Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Father Michael Martin, a priest in the Archdiocese of Louisville, credits the Catholic Services Appeal (CSA) for providing him with the opportunity to complete his seminary education. The CSA's seminarian education fund covers the cost of seminary education, which can be as high as $60,000 annually.

Father Martin shared his experience, saying, "The Office of Vocations told me right off the bat... 'You're going to study at Sacred Heart (Seminary) but we're going to cover it.' The CSA and the seminarian fund are really building the future of the church because without those funds, we do not have the priests."

Father Martin's journey to priesthood began at a young age, and after working in healthcare and music, he finally answered the call to join the priesthood at the age of 52. He completed his master's in divinity at Sacred Heart Seminary and was ordained in 2017. Now serving as the pastor of two parishes, he encourages his parishioners to support the CSA and the seminarian fund.

"It's so vital for people to understand that their dollars are truly making a difference," Father Martin emphasized. "The support from the archdiocese and the Serra Club, as well as the people, was so special during my time in seminary."

The need for seminary education funding is growing, as the archdiocese currently has 16 seminarians in formation for the priesthood, up from 11 the previous year. Molly Keene Smith, the director of the Archdiocese of Louisville's Mission Advancement Office, highlighted the financial challenge, stating, "The budget this year for seminarians is a million dollars. It's a good problem to have, but without CSA, that won't happen."

To help meet the need, an anonymous donor has created a matching grant of up to $75,000 for seminary education. Individuals who wish to contribute to the Catholic Services Appeal can visit the website of the Archdiocese of Louisville.

Father Martin expressed his gratitude for the support he received and acknowledged that without the seminarian fund, the church would not have the priests it needs. He urged people to consider the impact of their donations, stating, "Without that fund, probably we wouldn't have the priests we have."

The CSA's commitment to providing financial assistance for seminary education is crucial in ensuring the future of the church and the formation of holy men in priesthood.