Called by Name is an ongoing program meant to encourage us all to identify men and women in our diocese to discern their vocation. It is our belief that there are many men in our diocese who have the call to the priesthood and women to the consecrated life, and are just waiting to be asked. We believe this fundamental truth because God always calls each person to holiness, and our vocation is a way to help us get there.

Parishioners throughout the Diocese of Grand Island are encouraged to consider who in our midst shows signs of holiness and leadership. A simple nomination—writing a name—can spark discernment, especially when paired with thoughtful follow-up, letters of encourangement or a discernment event.

Dear brother bishops, priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, catechists, pastoral workers and all of you who are engaged in the field of educating young people: I fervently exhort you to pay close attention to those members of parish communities, associations and ecclesial movements who sense a call to the priesthood or to a special consecration. It is important for the Church to create the conditions that will permit many young people to say “yes” in generous response to God’s loving call.

Can. 233 §1. The duty of fostering vocations rests with the entire Christian community so that the needs of the sacred ministry in the universal Church are provided for sufficiently. This duty especially binds Christian families, educators, and, in a special way, priests, particularly pastors. (Canon Law)

The task of fostering vocations will be to provide helpful guidance and direction along the way. Central to this should be love of God’s word nourished by a growing familiarity with sacred Scripture and attentive and unceasing prayer, both personal and in community; this will make it possible to hear God’s call amid all the voices of daily life. But above all, the Eucharist should be the heart of every vocational journey: it is here that the love of God touches us in Christ’s sacrifice, the perfect expression of love, and it is here that we learn ever anew how to live according to the “high standard” of God’s love. Scripture, prayer and the Eucharist are the precious treasure enabling us to grasp the beauty of a life spent fully in service of the Kingdom.

- Pope Benedict XVI (Message for the 49th World Day of Prayer for Vocations)