Frequently Asked Questions

1.   What does the money from the Seminarian Collection support?

All of the donations collected from this year’s Seminarian Fund Appeal (SFA19) will go exclusively to fund seminarian educational and living costs, which are expected to be over $500,000 this year. At least $485,000 of these costs are budgeted to be covered by donations to the SFA19.

These costs are over and above the other budget line items of the Office of Vocations, such as programs and events to promote vocations.  These non-educational and living costs, which help to create a culture of vocations, are budgeted to be covered by other funding sources, including the Fruitful Harvest dollars that come into the Office of Vocations.

We all know that educational expenses continue to increase each year.  The Seminarian Fund Appeal is your opportunity to support the critical educational needs of our future priests as they focus on the four foundational pillars for seminarian formation:  Intellectual, Spiritual, Pastoral and Human.

2.   What is the cost of supporting a seminarian annually?

The cost of educating a seminarian can range from $30,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on if they come to seminary with or without a college degree and their need for medical insurance.  Our seminarians are required to complete 6 to 8 years of seminary education – making the overall average education expense for one seminarian over $300,000. 

The Seminarian Fund Appeal supports these men who answer God's call to serve. As our priests retire, it is important to have priests who are already connected to our community and families so that our parishes can continue to thrive and the Diocese can continue to live our mission. Our seminarians today are our priests of the future.