As you complete your fall semester and continue your journey toward the priesthood, know that the faithful across our Diocese are holding you in prayer. This page contains messages, blessings, and words of encouragement from those who are grateful for your "yes" to God's call. They see in you the future of the Church-and they are praying for your strength, your studies, and your joy. Thank you for responding to God's call.
Featured Blessing of the Day
Keep up the great work. We are praying for your discernment, studies, and a joyful break ahead!
A Thank You from Darren at Springfield, Christ the King
Keep up the great work. We are praying for your discernment, studies, and a joyful break ahead!
A Thank You from Damond at Springfield, Christ the King
Thank you for inviting us to share words of encouragement with the seminarians during this important season of study and discernment.
As we reflect on the Feast of St. Mary, we are reminded of her unwavering faith and humble “yes” to God’s call—a profound example for all who seek to serve Him. Just as Mary embraced her vocation with courage and trust, may you find strength and peace in your own journey toward the priesthood. In moments of challenge and uncertainty, remember that God’s grace is abundant and His plans are perfect.
Be assured of our prayers for wisdom, perseverance, and joy as you prepare for exams and continue your formation. May the Blessed Mother intercede for you, guiding your steps and filling your heart with hope and confidence in the Lord’s promise.
With gratitude and blessings,
Damond Boatwright
A Thank You from Paula at Vandalia, Mother of Dolors
Dear Springfield Diocesan Seminarians,
During the final days of this semester, I will be praying for you as you study, take exams, or write papers.
I have not met all of you, but being a mother of a priest, (Fr. Zach Edgar), I have "adopted" each of you in my heart.
Thank you for answering God's call! I am very proud of all of you!
Love and prayers,
Paula Edgar
A Thank You from Stephanie at Quincy, St. Francis Solanus
May the Blessed Mother hold you in her Immaculate Heart as you make this journey with her Son, Jesus.
Thank you for saying "yes" to God's call. You are a great gift to the Springfield Diocese, to our parishes, and to each one of us!
You are in my prayers each day. May God bless you and your families this Christmas. May He keep you in His care and make His Face shine upon you always.
A Thank You from John at Springfield, Christ the King
Seminarians,
May God continue to direct your thoughts and bless your ways!
God bless all of you,
John R Sivak.Sr OP
A Thank You from Angela at Pittsfield, St. Mary
I just wanted to tell you how much we appreciate you giving your life to God so that we can receive His sacraments, most especially the Eucharist. We love our priests and we are so in need for good priests who teach foundational Catholicism . So many Catholics do not truly understand the Catholic faith . We need good teaching Priests who will convey the Faith through their homilies and their example. And we need them to share their knowledge in OCIA . Know that we are praying for you and so looking forward to your ministry!
God bless you!
Angela
A Thank You from Marie at Wood River, Holy Angels
Dear Seminarians,
As this semester comes to a close, and you look forward to a break remember that there are people out there that pray for you every day.
I have my phone set at 4:40 p.m. every day as a reminder and I stop and recite a Hail Mary for all seminarians. I am a member of the Serra Vocations of Madison County and are mission is to pray for Priests and those considering religious or consecrated life. I pray you have a Blessed Holidays with your families and friends. God Bless. and I will keep you in my prayers.
A Thank You from Robert at Quincy, St. Francis Solanus
Dear Seminarians, I was a diocesan seminarian 1967-1973, eventually discerned social work and marriage as a life path, and remain married 50 years with four children and 10 grandchildren. My wife and I pray for you all during our supper-time prayers. We appreciate the many sacrifices you are making as you discern God's call and prepare to serve Him in the priesthood. We send a special hello to Thomas Marten who spent the summer of 2023 at our parish. May God bless you and keep you all safe as you travel during the coming weeks. Regards, Robert & Jane Haas
A Thank You from Fr. Zach at Springfield, Blessed Sacrament
I am not sure that I could be any more proud of each and everyone of you. Thank you for your, "Yes," for the man ways you serve our local Church, and for showing forth Christ's love to all you encounter. Know of my constant prayers for you. I can't wait to one day call you my "brother priest" if it be God's will. God bless you!
A Thank You from Katie at Springfield, Christ the King
Dear Seminarians, as you approach the end of your studies this semester, please know that I am praying for you! I understand how stressful this time can be to get everything completed and do well on your tests. Just don't lose sight of your private time in silence and prayer; let the Holy Spirit move through you and guide you. All will be well! Blessings to you!
A Thank You from Christine at Raymond, St. Raymond
Dear Seminarian Thomas Marten,
I am a member of Mother of Perpetual Help Church, Maryville, IL
We met last year while you were assigned to our parish. I “adopted “ you to pray for you.
Just wanted to connect with you to wish you a happy Thanksgiving and a blessed Christmas Season.
I have been and continue to pray for you each and every day.
God Bless You,
Christine Poddig
Mother of Perpetual Help Church
Maryville, IL
