November 2, 2025

Vocations office to launch ‘Called by Name’ program

REGIONAL
Staff report

SPRINGFIELD – The Office of Vocations for the Diocese of Springfield is launching a new program, “Called by Name,” to encourage vocations to the priesthood. People are asked to nominate a young man who might be open to the call of the priesthood. Each nominee will receive a personal letter of encouragement, vocation resources and an invitation to a vocations informational meeting and dinner with Bishop William D. Byrne.

“As your bishop, one of my greatest responsibilities is to ensure that the faithful of our diocese will always have good and holy priests to shepherd them. And yet, priestly vocations are never the work of one person alone. They arise when the whole Church prays for, encourages, and calls forth those men whom God has chosen,” Bishop Byrne wrote in a letter to the faithful.

“For this reason, our diocese is launching a special Called by Name campaign on November 8- 9, during which I ask that you help me identify young men who demonstrate faith, generosity, and leadership. The young men you nominate do not need to have already expressed a desire for the priesthood. Rather, we seek to honor and encourage those who live their faith with integrity, serve generously, and show potential for Christian leadership. Your nomination may be the spark that helps a young man open his heart more fully to God’s call,” he said.

Before being named bishop of Springfield, then Father Byrne served on the vocations team in the Archdiocese of Washington. He is also credited with fostering the vocations of 14 young men who became priests and five young women who became professed religious while he was the chaplain at the Catholic Student Center at the University of Maryland at College Park.

“This program introduces the possibility of the priesthood in a world that doesn’t necessarily regard this vocation as something worthy to pursue. As a matter of fact, living your faith and worshipping Christ is often seen as pointless in today’s culture. Believe me, it’s not. There is freedom in saying yes to our Lord, no matter what your vocation is.

“Young men who are nominated are simply asked to come and see. And we need leaders. If a young man would make a good son-in-law, he would make a good priest. And God is very much still calling, even if the world tries to muffle his voice. Some men are called to be priests and some men are called to be the father of priests,” said the bishop, who also directs the Office of Vocations.

Father David Aufiero, the pastor of St. Patrick Parish in South Hadley and chaplain at Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield, is the director of recruiting. Father David Darcy, the pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Belchertown is the director of seminarians.

National Vocation Awareness Week (NVAW), which runs Nov. 2-8, is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United States dedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

Currently there are five men in priestly formation for the Diocese of Springfield.

For more information, contact Father David Aufiero at d.aufiero@diospringfield.org