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Being a seminarian by Winnie Quinn
Sean Flynn & William Hann Our Endowment Fund has been growing steadily this year. We are excited and encouraged that one day we will be able to meet the needs of all who want to study and work in our Catholic missions across Canada. During this holy season of Advent, as you prepare to celebrate Christmas and the birth of Jesus, 77 seminarians are studying for the priesthood and preparing to be His servants in some of our 700 missionary communities across Canada. Their service will be a most precious gift to God and the people who live in these missions. Let me share with you words of thanks from two seminarians who receive support from our Endowment Fund. Sean Flynn, from St. Joseph Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta, writes:
Another seminarian, William Hann, writes from his internship post at Holy Family/Notre Dame parish in Port Alberni, Diocese of Victoria, British Columbia:
William has completed theological studies at Newman Theological College and received his master’s degree recently. He adds that he is preparing for his ordination as a deacon this year, prior to his ordination as a priest. Your most precious gift this Christmas will be your prayers for them and, perhaps, your financial gift to support them in their studies. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world … whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness.” Through your prayers and gifts, you can help these seminarians be the light of Jesus in our Canadian missions. Our Endowment Fund is set up to fund the education of seminarians and lay men and women to serve in our mission communities; it is a lifeline to them in difficult years. When you make a legacy gift to our Endowment Fund, your gift is held and invested by Catholic Missions In Canada as a permanent endowment. Only the income earned by your endowment will be used to support our seminarians and laity in their studies. A minimum gift of $5,000 is required to set up an Endowment, but you can make installments over five years to achieve your Endowment goal. It could be your annual Christmas gift to Jesus to keep His light shining in the lives of everyone in our mission parishes. Once started, your Endowment will begin earning income immediately, a gift that will last forever. Your legacy will live in perpetuity in our Canadian missions. Thank you for your many gifts this past year. Have a wonderful Christmas and may you be blessed with the gifts of peace and good health for the New Year. If you would like further information, or a no-obligation personalized gift planning information package, please call our Charitable Gift Planning Officer, Winnie Quinn at: 416-934-3424 or Toll-free at 1-800-361-1128 or send an email. For more options on Gift Planning, continue to browse our website! Copyright 2003. Article published in Catholic Missions In Canada Magazine, Winter 2003, pages 38-40. |
“I have found being a seminarian a very humbling
experience. I am constantly thanking people for their generosity and prayers.
The support I get from Catholic Missions In Canada is an answer to my prayers. I
answered the call to the priesthood at age 49 and began formal training in 2000.
I have completed two years of academic studies, a year's internship at St.
Edward's parish in Duncan, British Columbia, and this past summer, as chaplain
at the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Edmonton. I have two more years of studies.
I thank you and your donors for their faithful support. I pray many more will
receive such blessings as I have because of the support of Catholic Missions In
Canada.”
“I want to thank you for your generous financial support
to defray the costs of my seminary formation as I journey towards the
priesthood. I am deeply grateful for your support and prayers as I continue my
studies and serve the people of God on Vancouver Island.”