CHARLOTTE — A second collection taken up at all parishes in the Diocese of Charlotte on Easter weekend, April 15-16, will help meet the needs of the diocese’s Seminary and Priests’ Continuing Education Programs.
The diocese has 24 men studying for the priesthood in two major seminaries and one minor seminary: the Pontifical North American College in Rome and the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and St. Joseph College Seminary in Charlotte. It costs approximately $33,000 each year to fund a major seminary education.
The Seminarian Education Program is primarily funded through the Diocesan Support Appeal and also the second collection held on Easter Sunday.
Priests’ continuing education is a priority, as well. The diocese sponsors workshops and programs to help keep active priests informed of developments in theology and pastoral practices, enabling them to better serve the faithful.
“The education of our seminarians and the continuing education of our priests is an important priority in a growing, vibrant diocese such as ours,” Monsignor Mauricio West, vicar general and chancellor of the diocese, wrote in a letter to all parishioners about the upcoming collection. “It is through your generosity that we are able to meet the escalating cost of education today. Please be assured of our gratitude for your generous response to the Seminary and Priests’ Continuing Education Collection to be taken Easter weekend.”
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
More online
At www.charlottediocese.org/view/seminarians: Meet the men studying for the priesthood in the Diocese of Charlotte