Called by Name Sunday: Jan. 20-21

English | Espanol

Dear Brothers and Sisters:
 
Greetings in our Lord, Jesus Christ!

On January 20-21, I have asked our parish priests to participate in our fourth annual, Called by Name Sunday. From all eternity, God has known each one of us by name and has a particular calling for us to follow. Called by Name Sunday is about listening and responding to God’s call. 

Next Sunday’s readings center on the theme of vocation, and I have asked our priests to share their own vocation story during the homily. As you listen to the Word of God proclaimed at Mass and reflect upon the vocation story shared by your priest, please consider the following: 

1. For those of you discerning your life’s vocation, be open to God’s call to the priesthood or religious life.  God’s calling is a beautiful gift – be courageous and open to his call! Jesus came that we might have life and have it to the full – do not be afraid. If God is calling you to the priesthood or religious life, then nothing less will satisfy.
2. Please think of the men and women you know and believe might have a calling to the priesthood or religious life.  While God is the one who calls, he often uses our voices. Please help us reach out to these individuals and come next weekend prepared to share their name(s) and contact information so that a letter of encouragement can be sent to them. 

Brothers and sisters, with God’s blessing and your help, we can make Called by Name Sunday a great success. May all of us listen to God’s call and follow where he leads. Be assured of my prayers for you as we continue to build a culture of vocations in our diocese.