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

Members of the Saint Serra Club met with the Archdiocese of Louisville’s new seminarians and those already in formation for the priesthood on August 9. The club, dedicated to fostering vocations, hosted its annual luncheon for seminarians at the Archdiocesan Pastoral Center.

Currently, the archdiocese has 19 seminarians in various stages of formation. Another candidate is awaiting a visa to travel to the U.S. Six of these men are new this year and will begin their studies this fall after completing a 12-month preparatory period known as the “propaedeutic stage,” which focuses on prayer and reviewing church teachings.

During the luncheon, seminarians shared their summer experiences with club members and Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre. Most served in parishes and remained busy over the break.

Deacon Cole McDowell mentioned that he had baptized several infants since his ordination to the transitional diaconate by Archbishop Fabre in April. He serves at Ascension Church.

Evrard Muhoza, in his seventh year of formation at St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology, discussed his role as a chaplain at Norton Hospital. Muhoza said he spent time talking to patients, offering comfort during difficult moments, sharing lighter moments with them, and providing emotional and spiritual support to families who lost loved ones. He described the ministry as challenging but fulfilling.

Archbishop Shelton J. Fabre addressed those present during the luncheon, noting that he celebrated 35 years of priesthood on August 5—a time of "great reflection" for him. He expressed gratitude towards Saint Serra Club members: “I’m delighted and deeply grateful for what the Serrans do.” The archbishop emphasized that creating a culture of vocation requires intentionality and effort.

He highlighted renewed efforts within the archdiocese to help men listen to God’s call, stating that these efforts are yielding positive results. Archbishop Fabre also thanked Father Martin Linebach, vicar for vocations and director of the Vocation Office, urging everyone present to continue praying for vocations.

Father Linebach noted that seminarians recently returned from Bethany Retreat House operated by Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia in Tennessee. As they prepared for a new school year, Father Linebach encouraged them by acknowledging both challenges and blessings associated with seminary formation.

“Seminary formation has certain challenges," he told them, "but the blessings are far more.”