“As He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen.  And He said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”  Immediately they left their nets and followed him.” ~ Matthew 4:18-20

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

On the weekend of February 12th and 13th, we will be taking up a special collection for the Seminarian-Vocation Fund. This collection will be for the education and care of our future seminarians. These men leave everything to follow Christ, like the apostles, dedicating their lives to the Church. Please keep each of them in your prayers.

 Your prayers and financial support help to make possible the education and training these seminarians need to be good and normal men who love the Lord and are willing to roll up their sleeves and bring others to God’s love.  We have one man currently in the seminary but several more who are planning to enter.  Contributions towards our Seminarian-Vocation Fund will make a significant impact on each seminarian.  Funds collected through this special collection help to defray the cost of expenses for formation and seminary education such as tuition and fees, room and board, and health insurance for each seminarian. The cost for our young men studying at a seminary is approximately $90 per day; this amounts to $2,700 per month per seminarian.  This fund is also used when needs arise for them such as medical bills and car repairs so they can travel to their pastoral assignments.  This fund is used solely for seminarians of the Diocese of Springfield.  I ask you, humbly, to consider making a donation – an investment in the future of our diocese.

On behalf of our current and our future seminarians, I thank you for your generosity.  May God continue to bless you abundantly. Please be assured of my daily prayers and I ask for yours in return.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

+Most Reverend William D. Byrne

Bishop of Springfield