Return to flip book view
Laborersfor theHarvest“e harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”~ Matthew 9:37-38Seminarian Education Fund Diocese of Gaylord 20232 EASY WAYS TO GIVEto the 2023 Seminarian Education Fund:MAILDiocese of Gaylord Office of Development611 W North St., Gaylord, MI 49735SECURE ONLINEDioceseof Gaylord.org/SeminarianFundTo learn more about the Seminarian Education Fund and the St. Monica & St. Andrew Society, scan the QR code:For questions or to give by phone: 989-705-3556Diocese of Gaylord, Oce of Development 611 West North St., Gaylord, MI 49735In 2012, Archbishop Bernard Hebda initiated the Seminarian Collection in the Diocese of Gaylord to nancially assist seminarians with their tuition and expenses throughout the formation process. A seminarian’s journey is very demanding, as he must complete six to eight years of study and formation, earning a bachelor’s in philosophy and a master’s in theology. The cost of this education today for each seminarian is upwards of $40,000 per year. Without prayerful and nancial support from our Catholic community, many seminarians would be unable to pursue their vocation. However, thanks to the generosity of parishioners, the diocese helps cover the cost of our seminarians’ tuition, room and board, health insurance and other formation expenses. Contributions to the Seminarian Education Fund over these past 11 years have been essential for funding the education of more than 25% of the active priests in our diocese — since establishing this collection, 14 priests have received nancial assistance and been ordained. This year, the Diocese of Gaylord will have ve men in formation. Get to know them by reading more inside this brochure and by visiting our website to watch a video of our seminarians:About the Seminarian Education Fund Dioceseof Gaylord.org/SeminarianFund
Laborersfor theHarvest“e harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”~ Matthew 9:37-38Seminarian Education Fund Diocese of Gaylord 20232 EASY WAYS TO GIVEto the 2023 Seminarian Education Fund:MAILDiocese of Gaylord Office of Development611 W North St., Gaylord, MI 49735SECURE ONLINEDioceseof Gaylord.org/SeminarianFundTo learn more about the Seminarian Education Fund and the St. Monica & St. Andrew Society, scan the QR code:For questions or to give by phone: 989-705-3556Diocese of Gaylord, Oce of Development 611 West North St., Gaylord, MI 49735In 2012, Archbishop Bernard Hebda initiated the Seminarian Collection in the Diocese of Gaylord to nancially assist seminarians with their tuition and expenses throughout the formation process. A seminarian’s journey is very demanding, as he must complete six to eight years of study and formation, earning a bachelor’s in philosophy and a master’s in theology. The cost of this education today for each seminarian is upwards of $40,000 per year. Without prayerful and nancial support from our Catholic community, many seminarians would be unable to pursue their vocation. However, thanks to the generosity of parishioners, the diocese helps cover the cost of our seminarians’ tuition, room and board, health insurance and other formation expenses. Contributions to the Seminarian Education Fund over these past 11 years have been essential for funding the education of more than 25% of the active priests in our diocese — since establishing this collection, 14 priests have received nancial assistance and been ordained. This year, the Diocese of Gaylord will have ve men in formation. Get to know them by reading more inside this brochure and by visiting our website to watch a video of our seminarians:About the Seminarian Education Fund Dioceseof Gaylord.org/SeminarianFund
Gerald “Jerry” Przekora“I encountered Jesus in an intimate way during Eucharistic Adoration towards the end of high school. From then on, the idea of becoming a priest was always on my heart. After graduation, I pursued a degree and career in retail management, but in 2015 became an unexpected caregiver of my father. This taught me how lifegiving it is to pour oneself out for another, which is what the priesthood is – being a caregiver for souls. God used this experience to intensify the call He put on my heart, and I began seminary formation in 2022. One of the biggest fears I had was leaving my career, but I knew once I dove off the diving board, God would be there to catch me. “I’m now heading into my second year at Sacred Heart School of Theology, and when I think of being able to offer God’s divine life through the sacraments to others as a priest, it is such a gift. I want to say thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Your nancial support and prayers really made this possible. I likely would have had to delay pursuing the priesthood because the cost is so great, but I was able to dive in knowing the nancial aspect would be covered. This was a huge relief and allowed me to concentrate totally on formation, prayer, and my studies. The support is tremendously freeing.”