Some exciting developments designed to promote vocations to the priesthood in the Diocese of Gary are underway. I’d like to share what they are so you can join these efforts.
By way of background, here is an interesting finding regarding the influence on priestly vocations. In its survey conducted among the priesthood ordination class of 2024, the Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) asked the newly ordained: “Who encouraged you to think about the priesthood?” Sixty-eight percent of new diocesan priests said their parish priest encouraged them, and 44 percent said they were encouraged by fellow parishioners.
These numbers are encouraging, as they reveal the significant role of parish priests and parishioners in influencing vocations to the priesthood. With this in mind, the Vocations Office of the Diocese of Gary is launching a diocesan-wide initiative entitled “Called By Name.” On Called By Name Sunday (Nov. 3), priests throughout the diocese will preach on vocations to the priesthood and religious life. Mass-goers will then be invited to submit names of young people who, in their estimation, possess gifts and qualities suitable to such a vocation of service to the Church. In addition, Called By Name will also be shared in our three Catholic high schools, inviting faculty and students to propose names of students who they believe should consider one of these vocations.
In consultation with the local pastor, the follow-up plan is for each person whose name is submitted to receive a letter of encouragement from me, inviting them to consider a vocation of service to the Church and to further discern God’s will for their lives. The Office of Vocations will offer numerous follow-up opportunities for discernment of diocesan priesthood, including the Andrew Dinner, where parish priests invite young men to join them for a holy hour and dinner with the Bishop; a high school day of discernment entitled “Vocasti Me” (You Have Called Me); and multiple visits to seminaries in Spring 2025.
Called By Name is scheduled to be during the week of National Vocation Awareness Week (Nov. 3-9). Coincidentally, this is the same time in which the Serra Club of Northwest Indiana is coordinating a 12-day tour of the diocese with a monstrance blessed by Pope Saint John Paul II, commissioned to facilitate prayer for an increase in vocations to the ordained ministry and consecrated life. The faithful are invited to visit one of the churches hosting the monstrance and pray for vocations. [dcgary.org/event/jpii-vocations-monstrance]
While a vocation is ultimately between a young person and God, the Lord often uses us to inspire potential parishioners/students with encouragement to hear God calling them by name. Do you know a young man who, with a few more years to mature and grow in his faith, could lead your parish closer to Christ as a priest? Do you know a young woman who could thrive in a religious community as a sister, serving the poor in education, healthcare, or community outreach? Can you identify the following qualities in young people you know who demonstrate a life of prayer and desire for personal holiness, integrity and authenticity; a life of service to others, and an openness to the will of God? If so, please share their names with us, using a printed Called By Name card available at your local parish or via an online submission at garyvocations.com.
A vocation is not discerned well in isolation. In addition, the countercultural decision to pursue the priesthood or religious life is often a daunting prospect for a young person. Therefore, young people need the support of others in discovering God’s will for their lives. The first step may simply involve letting them know that you see something special in them. The rest will be between them and God.
Please join me in encouraging the young people of our diocese, and let’s pray that the Lord may open their hearts and minds to embrace His plan for them. Thank you for your commitment to inspiring vocations in the Church.
Your servant,
Most Reverend Robert J. McClory
Bishop
Diocese of Gary