Called By Name | Nominate Someone to Discern God’s Call
Is there someone in your Parish who you believe would make a good Priest or Religious Sister or Brother?
Nominate them for the Diocese of Youngstown Called By Name Program and put them in touch with the Office of Church Vocations today!
Please contact vocations@youngstowndiocese.org to recommend an invitation.
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What is Called by Name?
Called By Name is a prayerful vocation initiative that invites parishioners to name individuals they recognize as living lives of faith, generosity, and leadership. By simply writing down a name, members of the community affirm the gifts they see in others and help them become more attentive to God’s call—whether to priesthood, religious life, or marriage.
This act of affirmation can be a powerful spark for discernment, especially when followed by a personal invitation, a letter of encouragement, or a discernment dinner. Rooted in trust in the Holy Spirit and the promise of Scripture—“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you” (Jeremiah 1:5)—Called By Name creates a culture where vocations are nurtured with care and intention.
Through homilies, personal outreach, and continued prayer, Called By Name helps parishes walk with those discerning, encouraging them to take their next faithful step in responding to God’s call.
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Called by Name across the Diocese of Youngstown:
Called By Name will be observed across the Diocese of Youngstown on the weekend of January 24–25, 2026. Parish priests are invited to preach on vocations at all Masses and to share a brief reflection on their own vocation journey.
Following the homily, parishioners should be encouraged to submit the names of young men and women from the parish whom they recognize as living lives marked by faith, service, and leadership.
Flyers with QR codes are attached, allowing the faithful to nominate individuals through the online nomination form.
Parishes may also request paper nomination cards from the Office of Church Vocations for use during Called By Name. For additional information or to request nomination cards, please contact the Office of Church Vocations at (330) 744-8451.
Called by Name PR materials and Bulletin Blurbs:
Google Drive of publicity materials for parishes
EXAMPLE 1:
You can help encourage someone to discern God’s call simply by writing down their name and praying that they may respond with joy. Called By Name, the Diocese of Youngstown’s vocation initiative, will take place in our parish on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, 2026. Please prayerfully consider whom you might nominate.
EXAMPLE 2:
You can nominate a person whom you think Jesus might be calling to be a priest or religious sister or brother. Those you nominate will receive a letter from Bishop David Bonnar congratulating them on living the Christian life in an exemplary way and gently inviting them to begin formally discerning their calling, as well as much helpful information and resources. There are no requirements or commitments on their part – only a loving invitation from the Lord.
Join us as our parish takes part in Called By Name, the Diocese of Youngstown’s vocation initiative, will take place in our parish on Saturday, January 24, and Sunday, January 25, 2026. Please prayerfully consider whom you might nominate.
