Seminarian Appeal

The blessing of these many vocations presents one particular challenge:  the cost of one year of priestly formation averages $50,000 for tuition, room and board and a monthly stipend.  With these men in priestly studies, that total is approximately $400,000.  While the Annual Diocesan Appeal covers some of this cost, the Diocese still needs to raise an additional $300,000.

As a result, the Bishop is inviting all parishioners to take part in our Seminarian Appeal.

Learn more about Vocations and our Seminarians.

Visit Vocations Web Page

“As bishop, I have had the blessing of coming to know each of these men personally.  They are good men: balanced, intellectually gifted, joyful, generous and solid in their Catholic faith. Each man has his own story and his own set of gifts that he brings to our diocese,” said Bishop Patrick J. McGrath. “These men seek to give themselves entirely in service through the priesthood to our Lord and to his people.  In the midst of our distracted and distracting culture, they have heard the voice of Christ calling them to works of service:  a life of radical, priestly discipleship rooted in intimate prayer, joyful service, and steadfast faithfulness to the Church.  In short, these men are seeking that their hearts become one with the heart of the Good Shephard.”

Those young men are attending the seminary at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois.

“I ask that you be willing to invest in the future of the diocese by helping me to support the men who will bring the sacraments, priestly presence and spiritual guidance to you, your children and your grandchildren,” the Bishop added.