will be provided to the faithful during this weekend’s “Good Shepherd Sunday” Masses.
For more information or to submit a name to the Called by Name campaign, CLICK HERE.
You can watch Father Patrick Seo’s message explaining the Called by Name campaign below:
