With hearts full of gratitude, the Diocesan Office of Vocations invites the faithful of the Diocese of Birmingham to join in a special time of prayer and support for vocations to the priesthood. From July 27 to Aug. 4, the faithful are encouraged to pray the Novena to St. John Marie Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, for current seminarians and for an increase in priestly vocations. For those wishing to participate, the daily novena prayers are available at bhmdiocese.org/vocations.

The Office of Vocations also released some encouraging news: four new men will enter seminary this fall, bringing the total number of diocesan seminarians to a record 21—a clear sign of hope for the future of the Church in the diocese. God willing, Bishop Raica will ordain nine new priests over the next three years. These young men are formed through your prayers, encouragement, and generous support as they prepare to serve the people of God in north and central Alabama.

To continue this vital mission, the diocese will hold its annual Seminarian Education Fund Appeal (formerly known as the Burse Fund) in all parishes the weekend of Aug. 2–3, in anticipation of the Aug. 4 feast of St. John Vianney, who is the diocese’s co-patron. This appeal affords a powerful opportunity to support seminarians not only intentionally but also sacrificially.

The cost of educating one seminarian is approximately $50,000 per year, with formation lasting a minimum of seven years. Even with scholarships and grants, the total cost to form 21 seminarians reaches nearly $1 million annually. Thanks to a generous benefactor, all donations to the Seminarian Education Fund in 2025 will be matched dollar for dollar, up to $1 million, doubling the impact of gifts.

Diocesan seminarians will visit parishes the weekend of July 26–27 to introduce themselves and invite parishioners to prayerfully consider supporting the Seminarian Education Fund on appeal weekend.

Above all, the Office of Vocations asks for continued prayers for the men in formation. Prayer is, without a doubt, the most powerful gift that can offered, and when combined with financial support, the faithful are joining together to help form future priests to serve the Diocese of Birmingham for years to come.

Seminarians to speak at parishes the weekend of July 26-27

Justin Brouillette – Sacred Heart, Anniston

Joshua Callahan – St. Barnabas, Birmingham

Benjamin Caruana – Holy Spirit, Huntsville (English)

John Gardiner – Our Lady of Sorrows, Homewood

Collins Hess – St. John the Baptist, Madison

Cameron Huhlein – Annunciation of the Lord, Decatur

Patrick Letterle – St. Peter the Apostle, Hoover

Hunter Limbaugh – St. Francis Xavier, Birmingham

Franz Mercado – St. Thomas, Montevallo

Billy Moin – St. Leo the Great, Demopolis

Matthew Pickard – Our Lady of the Lake, Pell City

Thomas Rogers – Our Lady of the Valley, Fort Payne

Nick Smith – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Gardendale / St. Henry, Warrior

Deacon John Paul Stepnowski – Holy Spirit, Huntsville (Spanish)

Deacon Andrew Vickery – Holy Spirt, Tuscaloosa

Maximillian Waldron – St. Francis of Assisi University Parish, Tuscaloosa