Right now, somewhere in our diocese, there is a young man quietly saying “yes” to God.
He is praying, studying, and being formed … preparing for a life that will one day be poured out in service to others. One day, he may stand at an altar in one of our parishes. He may baptize a child in a community like yours. He may witness a marriage and bless a family’s beginning. He may sit beside someone you love in a hospital room and bring the comfort of the sacraments at a moment when it is needed most.
But that “yes” doesn’t happen overnight.
Before he ever enters the seminary, there are months, often years, of discernment. Our Vocations Office walks with him during that time, meeting him for coffee, for meals, for honest conversations about where God may be calling him. Those moments of accompaniment matter. They are where a calling begins to take shape … where uncertainty becomes courage.
And even once he enters seminary, his journey is not just about academics. It is about becoming a priest in the fullest sense; growing in his humanity, deepening his relationship with Christ, learning how to shepherd souls. He is being formed spiritually, intellectually, pastorally, and personally so that one day he can serve the Church with his whole life.
That kind of formation takes care, intention—and yes, significant resources. Our diocese takes on that responsibility so that our seminarians never have to carry that burden themselves. It costs about $80,000 a year to form just one seminarian, but that investment ensures they are free to focus entirely on listening to God and preparing to serve His people.
And that is where your support of the BAA becomes so powerful.
Because of you, a young man can say “yes” without fear.
Because of you, he can be fully formed into the priest God is calling him to be.
Because of you, the Church will continue to have shepherds to guide, to heal, and to bring Christ to His people.
So when you give to the BAA, you are not just supporting a program…
You are investing in a vocation.
You are shaping a future priest.
And one day, you may see the answer to that gift standing at an altar, bringing Christ to His people.