• 36 years old • 2nd year of formation• Home parishes: St. Luke, Bellaire & Holy Spirit, Highland Township27 years old | 5th year of formation | Home parish: Holy Rosary, Cedar “When I was seven, my mother read me a story of Saint Francis of Assisi. His story clicked with me, and I felt a calling to the priesthood from then on. After high school, I studied in France and had some great life experiences that drew me back to the priesthood. I’ve now nished four years at the Pontical College Josephinum and am heading into my nal four years of formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. “I’ve grown closer to the Lord through this journey, and it’s been encouraging to hear friends say I’ve become a better version of myself thanks to my formation. A powerful takeaway from my studies is that we, the Church, are the last defenders of Truth. Our culture is in chaos, and the world needs God’s grace. As a priest, I look forward to bringing the light of Christ through the Mass and sacraments. I know many people are supporting me and my brothers, through prayer and with donations, and I want to say thank you. We no longer worry about things like, ‘What happens when my car breaks down?’ or ‘What happens if I have a medical emergency?’ Having people praying and supporting us takes this burden away. Although I’m humbled and feel unworthy to accept it, I’m so grateful for your support and prayers.”Christopher “Jake” BelangerJohn Mawby“I was raised in a devout Catholic family and attended Catholic school growing up. After graduating high school, I attended college and recently received my degree in mechanical engineering and manufacturing. Despite my strong faith and upbringing, I never had a personal conviction of why I was Catholic or a real sense of purpose. During college, I realized I need to pray more and take my faith more seriously. During a particularly hard time, my mom encouraged me to pray the Rosary in solitude. While I prayed, I strongly felt God calling me to become a priest. This was a surreal experience, but I had such condence in this calling that I’m now taking the rst step and attending seminary this year. “I’m excited to bring Christ to others as a priest, to be a witness that there is something bigger to live for—to be a warrior for Christ. Your prayers and support have helped me answer this call. Without the nancial support I’ve received, I would not have been able to attend seminary this year but would have needed to pursue full-time work to pay off my undergraduate debts. Your generosity has had a signicant impact on my life, and I am so grateful.”• 23 years old • 1st year of formation• Home parish: Holy Rosary, CedarAndrew Feister“When my brother passed away in an auto accident in 2006, I was left pondering the purpose of life. A few months later at my rst retreat, I felt so much peace and that God may be calling me to the priesthood. Several years later, through many hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I discerned that God was calling me to serve my home diocese. I am excited to be ordained a priest and bring the hope of Christ to others. “My three years of formation at the Pontical College Josephinum have changed me at an interior level—my relationship with the Lord has deepened, I’ve become more disciplined, and I see others in a new light. This experience has been such a gift, one that would not have been possible without the support of so many. Every time I’ve struggled or been concerned about nances, God has provided through generous donors. This has enabled me to continue my formation, even after an auto accident in 2020 left me with unexpected medical bills that could easily have changed my course. I see this support as Divine Providence. I am grateful that God is paving the way for me to share His joy and love with a world in need through the priesthood.”• 30 years old • 4th year of formation• Home parishes: St. Ann, Cadillac & St. Stephen, Lake City David Witkowski“For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt the steady, quiet call to be a priest. Seeing my priest’s reverence and devotion for the Eucharist and sacraments helped me understand their importance, and I too want to give those gifts to others. Even though I’ve just nished my rst year of studies at Saint John Vianney College Seminary, I’ve already experienced a deeper relationship with the Lord and am learning to listen to His voice. “It is incredibly humbling knowing there are so many people supporting my journey through prayer and nancial support. I want to say thank you. You will never know how much you’ve helped me. Without you, my journey would look very different. I wouldn’t have been able to enter seminary when I did. Thanks to you, I’m able to focus on giving myself fully to the Lord and not worry about the nancial aspect, which is signicant. Know that I am thankful for you and praying for you.”• 19 years old • 2nd year of formation• Home parish: Holy Rosary, CedarGet to know your seminarians Jesus tells us to pray to the master of the harvest to send laborers for his harvest. As you get to know our five seminarians of the Diocese of Gaylord who will be in formation during the 2023-24 year, please pray for their continued discernment and that God will send us even more laborers for the harvest in the months ahead.
