Support Our Seminarians
Speak to a number of priests and you may hear a familiar refrain woven through very different stories. One may tell you of a young man who felt an interior stirring, a quiet but persistent call, and tried to outrun it. He may have pursued a conventional career, immersed himself in university life, enjoyed the parties and even drifted from regular worship. Saturdays were for limes with friends and Sundays for sleeping late. Yet beneath the noise of ambition and distraction, the call endured. What he tried to silence only grew stronger, settling deep within his heart until he could no longer ignore it.
Another story may sound entirely different. A young boy, perhaps even before adolescence, senses a profound attraction to the sacredness of the altar. He becomes increasingly devoted, attends daily Mass, serves eagerly and nurtures a love for Christ that matures steadily over time. His “yes” unfolds gently, almost naturally, as he grows into the man God is shaping him to be.
There are many journeys, as unique as the men themselves. But each vocation begins in the same place, a courageous “yes” to God.
That “yes” leads them to the Seminary, where formation is both rigorous and deeply personal. They immerse themselves in philosophy and theology, Sacred Scripture and Church history, liturgy and canon law. They learn how to preach the Gospel with conviction and how to sit patiently with a grieving family. They are formed not only intellectually, but spiritually, pastorally and humanly.
Their years in formation are not simply academic. They are years of prayer, discernment and surrender. Through the Preparative Stage, the Discipleship Stage, the Configuration Stage and finally the Vocational Synthesis Stage, these men are shaped into shepherds after the heart of Christ. It is a demanding journey that calls forth discipline, humility and perseverance.
From among these seminarians will come the priests who will baptise our children, celebrate the Eucharist, absolve our sins in the Sacrament of Reconciliation, witness our marriages, and anoint us in our final hours. They will stand beside us in moments of unspeakable joy and in seasons of deep sorrow. They will become spiritual fathers to our communities.
Yet, before they can stand at our altars, they depend on us.
Formation requires resources. It requires books and tuition, meals and housing, spiritual direction and pastoral training. More than that, it requires a community that believes in them and is willing to walk with them.
On March 14 and 15, a second collection will be taken up in every parish across the Archdiocese to support our seminarians. This moment invites us to look beyond today and consider the future of our Church. By contributing, we help form the men who will one day stand at our altars, preach the Gospel, celebrate the sacraments and walk with us through the most sacred moments of our lives.
Without seminarians, there will be no future priests. Without priests, there will be no Eucharist. And without the Eucharist, we will all perish.
As these young men give their lives in service to God, and His people, let us respond generously. Let us accompany their “yes” with our own.
To ‘Support our Seminarians’, give generously at the second collection on March 14 &15.
Visit appealtt.org to explore the many ways you can give.
If you would like to make your donation through a Deed of Covenant, please contact the Chancery at 622-2691 for more information.