“If you are looking for the way by which you should go, take Christ, because he himself is the way: This is the way; walk in it...If you are looking for a goal, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the truth, where we desire to be…If you are looking for a resting place, hold fast to Christ, because he himself is the life.”

- St. Thomas Aquinas

“You know, Father, I might have become a priest, a sister or monk, but no one ever asked me.” This is the response which Vocation Directors hear most frequently from older teenagers and adults in talking about church vocations. We often wonder why young men and women don’t respond to God’s call. We really do think that it is because we are not inviting them to think about the priesthood, the diaconate, or a male/female monastic life.

Every Byzantine Catholic parish in the United States is participating in Called by Name, a program of vocation awareness. This program offers an opportunity for us to pray for vocations; to recognize gifts and potential for leadership and service in members of our parish; and finally, to call forth and encourage these members to share their gifts in the priesthood, diaconate and monastery life. Perhaps you know a man or woman (senior high school age or older) who would, in your opinion, have the qualifications to become a priest, a deacon or a monastic monk or nun. This is your chance to recommend them. Please suggest this person by filing out the form on the next page and mail it to me. The priests, deacons, and monastics of tomorrow are in your parish. As we go through the Called by Name program, please pray that your parish and all parishes will call forth and nurture these vocations to fulfillment. Thank you for your help.

The men and women you recommend will be contacted by the Vocations Office and will be invited to participate in a vocation discernment program. There is no obligation on anyone’s part, but maybe someone you know is waiting to be Called by Name.

Thank you for your help. May God bless you!

After prayerful consideration, if you believe a person has the qualities needed in a future Church vocation, perhaps Jesus is calling him or her to this particular vocation. Please fill out the form below.