April 20, 2023

My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we prepare to support our annual diocesan Seminary Education Fund Collection, I would like to thank you for your constant generosity to the formation of those young men discerning and preparing to serve our Diocese of Norwich for years to come. I hear from so many of you that you are praying for vocations daily at home and in your parish churches in the presence of Our Lord. These prayers are the foundation of the work that we do in creating a culture of discerning vocation for all young people in our Diocese.

As you are no doubt well aware, the cost of seminary education requires the support of our entire diocesan family in order to prepare those who are called by Our Lord for this sacred ministry. This year we will take the Annual Seminary Education Fund Appeal in your local parish the weekend of May 6-7. I thank you in advance for your generosity.

We currently have four men studying at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. They will be returning home to the diocese next month to serve in parishes for the summer. Please remember Julian Cuervo-Lozado, Eric Hosmer and Alex Pandolfe in your prayers as they prepare for their ordination to the Order of Deacons in our Cathedral of St. Patrick on Saturday, June 3, 2023. You are most welcome to attend this joyful Mass of Ordination.

We have several other men who are discerning and applying to the Diocese of Norwich for consideration as candidates for priestly formation. Please support them with your prayers during this essential time in their lives.

Once again I thank you for your generosity in prayer and financial support of those who have been called by Our Lord for this sacred service. These young men are most appreciative of your support and assure me of their prayers for you and for our Diocese of Norwich. May Our Lady, Queen of Heaven carry our prayers to her beloved son and may he richly reward our efforts in service to His Church.

Sincerely yours in Christ,