Diocesan seminarians double

 

I am pleased to announce that our Seminarian Board has recommended three new seminary candidates to me, and I have accepted them for Diocese of Tucson sponsorship: 

 

Parishioner of St. Augustine Cathedral 

 

Parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish  

 

Parishioner of San Felipe de Jesus Parish 

 

Mr. Carlos Nagore is our senior seminarian and, with the three new seminarians above, we have once again doubled our number of seminarians this year (from two to four)!  

 

What is equally significant is that a very healthy number of young men are speaking with their priests and others about the possibility of discerning at the seminary. Several are looking to sign up for the term beginning a year from now. It is this planting of seeds that makes all the difference! 

 

Our parish-based vocations programs are working. I am exceptionally grateful to the many faithful parishioners who are involved in our vocation programs.  

 

I am also grateful to the priests who meet personally with young men who are discerning, to our excellent Seminarian Board, and to Fr. Alan Valencia and the Vocations Office staff.  

 

We need everyone to continue to pray for an increase of all holy vocations, particularly to the priesthood in the Diocese of Tucson. Let us entrust the key mission of our Diocese to our dear Lord and His Blessed Mother, and let us anticipate doubling the number next year as well!