Catholic Extension and eCatholic support seminarian education

Jun 17, 2021 by

Diane Kern

"The priesthood is the love of the heart of Jesus. When you see a priest, think of our Lord Jesus Christ."
- St. John Marie Vianney

For the last sixteen years, our eCatholic team has worked with parishes and dioceses of every shape and size, in all 50 states, and across national borders. We continue to serve the Church in various ways to strengthen evangelization and communication for the unique needs of faithful communities from the smallest country villages to the largest metropolitans.

Yet, there is one need we witness that is blind to borders and demographics ... the support for holy vocations to the priesthood. And it’s crucial for the future of our faith.

In 2016, eCatholic decided to support Catholic Extension, a fundraising organization that supports Catholic communities with financial support, educational partnerships, and infrastructure. Our support of Catholic Extension goes to help fund the education of seminarians, in the hope to eliminate the financial concern that could distract young men from discerning their call to the priesthood. It was the best way we knew how to respond.

In our search for a Catholic philanthropy, we wanted to partner with an organization that shared our heart for transformative ministry through innovative excellence. Catholic Extension was a natural fit.

- Josh Simmons, eCatholic Founder and CEO

We were recently humbled by an article Catholic Extension published about our organization's journey and interest in supporting their mission. We love seeing our story shared; however, we hope even more that it inspires others to think about how they may be able to serve the Church and support religious vocations.

1. Read more about the mission and work of Catholic Extension and pray about supporting this organization or one just like it.

2. Turn to your diocesan vocations office, and learn how to support their work for cultivating vocations and responding to the needs of young men discerning.

3. Look within the ministries of your own parish. Maybe your parish has connections to a Serra Club, or offers opportunities to sponsor seminarians from your hometown.

4. Be positive around youth who may have an interest in learning more about religious vocations. Help point them to vocation offices at their diocese, and pray for their journey.

5. Pray. Ask for God’s grace and blessings to help our clergy and those discerning to become shepherds of the Church.

And of course, there are many religious orders and vocations that require the support of the faithful more than ever. Being aware of the need for men and women called to religious life - whether through a diocesan seminary, a monastery, or a convent of religious sisters - cannot be overlooked. The Church’s history has been greatly impacted by their selfless service for centuries. Maybe it’s time we discern how to support their work, mission, and vocational growth.

Where could you begin?

St. John Vianney, pray for us!