Adopt A Seminarian
Adopt-a-Seminarian is a yearly project that encourages parishes, schools & faith formation groups to adopt and pray for one of our Diocesan seminarians, as well as our other diocesan & parish vocations, throughout their academic year.
Participants are committing to pray for their recipient daily until May 2027. This project is coordinated by the Diocese of Superior Priestly Vocations Office.
Their Need
The period of time between the first step towards acknowledging one’s religious vocation and the receipt of the Sacrament of Holy Orders is on average 8-10 years.
The process of “raising” a priest includes education, spiritual direction and reflection, acclimation to parish communities, and the decision to give his or her life to our Lord.
The men called to priesthood in our diocese benefit from spiritual and emotional support and encouragement as they discern God’s call in their lives.
Our Need
We need more priests!
Sometimes parishioners have no idea what a “vocation” is, what it means to respond to a vocation, or what the process of becoming a priest entails.
Those considering a vocation to priesthood may not perceive the need for a support system as they respond to their calling. Consider how much support people get when they make the decision to start a family or go to college, and perhaps consider that without that support, such decisions might not be made.
This “Adopt a Seminarian” Program will demonstrate to potential candidates that we very much need them, love them, and want to support their choices.
Parishes, Schools, and Faith Formation Groups are eligible to apply!
The Program
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In conjunction with the Vocations Office, participating parishes must complete the “Adopt-a-Seminarian Request Form” before being assigned an “adopted” seminarian.
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Parishes will receive a copy of the adopted seminarian’s biography (including photograph), prayer cards, rosary booklet, and our Parish Adopt A Seminarian Guide. ( Faith Formation and Schools recieve a guide geared toward youth)
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The following are ways in which the parish can support their adopted seminarian:
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Parishioners will be asked to pray for him daily. (prayer cards & rosary booklets provided)
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Parishioners can send letters to the seminarian. This might be a particularly attractive ministry for someone who is homebound, or who feels the need for additional meaningful human contact
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Children in Religious Education programs can also write to the seminarian, send Christmas cards, etc. ( Request our Teacher & Youth Faith Formation Guide)
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Dedicate a Mass one day a month with the intention of praying by name for the seminarian.
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Because the seminarian’s time is limited, it may be difficult for him to stay in touch with the parish on a regular basis. However, schedule permitting, the following are possible ways for the seminarian to communicate with his adopted parish:
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He can keep his adopted parish in his prayers
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With the Vocations Office support he can send updates and photos of himself to the parish.
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Finally, God willing, parishioners may be able to attend his Ordination and/or First Mass and he may be able to return to the parish for a Mass of Thanksgiving after his Ordination.
Get in Touch to Begin The Program
Phone: 651.300.9739
Email: gerry@haywardcatholic.org ( preferred)
Write: Vocations P.O. Box 877 Hayward WI 54843