CHARLOTTE — The number of men studying for the priesthood for the Diocese of Charlotte has tripled in the past 11 years, creating a greater need for funding to support our 44 seminarians.
The Seminarian Education Collection taken up in all parishes at Easter, April 4-5, is one of the primary ways people can support seminarians and foster vocations to help meet the growing need for priests to serve the increasing Catholic population.
There has been remarkable growth in the diocese: a 19% increase, from 69,000 registered households a decade ago to 82,000 in 2025. Diocesan officials project that the number of registered households will reach 100,000 by 2030.
“For the past 28 years, the Seminarian Education Campaign has given faithful Catholics the opportunity to invest in the lives and ministry of our future priests,” said Bishop Michael Martin, OFM Conv., in his letter to the faithful.
Since 2015, 28 priests have retired. Seven priests are serving beyond the retirement age of 70. In the next 10 years, another 27 priests are expected to reach retirement age.
“Your financial gift will help prepare each of our young men to serve as priests in our diocese for an average of 40 years,” Bishop Martin wrote. “Since 1998, 82 seminarians have been ordained to the priesthood with your help. By contributing to the formation of our future priests, you are helping to ensure that the sacraments, spiritual guidance, and the light of Christ continue to reach every corner of our growing diocese.”
As Deacon Bryan Ilagor, who will be ordained to the priesthood in May, said, “One cannot do this alone. Prayer and financial support are crucial, as they benefit both us and the families we serve now and in future generations to come from our ministry.”
The Seminarian Education Program – in which 22 men are currently enrolled at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly, 20 men are either enrolled in major seminary at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary or in Rome, and two are in a pastoral year – is primarily funded through the annual Diocesan Support Appeal, the Seminarian Education Campaign and this collection.
— Trish Stukbauer
Support seminarian education
There are several ways to make a gift to fund the education of the Diocese of Charlotte’s seminarians through the Seminarian Education Collection:
- Use the envelope provided in your parish offertory packet
- Make a gift online at your parish’s website, if available
- Make a secure gift online at www.charlottediocese.org/giving