Fostering vocations is not the job of only the vocations office in the Diocese of Wilmington, or of the priests in the churches. It is something all Catholics should be doing, according to the diocese, and will learn more about the weekend of Nov. 2-3.
The vocations office, led by Father Norman Carroll, the pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Bear, said the initiative, “Called by Name,” is an opportunity for Catholics to encourage others to think about the priesthood, the diaconate or religious life. Called by Name “supports the idea, which still seems to be true nationally, that most guys who consider the priesthood are encouraged by somebody that they know,” Father Carroll said.
Called by Name is a program that is active in other dioceses, including Brooklyn, N.Y., which Bishop Koenig was aware of. The bishop asked Father Carroll to put together a leadership group, which included Fathers James Gebhart, Michael Preston, John Enemuo and Brennan Ferris, all of whom have been ordained in the past few years.
Priests are being asked to take a few minutes at each Mass the weekend of Nov. 2-3 to mention the program.
“Most priests who are ordained will say that they were encouraged by an average of four to five people who just made an effort to say, ‘Hey, have you considered the priesthood?’” Father Carroll said.
They will encourage parishioners to look around to see if they know anyone who might have a vocation, and to say a few words to that person. Parishioners will have a chance to fill out response cards, either in the pews or the bulletin, with the names of people who might fit the bill.
“It takes a little effort on the part of the priests as well as the parishioners,” Father Carroll said.
One of the goals of Called by Name is to create a culture that gives people “permission” to approach others and ask these questions, he added. Eventually, this would happen more naturally. A more formal approach, such as is happening this year, might be held every two or three years instead.
The priests have been very responsive, he said. He said they already act as vocation directors, “pointing people in my direction.”
Father Carroll has provided all of the pastors with resources for the weekend, including an intercession to be read on Nov. 2-3 and another the next weekend, along with a prayer. Priests are encouraged to visit their parish school or religious education classes.
Although Father Carroll directs the office of priestly vocations, Called by Name is not necessarily just for single men.
“It’s for people to look at people in their parishes and say, ‘Do they have more gifts to give?’ or ‘Does it look like they’re called to the priesthood or religious life?” he said.
Father Carroll is happy to direct those who might not be thinking about the diocesan priesthood to other resources that fit their situation. That might be to the office of deacons, or to a religious community of women. He has suggested spiritual directors to some people. One man from Dover was meeting with a diocesan priest and ended up joining the Benedictines in Latrobe, Pa.
The diocese currently has eight seminarians in various stages of preparation. Dennis Stameza is next up for priestly ordination, which is expected next spring. The program for high school boys, Pass the Word, which Father Carroll said has been “fruitful,” is on the calendar for next spring as usual.
