In a world that often pulls young men toward self-sufficiency and fleeting pursuits, the “Called By Name” program — while not new — is flourishing in the Archdioceses of New York and Denver, and is emerging as a profound gift to the Catholic Church.
The initiative, which invites parishioners to nominate young men they believe may be suited for the priesthood, is a vibrant testament to the communal nature of faith, and the power of discernment rooted in prayer and fellowship. The overwhelming response: nearly 800 men in New York and over 900 in Denver during the latest campaigns this summer. The success signals a stirring of the Holy Spirit, offering hope amid a national priest shortage, and revealing the many benefits of the program for the Church and its faithful.
One of the greatest strengths of “Called By Name” is its ability to cultivate a culture where vocations are openly discussed and celebrated. As Father Jason Wallace of Denver noted, the program has sparked a “real openness” among young men, dismantling the notion that a call to the priesthood requires an extraordinary vision or angelic visitation.
By having general conversations about priestly vocations, the initiative helps young men see the priesthood as a viable, joyful path. In Denver, men who previously dismissed the idea are now scheduling meetings to explore it further, prompted by the affirmation of their community.
This shift is a grace, reflecting the Church’s call to “go out and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19) by encouraging each member to recognize and nurture the gifts of others.
The program’s communal approach inviting priests, family, friends, and parishioners to nominate candidates mirrors the early Church, where the faithful discerned together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (Acts 15:28).
This collective effort affirms young men in a deeply personal way. As Father Wallace observed, receiving a letter from the archbishop confirming a nomination can be a transformative moment, validating an “inkling” a man may have felt about his calling.
In New York, Father George Sears, the archdiocese’s director of vocations, emphasized that even if only 2%-3% of the 800 respondents become viable candidates, the program’s impact extends beyond numbers. It invites all participants to deepen their engagement with the Church, whether through catechesis, Eucharistic ministry, or groups like the Knights of Columbus.
The priest shortage in the United States shows only about 400 men were set to be ordained in 2025. This casts a long shadow, particularly in places like Denver, where 148 priests serve 600,000 Catholics, and over a third of parishes rely on a single priest.
“Called By Name” confronts this challenge head-on, not with desperation but with hope. Denver’s 2025 seminary class of 23 men, nearly double the previous year’s, is a tangible fruit of this effort.
New York’s nearly 800 responses suggest a similar renewal. These numbers are not mere statistics; they represent lives touched by grace, men willing to discern God’s call to shepherd His people through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
The success of “Called By Name” is in its call to young men discerning their vocations; the program offers a structured path of prayer, dialogue, and encounter, as seen in Denver’s upcoming “Come and See” event, where over 70 men will meet seminarians and hear from the archbishop.
For the faithful, it is a reminder to support these men through prayer and encouragement, trusting that God will guide them to their true calling, whether to the priesthood or another form of service.