CHICAGO, IL [DOM] — The annual “Support Our Seminarians” Month in the Diocese of the Midwest has begun with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Daniel, who calls upon the faithful to support the diocesan seminarians.
In a letter to the clergy and faithful to the diocese, Bishop Daniel conveyed that this annual appeal fosters hope in that God continues to call individuals and families to serve the Church:
“This is a topic that brings us hope in that each seminarian is training to better serve the Church as a future clergyman, choir director, or some other position within our communities. All of these are in great need within our diocese and we are grateful for those who continue to dedicate their lives to the Church in this ministry.”
In an effort to build awareness of our seminarians’ needs, SOS flyers are available for downloading and distribution in all parishes during the month of September. All donations from parishes as well as individuals — culminating in “SOS Sunday” on September 27 — will be distributed directly to the seminarians to offset the cost of their educational and living expenses.
Regardless of how a parish chooses to raise SOS funds, the result will help ensure that our seminarians and their families will find some measure of “relief” from increasing living and educational expenses.
Individuals are encouraged to donate through their parishes, by mailing a check to the diocese, or online.
Diocese of the Midwest
5037 W 83rd St
Burbank, IL 60459
LETTER FROM BISHOP DANIEL
2022 SEMINARIAN APPEAL LETTER
To all Rectors, Deacons, Monastics and Laity of the Midwest,
In this month of September, the Diocese annually renews its support of our Diocesan Seminarians. It is a time for our communities to reflect on this important, and often overlooked, vocation that is vital for a healthy diocese. By offering our prayers for our seminarians, joined with our monetary support, we are able to remind them of our love for them and their families, while also reminding ourselves of the importance of fostering this vocation within our own parishes.
This is a topic that brings us hope in that each seminarian is training to better serve the Church as a future clergyman, choir director, or some other position within our communities. All of these are in great need within our diocese and we are grateful for those who continue to dedicate their lives to the Church in this ministry.
This is an important time for our students as they discern the will of God and prepare themselves to serve His Holy Church. This discernment takes a great deal of focus and commitment which leaves our seminarians unable to seek employment, but still with the burden of living expenses and families to attend to.
With this in mind, I ask every community, along with each faithful member of this Diocese to prayerfully consider making a contribution to this important effort. By supporting our future leaders, we allow them to better focus on their formation, while also bringing them a bit of relief from their financial burdens.
With gratitude for your generosity, in Christ,
+DANIEL
Bishop of Chicago and the Midwest
