The seminarian program includes graduate course work in philosophy, theology, Sacred Scripture, preaching, and pastoral care. The program also includes summer internships in parishes, hospitals, and diocesan ministries. These internships provide opportunities for our seminarians to serve with an experienced pastor and thus deepen their understanding of the priesthood.

Currently, 22 young men attend the seminary in either Columbus, Ohio or Rome to prepare for a life of service. The Diocese of Charlotte assists students at the graduate-level with the entirety of their tuition costs, which cost over $35,000 per year. It is our responsibility, as parishioners in the Diocese of Charlotte, to invest in our clergy who take on the role of shepherds, administrators, counselors, and teachers.

Block I Parishes

Fr. Vince Smith at Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point has witnessed excitement from parishioners regarding the Catholic Education Tuition Assistance Endowment included in the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love case. IHM School currently offers a premier Catholic education to more than 250 K-8 students from around the High Point area. As part of its parish share, IHM will be completing the second floor of the school for additional space, allowing for an additional 200 students to be added to their community of faith.

Fr. Ricardo Sanchez at Our Lady of the Americas in Candor is pleased to welcome his leadership team for the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love initiative. The leadership families look forward to discussing the importance of the multicultural ministry at Our Lady of the Americas and its impact on the greater Church.

At Holy Cross in Kernersville, Fr. Paul Dechant shared details of the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love initiative with ten parish families. Families look forward to supporting the Priest Retirement Trust Fund and are inspired to give their loyal support to our retired clergy. Families appreciate the opportunity to give back to the men who have given their lives to the priesthood.

Fr. Benjamin Roberts at Our Lady of Lourdes in Monroe welcomed two new Ambassadors! The team of Ambassadors is growing and looks forward to helping Fr. Benjamin educate the parish community. One Ambassador recently said, “I was hesitant to pick up the phone and start calling families, but once I started I realized that it was not that hard. This effort is really about educating our parish families and sharing information. Anyone can do that!”

Fr. Adrian Porras at St. Barnabas in Arden recently spoke to his volunteers about Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love’s commitment to seminarian education, following a trip to Rome where he joined a fellow seminarian at St. Barnabas for his ordination. He emphasized that families play a major role in continuing to prepare men for a gifted life of service in the name of Jesus Christ, helping the Church meet the needs of her people for years to come.

St. Mary, Help of Christians in Shelby kicked off the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love campaign last week. Fr. Michael Kottar and his team of volunteers hope to inspire parishioners to participate in this effort that will expand their parish parking lot and beautify the Church with the installation of stained glass windows.

St. John the Baptist in Tryon held its Campaign Executive Committee orientation this past week. Fr. John Eckert now has five parishioners who are eager to start spreading the Forward in Faith, Hope, and Love message with him.

At St. Benedict in Greensboro, Fr. Duc Duong held a Campaign Executive Committee orientation and training. Ambassadors are excited to start visiting with fellow parish families to share the vision St. Benedict Parish and the diocese has for the future.

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