Our diocese has a program each year called Adopt a Seminarian. I adopted a seminarian who is going to Mount Angel in Oregon and have, per the program, prayed for him, sent him a letter 1-2 times a month, even sent him a DVD (bio of JP II the Great) for his birthday/Christmas. Here's the question:

I enter the PCPA on April 23rd so I won't be able to do anything for him in May, which is the last month of the school year. Not a big deal in and of itself. However, all throughout the year, I've tried to write him, via email and regular mail and he's not answered me, except once to say he is sorry and he should write more, but never answering any of my questions to him, the main one being, what sort of stores/restaurants are near you so I can send a gift card? I have tried to google the area, but can't come up with much. It is encouraged to once or twice during the year, send the seminarians something pretty small, maybe worth $10. I wanted to send a gift card, or something. I'm not sure what to give him. He's an older vocation, in his 40s so I 'm gathering he probably has a little more funds than someone who's in their early 20s. That's just an assumption though.

I don't know what books he has. ..like the Imitation of Christ, or what. . .so I don't know what to give him regarding that. I'm wondering, should I buy him a good book like that anyway, and if he already has it, then no big deal, he can give it away or if he really reads that book a lot, then his is probably worn so he could use a new one?

I know, I'm too much of a thinker, most people who just buy something already and get over it. But I'd like your assistance, especially those who have been in my shoes, with a seminarian relative, friend, or perhaps you ARE a seminarian and would like to comment?

Thank you.

God bless you,

Denise

i think you could just offer something special up for him and then tell him that you did something.

That can be important enough.

If they are like seminarians here, it isn't about the money. Just knowing that people are praying is much better.

you are quite right. I have already shared with him that he will be remembered in the all the prayers of the sisters when I enter. But I was just hoping to send something, in addition, before I leave.

God bless you,

Denise

I agree.... offer a Novena for him, or elect to say a rosary weekly for him or something prayerful. Prayer is the greatest act of love and it glorifies God.

Gifts are great once in a while, but he may feel that he needs to constantly write if you are always sending him gifts. Life in a seminary is very, very busy. I have two friends one is a first year and one is a third year, and the studies are intense, as well as the prayer life. They barely have enough time for themselves for recreation. Right now they are having finals. So he may really be consumed with his studies.

Hope I helped.
Peace and all good!
Lauren

Thanks Lauren,

You know, I have shared with him that I am constantly praying for him. I have at this point only sent him one gift, that DVD. It was 'suggested' by those who run the program that we send a GC or something small, every month. I could never get a response from him, so I haven't sent anything, but prayers. Actually I don't think he'd feel the need to write. I'm not expecting a response or a thank you, so please don't think that's what I'm saying. ..but he hasn't even acknowledged the gift I sent him back in December. I haven't asked him if he even got it, because I don't want him to think I'm begging for gratitude. So, I continue to pray and hope that he knows he's being prayed for.

Thanks for the suggestion.

Denise

As a seminarian I would like to thank you for your support of vocations. Even as you must be incredibly busy preparing for your own entrance into religious life, you continue to think of others. God bless you.

Every seminarian I know, including myself, loves books. A gift certificate to amazon.com would be a great gift as he doesn't have to be near a bookstore to use it.

Also, I would like to echo what others have said. Seminary is a consuming environment. Its meant to be. You have little time for a life of your own, and even less to keep in contact with others outside these walls. We do pray for all of our supporters regularly.

Again, God bless you.

peace...

Thank you for your response. I will get him a gift card for books. God bless you.
Yes, I suspect, I will not hear from him again, my seminarian, but I will continue to pray for him.

Thank you again. I will pray for you.

Yours in Christ,
Denise