Seminarian Support
Vocations to the priesthood are vital for meeting the spiritual and pastoral needs of the 1.1 million Catholics currently living in our diocese. In the summer of 2016 the diocese celebrated the ordination of three men to the priesthood, and as of fall, 2016, twenty-six men are in various stages of formation.
Together Let Us Go Forth ~ Juntos Sigamos Adelante supports those men who have heard God’s call to “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The cost of educating and forming our future priests is met through private donations. With an increase in the number of men answering God’s call, an additional $4 million will support their education and formation for future service to His Church.
While our annual Charity and Development Appeal supports a large percentage of the total cost of a seminarians education, the campaign seeks to meet future needs (an increase in men and an increase in the cost of education) so many more young men can answer the call freely.
The time a young man spend in seminary (usually 6-9 years) is an intense period of study, prayer, and human formation that does not afford the freedom for outside employment or income. By supporting our seminarians, we allow the young man to focus solely on his vocation.
Like college, Seminarians receive accredited degrees in both Philosophy and Theology. Through a program of classes, field education, and practical applications, a young man learns to become a great priest. Unlike traditional college, however, the seminarian lives in constant community: eating meals, praying, and receiving daily support from other men on the path to priesthood.