Gerald “Jerry” Przekora“I encountered Jesus in an intimate way during Eucharistic Adoration towards the end of high school. From then on, the idea of becoming a priest was always on my heart. After graduation, I pursued a degree and career in retail management, but in 2015 became an unexpected caregiver of my father. This taught me how lifegiving it is to pour oneself out for another, which is what the priesthood is – being a caregiver for souls. God used this experience to intensify the call He put on my heart, and I began seminary formation in 2022. One of the biggest fears I had was leaving my career, but I knew once I dove off the diving board, God would be there to catch me. “I’m now heading into my second year at Sacred Heart School of Theology, and when I think of being able to offer God’s divine life through the sacraments to others as a priest, it is such a gift. I want to say thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Your nancial support and prayers really made this possible. I likely would have had to delay pursuing the priesthood because the cost is so great, but I was able to dive in knowing the nancial aspect would be covered. This was a huge relief and allowed me to concentrate totally on formation, prayer, and my studies. The support is tremendously freeing.”• 36 years old • 2nd year of formation• Home parishes: St. Luke, Bellaire & Holy Spirit, Highland Township27 years old | 5th year of formation | Home parish: Holy Rosary, Cedar “When I was seven, my mother read me a story of Saint Francis of Assisi. His story clicked with me, and I felt a calling to the priesthood from then on. After high school, I studied in France and had some great life experiences that drew me back to the priesthood. I’ve now nished four years at the Pontical College Josephinum and am heading into my nal four years of formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. “I’ve grown closer to the Lord through this journey, and it’s been encouraging to hear friends say I’ve become a better version of myself thanks to my formation. A powerful takeaway from my studies is that we, the Church, are the last defenders of Truth. Our culture is in chaos, and the world needs God’s grace. As a priest, I look forward to bringing the light of Christ through the Mass and sacraments. I know many people are supporting me and my brothers, through prayer and with donations, and I want to say thank you. We no longer worry about things like, ‘What happens when my car breaks down?’ or ‘What happens if I have a medical emergency?’ Having people praying and supporting us takes this burden away. Although I’m humbled and feel unworthy to accept it, I’m so grateful for your support and prayers.”Christopher “Jake” BelangerJohn Mawby“I was raised in a devout Catholic family and attended Catholic school growing up. After graduating high school, I attended college and recently received my degree in mechanical engineering and manufacturing. Despite my strong faith and upbringing, I never had a personal conviction of why I was Catholic or a real sense of purpose. During college, I realized I need to pray more and take my faith more seriously. During a particularly hard time, my mom encouraged me to pray the Rosary in solitude. While I prayed, I strongly felt God calling me to become a priest. This was a surreal experience, but I had such condence in this calling that I’m now taking the rst step and attending seminary this year. “I’m excited to bring Christ to others as a priest, to be a witness that there is something bigger to live for—to be a warrior for Christ. Your prayers and support have helped me answer this call. Without the nancial support I’ve received, I would not have been able to attend seminary this year but would have needed to pursue full-time work to pay off my undergraduate debts. Your generosity has had a signicant impact on my life, and I am so grateful.”• 23 years old • 1st year of formation• Home parish: Holy Rosary, CedarAndrew Feister“When my brother passed away in an auto accident in 2006, I was left pondering the purpose of life. A few months later at my rst retreat, I felt so much peace and that God may be calling me to the priesthood. Several years later, through many hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I discerned that God was calling me to serve my home diocese. I am excited to be ordained a priest and bring the hope of Christ to others. “My three years of formation at the Pontical College Josephinum have changed me at an interior level—my relationship with the Lord has deepened, I’ve become more disciplined, and I see others in a new light. This experience has been such a gift, one that would not have been possible without the support of so many. Every time I’ve struggled or been concerned about nances, God has provided through generous donors. This has enabled me to continue my formation, even after an auto accident in 2020 left me with unexpected medical bills that could easily have changed my course. I see this support as Divine Providence. I am grateful that God is paving the way for me to share His joy and love with a world in need through the priesthood.”