DIOCESAN NEWS
12/11/09
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‘Called by Name’ invites men to priesthood
     JACKSON — In this Year for Priests, especially as it relates to seeking new vocations, Father Kent Bowlds, director of vocations for the Diocese of Jackson, is asking every parish and mission in the diocese to identify men who might have a vocation to the priesthood (diocesan or religious).
     Father Bowlds is asking parishes to submit these names to him as part of “Called by Name,” a process which has been used throughout the world, and here in the Jackson diocese a number of years ago.
     “Although most Catholic men are already aware of the gift of the priesthood and our need for priests, they respond much more positively to a personal invitation, especially when it comes from their own parish leaders and fellow parishioners,” Father Bowlds said in a letter recently to pastors and other parish leaders.
     “Many times people recognize the potential in a man before he himself does,” he said.
     Once the men’s names are submitted by their parishes to the Office of Vocations, Father Bowlds will send them a personal invitation to attend one of three workshops to be held throughout the diocese on the following dates:
     — Saturday, Jan. 30, 2010 - 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. – Tupelo St. James.
     — Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010 - 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Crystal Springs St. John.
     — Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 - 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Greenwood St. Francis.
     In addition to Father Bowlds, the workshop will include guest speakers, discussions, question and answer time, a luncheon, etc.
     Father Bowlds said priests and parish leaders will be welcomed and encouraged to attend.
     In the meantime, he said, “We are asking each parish to talk about the process, promote it through various parish activities and organizations, include it in liturgies, make it the focus of homilies, and then prayerfully consider and submit their men’s names.”
     If you have any questions, contact Father Kent Bowlds, frkentb@gmail.com; 601-720-7273; St. Francis Parish, 4000 W. Tidewater Lane, Madison, MS 39110.

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