GREENVILLE — Last year, 15 scholarships were awarded to men in the community who are studying to be Catholic priests. The North Deaneries Seminarian Fund of the Darke County Foundation supported every seminarian from the Sidney and St. Marys deaneries of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.
In thanking donors, seminarians made the following remarks:
• “I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous support of the seminarians of the northern deaneries. This makes a big impact on me and helps in reducing the need for loans. I cannot express enough my gratitude for your support in my journey as a seminarian.”
• “I tell people often that without the support of our parishes, communities and friends, the priesthood would be a very hard road. We need financial support, yes; but what we need the most is prayers to be good and holy men of God.”
• “I want to affirm the Foundation’s commitment to supporting local vocations in finance and prayer. It is with these forms of support that young people like myself can freely discern God’s will with the full encouragement of our home communities. I feel confirmed in discerning a ‘heroic priesthood’ when surrounded by so many Catholics committed to the mission Christ sent all of us on.”
• “I am eternally grateful for the generosity of God’s children. The Lord has heard your cry for more priestly vocations. Your financial and spiritual support for seminarians will yield a bountiful harvest.”
• “Because of your generosity, I am able to pursue my studies and discernment without fretting over my financial situation. Thank you for your love of Christ’s Church.”
The scholarship fund was established in 2013 by Melvin and Mary Ann Stucke, of Versailles, and the fund grew with additional donations from the community. The Stuckes have committed to match any 2015 donation up to $300. One hundred percent of donations go directly into the Seminarian Fund.
Melvin emphasized that most seminarians incur tuition and living expenses aside from any financial assistance provided by the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Undergraduate students in college seminaries receive limited assistance from the archdiocese.
“We invite the community to join us in this effort to reinforce young men in their priestly studies,” said Melvin. “We feel that through the encouragement and prayer of so many supporters, the number of Catholic priests will continue to increase.”
The North Deaneries Seminarian Fund will award scholarships again this year at the annual Serra Dinner for priests and seminarians in December.
Donors may make a tax-deductible donation to the fund by writing a check to the Darke County Foundation (memo: Seminarian Fund). Mail to: Darke County Foundation, P.O. Box 438, Greenville, OH 45331. For more information, contact Melvin Stucke at 937-526-3800.
