October 13, 2026

Pray3000 vocations initiative to launch Oct. 24

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

SPRINGFIELD —  The Pray3000 Vocations Initiative will kick off Oct. 24-25, with pastors asking parishioners to take a pledge to pray for an increase in priestly vocations in the Diocese of Springfield.

“One of the most critical needs for the future of our diocese is ordaining faithful and joyful priests to shepherd the next generations of Catholics. You can make an impact by pledging to pray in our diocese’s Pray3000 initiative. We hope 3,000 or more Catholics will commit to praying for an increase in priestly vocations in our diocese,” said Father David Aufiero, the director of recruiting for the Office of Vocations.

Currently there are five men in priestly formation for the Diocese of Springfield. Bishop William D. Byrne directs the Office of Vocations and is assisted by Father Aufiero, who is also the pastor of St. Patrick Parish in South Hadley and the chaplain at Pope Francis Preparatory School. Father David Darcy, the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown, is the director of seminarians for the Office of Vocations.

“The two things that it comes down to is prayer and accompaniment,” said Father Aufiero. “We have activities, whether it be a Come and See weekend or a discernment group or tabling at the many events we have in the diocese. Those are all very important, but prayer is important because we want to pray to the Holy Spirit so that people’s hearts and minds are opened so they hear the call, but also have the courage to follow the call,” he said.

Parishes will have prayer cards with a QR code so people can sign up to pledge to pray.

National Vocations Awareness Week runs Nov. 1-7, while the Pray3000 initiative is underway. More information can also be found at myvocation.com/pray.

Diocesan Prayer for Vocations

Lord Jesus Christ, Good Shepherd and Eternal Priest, look with love upon your Church in the Diocese of Springfield and send us holy priests after your own heart.

Through the power of your divine grace, give our priests deep humility, faithfulness to prayer, devotion to the Eucharist, and a passion for offering your mercy to sinners.

May those you are calling have the stillness of heart to hear your voice and the courage to respond with their whole lives. Amen.