Seminarian Endowment
Priests are essential to our Catholic faith. Only these holy men can consecrate the Eucharist, transforming bread and wine into the life-giving Body and Blood of Christ.
Legal Name: Diocese of Joliet Seminarian Education Endowment Trust
Federal Tax ID Number: 81-6714615
The Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA) has long been a blessing for our diocese, especially in supporting the formation of future priests. Building on this strong foundation, we are also called to strengthen other vital ministries — faith formation, Catholic education, and Catholic Charities. The Seminarian Education Endowment Trust provides a permanent source of support to ensure that seminarians always receive the formation they need. At the same time, the CMAA allows donors to continue uplifting Catholic ministries across our diocese. Together, these efforts build a lasting legacy of faith and hope for generations to come.
Please click here to make a secure donation to the Seminarian Endowment Campaign
Frequently Asked Questions
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The Church's priest shortage is the result of decades of decreasing vocations. Our diocese has been blessed with an increasing number of men discerning a vocation to the priesthood. The Catholic Ministries Annual Appeal (CMAA) has traditionally provided funding for their formation, but the increase in seminarians combined with rising educational costs has meant that other important ministries of the diocese receive less support than they need.
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An endowment fund consists of financial assets earmarked for a specific purpose and invested to support that purpose in perpetuity. Funds are invested to create spendable income while achieving long-term appreciation of capital.
Gifts are being directed to a newly created endowed fund: the Diocese of Joliet Seminarian Education Endowment Trust. This legally distinct 501(c)(3) trust is separate and distinct from other diocesan funds or operations.
Legal Name: Diocese of Joliet Seminarian Education Endowment Trust
Federal Tax ID Number: 81-6714615 -
Many people like to leave a gift to the Seminarian Education Endowment Trust in their will because vocations and priestly formation is an important ministry in their life. Find sample language and make your charitable gift to the Diocese of Joliet Seminarian Education Endowment Trust.
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The diocese accepts publicly traded securities as payments on pledges to the Seminarian Education Endowment Trust, as well as deferred gifts.
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You will receive an acknowledgement of your gift for tax purposes. In addition, please consult with tax and financial experts.
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We are asking for everyone to pray for more men to hear the Lord’s call to discern a vocation to the priesthood.
