Throughout the year, the Register publishes inspirational stories about vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and religious life — all tremendous gifts to the Church.

From the pages of this current issue — which highlights vocational discernment as a key theme — two stories, in particular, beautifully illustrate that point: our In Person interview on page one with permanent Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers of the Archdiocese of Portland, Ore., and our page-2 interview with the new shepherd of the Diocese of Bridgeport, Conn., Bishop Frank Caggiano.

These two men come from disparate backgrounds, but both of them responded faithfully to God’s grace and accepted his call to enter ministry and serve the Church. Because of them, and because of the men and women who say Yes to God every day, the Church is constantly being renewed.

As part of this renewal, Pope Francis continues to challenge and encourage priests throughout the world. In his homily at the chrism Mass March 28, he exhorted the Church’s priests to be shepherds living "with odor of the sheep," and on May 8, he cautioned all those in religious life to avoid what he called "clerical careerism." Certainly his actions since becoming pope have reflected this stance.

Let us pray for the Church’s continued renewal through those currently in vocations as clergy and religious — and continue to pray that more men and women say Yes to God’s call.

God bless you!