As we head into summer, I’m continuing to review seminary applications. I’m happy to report we have nine seminarians lined up for this fall – up from six in recent years!
One of our newest is Joshua Statham from Richland, who attends St. Jude in Pearl. Josh entered the church while a student at Southern Miss and began seminary formation for the Diocese of Biloxi in 2023. He recently transferred to Jackson, completing his application earlier this month. I’ve known Josh for many years and appreciate the prayerful care he’s taken in making this decision. We’re glad to welcome him. Special thanks to Father Braxton Necaise, vocation director in Biloxi, and Bishop Kihneman for their help with the transfer.
Josh joins two others beginning formation this year. I previously introduced Eli McFadden from St. Paul in Flowood, and we have one more new seminarian I’ll be sharing more about soon. With several applications still pending, I’m hopeful we’ll have even more good news this summer. For now, at least nine young men will be in formation this fall – a hopeful sign of how the Lord is working in hearts across our diocese.
I was also encouraged by the incredible generosity of the Knights of Columbus at the state convention in April. Councils across the diocese donated more than $50,000 for seminary education. I gave them a standing ovation when they presented the check to Bishop Kopacz.
I’m also honored to give the invocation at the annual Luella & Floyd Q. Doolittle Golf Classic, sponsored by the St. Francis Madison Knights of Columbus. It will be held June 14 at Whisper Lake Country Club in Madison. Everyone is invited to sign up to play or sponsor. For info, contact Tunney Vandevender at (601) 622-4145 or tunneyv1@icloud.com. I wish I could play – but at least I can pray!
Our Spring Vocations Appeal is still underway. A second collection was taken on Mother’s Day weekend, and a mail appeal went out as well. If you haven’t yet contributed, there’s still time. Every dollar supports vocation promotion and the education of our seminarians – whose numbers, as you can see, are growing. I’m deeply grateful for your support. I know there are many worthy causes in the church, and I promise we are doing all we can to be faithful stewards of every gift.
Please keep praying – not just for more priests, but for holy priests.
Father Nick Adam, vocation director
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