Forming Shepherds For Tomorrow: Support the Annual Seminaries’ Appeal
- Archdiocese of Denver
- 14 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Beginning this weekend, seminarians will visit parishes throughout the archdiocese to share their vocation stories and ask for your support.
Each year, the Archdiocese of Denver invites the faithful to support the formation of future priests through the Annual Seminaries’ Appeal. This year’s theme, “Forming Shepherds for Tomorrow,” calls us to reflect on the tremendous gift and responsibility of nurturing vocations, and that the future of the Church rests in the hands of men preparing to lay down their lives for their flock.
The formation of a priest is both a spiritual journey and a real investment in the life of the Church. The average annual cost to educate one seminarian is $61,000. This includes theological studies, spiritual direction, pastoral training and housing, everything needed to help a man grow in holiness and readiness to shepherd God’s people. The Annual Seminaries’ Appeal makes this formation possible and allows the Church to continue preparing tomorrow’s shepherds.
The Archdiocese of Denver’s two seminaries, St. John Vianney Theological Seminary and Redemptoris Mater Missionary Seminary, are forming more than 120 seminarians who have said “yes” to Christ’s call. These men are in formation to continue to discern their calling, and some will one day serve in parishes throughout Northern Colorado.
“The good shepherd lays down his life for his flock,” said Tommy Myers, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of Denver. “I hope to do this every day in the little things and the big things. I want to be a humble guide who preaches the truth with love.”
This hope to imitate Christ the Good Shepherd is at the heart of seminary formation. In a culture that often stands at odds with the Gospel, seminarians are preparing to be visible signs of Christ’s love in the world.
“I hope that I can witness to the joy that is found in living a life that is no longer my own, but completely governed by the will of Jesus,” Myers continued. “My hope is to forget myself and help others do the same for his glory.”
Beginning this weekend, seminarians will visit parishes across the archdiocese to share their vocation stories and to invite you to support the appeal. Your prayers and generosity help form the future of the Church in Colorado. By supporting the Annual Seminaries’ Appeal, you participate in Christ’s mission by helping form the shepherds who may one day baptize your children, offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, hear your Confessions and bring Christ’s mercy to your community.
To support the Annual Seminaries’ Appeal, visit archden.org/futurepriests.