• 30 years old • 4th year of formation• Home parishes: St. Ann, Cadillac & St. Stephen, Lake City David Witkowski“For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt the steady, quiet call to be a priest. Seeing my priest’s reverence and devotion for the Eucharist and sacraments helped me understand their importance, and I too want to give those gifts to others. Even though I’ve just nished my rst year of studies at Saint John Vianney College Seminary, I’ve already experienced a deeper relationship with the Lord and am learning to listen to His voice. “It is incredibly humbling knowing there are so many people supporting my journey through prayer and nancial support. I want to say thank you. You will never know how much you’ve helped me. Without you, my journey would look very different. I wouldn’t have been able to enter seminary when I did. Thanks to you, I’m able to focus on giving myself fully to the Lord and not worry about the nancial aspect, which is signicant. Know that I am thankful for you and praying for you.”• 19 years old • 2nd year of formation• Home parish: Holy Rosary, CedarGet to know your seminarians Jesus tells us to pray to the master of the harvest to send laborers for his harvest. As you get to know our five seminarians of the Diocese of Gaylord who will be in formation during the 2023-24 year, please pray for their continued discernment and that God will send us even more laborers for the harvest in the months ahead.
Gerald “Jerry” Przekora“I encountered Jesus in an intimate way during Eucharistic Adoration towards the end of high school. From then on, the idea of becoming a priest was always on my heart. After graduation, I pursued a degree and career in retail management, but in 2015 became an unexpected caregiver of my father. This taught me how lifegiving it is to pour oneself out for another, which is what the priesthood is – being a caregiver for souls. God used this experience to intensify the call He put on my heart, and I began seminary formation in 2022. One of the biggest fears I had was leaving my career, but I knew once I dove off the diving board, God would be there to catch me. “I’m now heading into my second year at Sacred Heart School of Theology, and when I think of being able to offer God’s divine life through the sacraments to others as a priest, it is such a gift. I want to say thank you to all who have supported me in this journey. Your nancial support and prayers really made this possible. I likely would have had to delay pursuing the priesthood because the cost is so great, but I was able to dive in knowing the nancial aspect would be covered. This was a huge relief and allowed me to concentrate totally on formation, prayer, and my studies. The support is tremendously freeing.”• 36 years old • 2nd year of formation• Home parishes: St. Luke, Bellaire & Holy Spirit, Highland Township27 years old | 5th year of formation | Home parish: Holy Rosary, Cedar “When I was seven, my mother read me a story of Saint Francis of Assisi. His story clicked with me, and I felt a calling to the priesthood from then on. After high school, I studied in France and had some great life experiences that drew me back to the priesthood. I’ve now nished four years at the Pontical College Josephinum and am heading into my nal four years of formation at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. “I’ve grown closer to the Lord through this journey, and it’s been encouraging to hear friends say I’ve become a better version of myself thanks to my formation. A powerful takeaway from my studies is that we, the Church, are the last defenders of Truth. Our culture is in chaos, and the world needs God’s grace. As a priest, I look forward to bringing the light of Christ through the Mass and sacraments. I know many people are supporting me and my brothers, through prayer and with donations, and I want to say thank you. We no longer worry about things like, ‘What happens when my car breaks down?’ or ‘What happens if I have a medical emergency?’ Having people praying and supporting us takes this burden away. Although I’m humbled and feel unworthy to accept it, I’m so grateful for your support and prayers.”Christopher “Jake” BelangerJohn Mawby“I was raised in a devout Catholic family and attended Catholic school growing up. After graduating high school, I attended college and recently received my degree in mechanical engineering and manufacturing. Despite my strong faith and upbringing, I never had a personal conviction of why I was Catholic or a real sense of purpose. During college, I realized I need to pray more and take my faith more seriously. During a particularly hard time, my mom encouraged me to pray the Rosary in solitude. While I prayed, I strongly felt God calling me to become a priest. This was a surreal experience, but I had such condence in this calling that I’m now taking the rst step and attending seminary this year. “I’m excited to bring Christ to others as a priest, to be a witness that there is something bigger to live for—to be a warrior for Christ. Your prayers and support have helped me answer this call. Without the nancial support I’ve received, I would not have been able to attend seminary this year but would have needed to pursue full-time work to pay off my undergraduate debts. Your generosity has had a signicant impact on my life, and I am so grateful.”