A typed letter from a sixth-grader at Assumption Regional Catholic School, Galloway, posed some poignant questions to Diocese of Camden seminarian Joshua Thomas, who is attending Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Yonkers, N.Y.
“I have always wondered how people so close with God and their faith found out they were called to dedicate their life to God,” the student’s letter read. “I’m wondering what kind of signs you received. Were they obvious or subtle? Were they a lot or a little?”
The middle-schooler’s letter also shared excitement for Thomas and his opportunity to spend his life dedicated to God, as well as some positive wishes – and a request – for the seminarian who is currently in the Propaedeutic Stage of his priestly formation.
“I admire your love and trust in God to be able to put all of your work into sharing His Word. I will keep you in my prayers,” the letter stated. “I pray that you remain close to God, and maybe you can pray for my classmates and me during the rest of your seminarian journey.”
That letter was just one of many penned by Catholic school students and youth in parish religious education programs as part of the annual Seminarian Letter Project. Each year, the New Jersey State Council of the Knights of Columbus encourages youth to write letters of encouragement and prayer to support men who are in seminaries. In addition to Assumption Regional, young participants in the Diocese of Camden were from Holy Angels Catholic School, Woodbury, and the religious education program at Saint Joachim Parish, Bellmawr.
“The Seminarian Letter Project gives Catholic students, with their beautiful and inspiring thoughts, a voice in forming our future priests,” said John Tirado, faith director and Seminarian Letter Project chairman for the New Jersey State Council of the Knights of Columbus. “The students have a tangible opportunity to say, ‘I helped the vocations shortage in our Church.’”
The project first came about in 1998 in Saint Joachim Parish, where Tirado – a Knight of the Saint Jude Council #12092, Bellmawr – had the idea of mobilizing young people to write letters of support to seminarians. By 2000, the project had evolved into a statewide Knights of Columbus effort – and it has only grown since then. Throughout the past year, letters have been sent to men in the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City; the Archdiocese for the Military; the College Seminary of the Immaculate Conception at Saint Andrew’s Hall, Seton Hall University, South Orange, N.J.; and Saint Joseph’s Seminary, Yonkers.
In October, the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council included the project in its revised Vocations Handbook under the adjusted title of the “Vocations Letter Initiative” – spreading the idea to councils in all 50 states, as well as countries ranging from the Philippines to Ukraine.
After reviewing some of the letters written this year, Tirado believes firmly “that our youngest Catholics have an understanding of the sacredness of our priests.”
He referenced one letter that recognized how the very seminarians being supported today, will be the future priests to celebrate the sacraments with the student and family members.
“The Catholic students realize that these future priests will celebrate their wedding Masses and baptize their children,” Tirado said.
Diocesan seminarian Kyle Palmieri, who is studying at Saint Joseph’s Seminary, received a letter written in neat, cursive writing.
“Your ‘yes’ to serve the Church is a powerful witness of faith, especially in a world that often pulls us in many different directions,” the letter read. “I have come to see how deeply God works through the people He calls. … Even in moments of doubt or difficulty, God is using this time to shape your heart and prepare you for a lifetime of service and compassion.”
The letter continued, “Your vocation is a living reminder that God never stops calling us home and never stops inviting us into his grace.”
Fellow Saint Joseph’s seminarian Theodore Deluhery received letters as well – and wrote a letter of his own to thank the Knights of Columbus.
“Thank you so much for organizing the letters from the children,” he shared in the handwritten letter. “I really appreciate the holiness in the young of the Church!”
Tirado continues to see the importance of supporting the young men who are preparing to be future priests in parish communities across the Diocese of Camden.
“Throughout my 25 years, the age group of the seminarians has generally remained constant. These are mostly young men, contemplating their awesome task yet also considering their sacrifices,” he said. “Our seminarians need support and encouragement. This is especially appropriate for the Diocese of Camden, where we currently have eight seminarians, who, if all ordained, will have to minister to 62 parishes.”
at the bottom and then tap “Add to Home Screen”
