Press Release
GREEN BAY, Wis. (July 2, 2020) – The 15th annual Seminirian Collection will kick off this weekend, Aug. 1-2. This collection benefits the education and support of those who are pursuing a calling to the priesthood for the Diocese of Green Bay. Last year, $1,070,680 was given by more than 11,389 families.
“Our seminarians are good men from many different backgrounds. They have been praying and studying at the seminary and serving in our parishes. They are filled with the Holy Spirit and are excited to share the Good News in our communities,” said Bishop David L. Ricken. “Through your support of the Seminarian Collection, these men are able to receive the training and the tools to share the Gospel. They learn how to joyfully serve God and lead more people to discover, follow, worship, and share Jesus.”
This year, Fr. Benjamin Johnson and Fr. Kevin Ripley were ordained priests on July 9 and July 10. Each year we are blessed to see the culture of vocations growing in our area. With this great news comes the challenge of funding our vocation efforts. Most men are in the seminary for six to eight years, which costs nearly $40,000 per seminarian per year. This helps cover the cost of their tuition, room and board, insurance and other expenses, and funding for the Vocation Office.
“I continued to be humbled by the generosity of so many people who support our seminarians in this capacity. This important collection allows them to place their focus on prayer and study so they can be fully prepared to bring the love of Jesus Christ to our many parishes and communities,” said Fr. Mark Mleziva, vocation director.
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Catholic Foundation Contact: Josh Diedrich, Executive Director, at 920-272-8197 or
Diocese of Green Bay Media Contact: Justine Lodl, director of communications, at 920-272-8213 or