God calls every person to a personal vocation of holiness and evangelization. Whether we are called to the priesthood, religious, married, or single life, our vocation is a lifelong journey of faith in service to God and each other. Our gifts and talents are meant to be shared with our parish family and extended community. Every Catholic is called to contribute to the life of the Church and shares the responsibility of promoting and nurturing vocations.
Seminarians represent the future of the Church. They are dedicated to serving the Lord and his flock, but their path is not easy. These aspiring priests are undeterred by the arduous studies and lifetime commitment to self-sacrifice and humble devotion. Their journey involves up to eight years of seminary formation and one year of pastoral internship, along with considerable prayer, dedication, and hard work.
St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton forms these devout men into masters of scripture, liturgy, and holistic ministry through an intense program of human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral formation. It offers more than degrees in philosophy and theology. It prepares seminarians for ordination to the priesthood and a life of ministry in parishes where they will serve as shepherds of God’s people.
Times of prayer, papers, exams, community activities, pastoral activities and everything else that makes up seminary life adds up very quickly...the monthly cards I received from the CWL were a constant reminder of the future ministry I was preparing for and, in times of difficulty or doubt, a great source of encouragement to persevere.
Fr. Santiago Torres
All Saints Parish, Lethbridge
ADOPT-A-SEMINARIAN PROGRAM
With the priest shortage, this long-standing initiative of Calgary Diocesan Council is a tangible way to promote vocations and encourage more men to answer the call. The objective is to connect every seminarian in the Diocese of Calgary with a CWL council that will provide prayerful support and encouragement during his vocational formation.
The program gets members involved by inviting councils to “adopt” a seminarian. It is a grace-filled way to support vocations and contribute to the vitality of the Church, while taking an active role in the League’s Faith Ministry.
INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
Several councils have already adopted seminarians and are building valued relationships. As more men will likely begin their formation this fall, our goal is to ensure that all are adopted by late October. Every seminarian deserves the support and every council is invited to experience the joy of “Walking Together” with them on their priestly journey.
Adopting councils will be randomly matched with a seminarian for the duration of his formation. If there are more councils than seminarians, two may be asked to partner or will be put on a waiting list.
All councils are asked to pray for seminarians at their meetings. Non-adopting councils can still support them by mailing Christmas and Easter cards to St. Joseph’s Seminary. This would be a fun and rewarding group activity!
The mutual benefits exceed the commitment. The program gives future priests a spiritual and emotional boost during their studies and enhances members’ spiritual growth.
To participate, councils must have members’ support and commit to the entire formation period. Adoption is a pledge to uplift seminarians by writing monthly letters of encouragement and reminders that members are praying for them.
ADOPTION TIPS
Assign a program coordinator to engage and update members, organize a letter-writing schedule, and remind writers of their designated month. Ideally, letters should be mailed by a consistent date, such as the 1st of each month.
Program coordinators are the official liaison with seminarians and should be the only person to correspond by email. The direct connection helps to obtain mailing address changes during seminary breaks, etc. and inform writers for prompt letter delivery.
Adding the program to meeting agendas is an effective way to pray for seminarians and update members on their well-being and formation progress.
Sending info and photos on council activities creates insight on the CWL and helps build relationships. Both bode well for future spiritual advisors!
PROGRAM COST
Postage stamps are the only actual costs, though members often supply stamps and greeting cards. Monetary gifts are optional, based on each council’s funds. Some include the program in their budget and send Mass cards, greeting cards, and cheques of up to $100 on special occasions like birthdays, Easter, and Christmas. Members are welcome to include personal gift cards with their letters, such as Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, Walmart, etc.
TO PARTICIPATE
Watch the Diocesan website for announcements about new seminarians starting their formation this fall. To learn more or sign up for the program, contact Dr. Rose Geonzon, Christian Family Life Chair.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane Miedema, Diocesan Treasurer
(St. Ambrose CWL, Coaldale)
