The church needs people to answer the call of God to religious life and priesthood.  
 
In the Diocese of Harrisburg, the retirements which are planned:
Next 5 years: 10 priests (8%) over the age of 70 now.
Next 10 years: 21 priests (17%) over the age of 65 now.
Next 15 years: 38 priests (30%) over the age of 60 now.
 
In the Diocese of Harrisburg, Seminarians:
6 in Theology
4 in college, or Pre-theology
40% of seminarians will leave during their time in the Seminary.
 
In the Diocese of Harrisburg, projected ordinations:
2025: 3        2026: 1        2027: 1        2028: 1        2029: 0        2030: 0  
2031: 2        2032: 1        2033: 1
 
Next weekend throughout the diocese, we are kicking off our Called by Name Campaign: an initiative of the Diocese of Harrisburg Vocations Office that celebrates God’s call to each of us to follow Him in a particular way. At every parish in the diocese, our priests will share their own story of their vocation to the priesthood - how he listened and responded to God’s call in his life. As part of this special weekend, we are asking you to participate in two ways:
 

• 1) Be open to God’s call. For those who are able – be open the call to the priesthood or religious life. These vocations are beautiful gifts both to the Church and to those who are called. So be open and be courageous if you hear the call.

 

• 2) Spend time this week thinking and praying about someone in our parish who God may be calling to the priesthood or religious life - someone with the qualities that you would want in your priest.

 
At all the Masses next week January 26, we will have envelopes in the pews for you to share that person’s name and contact information as much as possible. Bishop Senior and our Vocation Director, Fr. Joshua Weaver, will then send them a letter of encouragement along with Fr. Weaver’s contact information should they wish to follow up.
God is the one who calls, but He often uses our voice of encouragement and invitation to do so. In fact, almost 90% of priests claim that someone in their life encouraged them to consider a call to the priesthood and religious life. With your help, we can make this Called by Name Campaign a great success that will bear fruit in our diocese for generations to come. Thank you for your openness and generous participation.