• 23 years old • 1st year of formation• Home parish: Holy Rosary, CedarAndrew Feister“When my brother passed away in an auto accident in 2006, I was left pondering the purpose of life. A few months later at my rst retreat, I felt so much peace and that God may be calling me to the priesthood. Several years later, through many hours in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I discerned that God was calling me to serve my home diocese. I am excited to be ordained a priest and bring the hope of Christ to others. “My three years of formation at the Pontical College Josephinum have changed me at an interior level—my relationship with the Lord has deepened, I’ve become more disciplined, and I see others in a new light. This experience has been such a gift, one that would not have been possible without the support of so many. Every time I’ve struggled or been concerned about nances, God has provided through generous donors. This has enabled me to continue my formation, even after an auto accident in 2020 left me with unexpected medical bills that could easily have changed my course. I see this support as Divine Providence. I am grateful that God is paving the way for me to share His joy and love with a world in need through the priesthood.”• 30 years old • 4th year of formation• Home parishes: St. Ann, Cadillac & St. Stephen, Lake City David Witkowski“For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt the steady, quiet call to be a priest. Seeing my priest’s reverence and devotion for the Eucharist and sacraments helped me understand their importance, and I too want to give those gifts to others. Even though I’ve just nished my rst year of studies at Saint John Vianney College Seminary, I’ve already experienced a deeper relationship with the Lord and am learning to listen to His voice. “It is incredibly humbling knowing there are so many people supporting my journey through prayer and nancial support. I want to say thank you. You will never know how much you’ve helped me. Without you, my journey would look very different. I wouldn’t have been able to enter seminary when I did. Thanks to you, I’m able to focus on giving myself fully to the Lord and not worry about the nancial aspect, which is signicant. Know that I am thankful for you and praying for you.”• 19 years old • 2nd year of formation• Home parish: Holy Rosary, CedarGet to know your seminarians Jesus tells us to pray to the master of the harvest to send laborers for his harvest. As you get to know our five seminarians of the Diocese of Gaylord who will be in formation during the 2023-24 year, please pray for their continued discernment and that God will send us even more laborers for the harvest in the months ahead.
Laborersfor theHarvest“e harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.”~ Matthew 9:37-38Seminarian Education Fund Diocese of Gaylord 20232 EASY WAYS TO GIVEto the 2023 Seminarian Education Fund:MAILDiocese of Gaylord Office of Development611 W North St., Gaylord, MI 49735SECURE ONLINEDioceseof Gaylord.org/SeminarianFundTo learn more about the Seminarian Education Fund and the St. Monica & St. Andrew Society, scan the QR code:For questions or to give by phone: 989-705-3556Diocese of Gaylord, Oce of Development 611 West North St., Gaylord, MI 49735In 2012, Archbishop Bernard Hebda initiated the Seminarian Collection in the Diocese of Gaylord to nancially assist seminarians with their tuition and expenses throughout the formation process. A seminarian’s journey is very demanding, as he must complete six to eight years of study and formation, earning a bachelor’s in philosophy and a master’s in theology. The cost of this education today for each seminarian is upwards of $40,000 per year. Without prayerful and nancial support from our Catholic community, many seminarians would be unable to pursue their vocation. However, thanks to the generosity of parishioners, the diocese helps cover the cost of our seminarians’ tuition, room and board, health insurance and other formation expenses. Contributions to the Seminarian Education Fund over these past 11 years have been essential for funding the education of more than 25% of the active priests in our diocese — since establishing this collection, 14 priests have received nancial assistance and been ordained. This year, the Diocese of Gaylord will have ve men in formation. Get to know them by reading more inside this brochure and by visiting our website to watch a video of our seminarians:About the Seminarian Education Fund Dioceseof Gaylord.org/SeminarianFund