In thinking about this appeal, I was moved to gratitude for the financial support provided me by the diocese. Seminary costs in "the old days" were only a fraction of what they are today. (Just since 1998 there has been a ten-fold increase in the amount required to educate and provide support for our diocesan seminarians.) But even in 1970's-80's terms, I would never have been able to afford the costs associated with seminary education. (Either that, or I'd still be paying off student loans these 27 years after ordination!)

Until recently, seminary costs were simply part of the overall diocesan budget and were primarily covered by the Fruitful Harvest Campaign. However, our total number of seminarians has risen dramatically (a good problem to have!), and seminary education has become more sophisticated and comprehensive, requiring more financial support for each seminarian. So, while a portion of the Fruitful Harvest goal every two years goes to the support of seminarians, it is not enough. The remainder comes from the annual Seminary Fund Appeal.

The annual financial cost of education and support for one seminarian averages about $40,000. What does this amount include?

First, note that seminarians at the undergraduate level are expected to pay for their own educational expenses. The diocese pays the expenses for the theology level seminarians, those in what we would otherwise call graduate school (which lasts four years). Here's what that financial support includes:

• Tuition, room, and board (imagine a really expensive private college with an enrollment of about 200)
• Summer salaries for seminarians in parish internships (so the parishes don't have to pay these)
• Monthly stipends during the school year (believe me, our seminarians are not living in the lap of luxury)
• Health insurance (and sometimes they get sick!)
• Books (we still haven't figured out a way to educate without them!)

In addition, if a seminarian takes part in "immersion" Spanish language training, which is an important need for our future priests, the cost is approximately $5,000 per seminarian.

Please consider a generous gift to the Seminary Fund Appeal. Your gift will help in the formation of the priests who will serve you in the future.