Everyone can do something to support vocations--through prayer, encouraging our current seminarians, inviting people (including one's own children) to consider a vocation, or praying for vocations, both as individuals and as parish communities.  Find out if yours has a "Parish Vocation Committee"; if not, ask about starting one.      

       There is a great financial need for support for vocations, and many ways to give, including the Monsignor Michael J. Glynn Seminarian Education Trust, recently established within the Diocese’s Catholic Foundation, in the hope that others will also contribute to this Trust--the interest from which will support the formation of future priests for our diocese. It is a way of remembering and honoring the late Msgr. Glynn while supporting a cause that was very dear to his heart, as evidenced by the way he often inquired about and enjoyed meeting the seminarians.

       It costs over $25,000 per year to educate each seminarian.  For theology students, the Jackson Diocese covers the complete cost of tuition, room, board, books, fees, etc., along with providing each seminarian with a small monthly stipend to cover their miscellaneous expenses. Various Knights of Columbus Councils throughout the Diocese have also been generous by "adopting" individual seminarians to support them spiritually and financially.

       The great news is that God has blessed us with a good number of seminarians, including new students from Mexico, Guatemala, and Vietnam. The tremendous challenge is the greatly increased financial need.

       Each year the vocations budget is funded by an Extension Society Grant, the state Knights of Columbus annual fund-raiser, the Catholic Service Appeal, the annual Easter Vocations Special Collection, interest from the Catholic Foundation, and interest from the diocesan reserve account. The shortfall is made up by money from diocesan reserves, a source which has been steadily depleted by the increased vocations need.

       The future stability of our vocations budget will come from funds such as the Msgr. Glynn Seminarian Education Trust. Within the Catholic Foundation there are about 20 such funds (named in memory of various laity and clergy), the interest from which is earmarked for vocations.  Some Dioceses have millions of dollars in in similar vocations trusts, which creates a tremendous amount of interest income each year. We are taking baby steps in that direction, but have a long way to go to reach that amount of capital.

       To give to vocations through the Catholic Foundation, make the check payable to The Catholic Foundation, send it to the address below, and let me know if you are giving in memory or honor of someone.

       If you would like to find out more about the Msgr. Glynn Trust (or any of the other named vocations trusts), or if you would like to start your own trust or want information about any other way for you or your parish to contribute, please contact me at the address, phone number, or email address given below.

Thank you for your prayers and support for the future shepherds of our Diocese. May God continue to call and conform men to the image of Christ, the Good Shepherd.  -Fr. Kent Bowlds