Our Local Chapters Commitment to Vocations

The Role of C.A.L.L. Chapters Regarding Vocations

Our Church faces many challenges today. One of the greatest of these challenges is that of fewer priestly vocations. It is here that CALL may be in a position to provide a unique level of support to our bishops and our Church.

As an indispensable part of our chapter model, CALL could make a concerted effort to include seminarians and prospective seminarians in our local chapter meetings. We must encourage and support these men with the reassurance that we, the laity, are ready to follow them as a new generation of shepherds in faith. Including seminarians in CALL chapter meetings, and even locating such meetings at the local seminary or theologate, makes a tremendous statement of inclusion and support. As the local chapters grow in numbers and strength, and as the participating seminarians proceed through their formation process while participating in CALL chapter meetings, an entirely new dimension of relationship and support can be forged for the future.

Further, to assist our bishops in support of vocations, a local chapter may choose to provide financial support for one or more seminarians. Should that chapter support be provided in coordination with CALL’s national office, the chapter’s donation will be matched and the funds forwarded in accordance with the local chapter’s designation. While this matching feature will take some time to put into place, specific guidelines will be developed by the Board in order to provide a framework for such initiatives should a local chapter wish to avail themselves of this feature in support of vocations and their local bishops.

* This text is an excerpt from CALL’s document entitled A Strategic Plan for Our Future –

2009-2011 adopted by the Board of Directors on June 19, 2009.