Target My Donation
Priests & Seminarians
"I will appoint for you shepherds after my own heart, who will shepherd you wisely and prudently."
– JEREMIAH 3:15
Priest & Semiarian Funds
Target your donation to support the priests and seminarians of the Diocese of Lafayette.
Seminarian Endowment & Burses
Supporting Future Shepherds
The Diocese of Lafayette is blessed with men answering God’s call to the priesthood. However, the financial burden of seminary education is significant. The Seminarian Endowment & Burses within it ensure that financial concerns never stand in the way of a vocation.
Together, we can sustain Catholic causes for generations to come.
"Seminary formation was like medical school, but for the soul. This education and formation would not have been possible without the generosity of burse donors."
— Fr. Connor Poirrier
What is the Seminarian Endowment & Burses?
A seminarian burse is a named fund within the Seminarian Endowment that supports the education of future priests. The term burse comes from the Latin word for "purse,” symbolizing a dedicated fund that continually provides for seminarian education.
Burses are named in honor or memory of individuals, families, or organizations. The principal is invested, and only the interest generated is used to support seminarians, ensuring a Forever Faithful legacy. Once a burse reaches completion, it is closed to future contributions and continues generating funds in perpetuity.
Why Support the Seminarian Endowment & Burses?
- Fulfilling Christ’s Call — Your generosity helps provide the Church with future priests to administer the sacraments and shepherd the faithful.
- Perpetual Impact — Burse donations remain intact forever, with only the investment earnings used to support seminarians.
- Building the Future of the Church
—
Supporting seminarians ensures that future generations have access to faithful Catholic leadership.
How it Works
Establishing a New Burse
A new burse can be established with an initial gift of $1,000. Once the burse reaches $15,000 (Founders’ Burse) or $36,000 (Shepherd’s Burse), it becomes perpetual, with the principal preserved and earnings used to support seminarians.
To start a burse, contact the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana at 337-261-5642 or mtrahan@CLFAinc.org.
Contribute to an Existing Burse
You may also contribute to an incomplete burse or support the St. John Vianney Perpetual Burse, which remains open indefinitely.
Founders’ Burses – Established before 2021, these burses honor the foresight of Bishop Jules Jeanmard and Reverend Monsignor John Vigliero. They are considered complete at $15,000, the cost of seminary formation in 1919. More than 100 Founders’ Burses remain incomplete and are open to donations of any amount.
Shepherd’s Burses – Introduced in 2021 to reflect the increasing cost of seminary education, these burses reach completion at $36,000, which covers one year of seminary tuition and expenses.
St. John Vianney Perpetual Burse – Established in 2021 and named after St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests, this perpetual burse supports seminarian education for generations to come. The St. John Vianney Perpetual Burse burse serves as a perpetual safety net for the future, ensuring seminarian education remains supported as costs continue to rise. Contributions of any amount are welcome indefinitely.
Planned Giving & Memorial Gifts
Planned Giving – A burse can be funded through a will, charitable gift annuity, IRA beneficiary designation, or other planned giving vehicle.
Memorial & Honorary Giving – Honor a loved one by establishing or contributing to a burse in their name, ensuring their legacy supports priestly vocations for generations.
Examples in Action
- A family contributes to the St. John Vianney Burse providing perpetual support for seminarians.
- A parish community raises funds to establish a new Shepherd’s Burse named in honor of their beloved pastor.
- An individual includes a Founders’ Burse in her name in her estate plan, leaving a legacy of faith and generosity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does a burse work?
A seminarian burse is a perpetual fund where the principal remains intact, and only the annual earnings are used to support seminarian education, ensuring long-term impact.
How much is required to establish a burse?
A new burse can be created with an initial gift of $1,000. It becomes perpetual once it reaches $15,000 (Founders’) or $36,000 (Shepherd’s).
Can I contribute to an incomplete burse?
Yes! Donations of any amount are welcome and help an unfinished burse reach its perpetual status
Can a burse be named in honor or memory of someone?
Absolutely. Naming a burse after a loved one, parish, school, or faith-based organization is a meaningful way to create a lasting legacy of faith and support.
Are burse contributions tax-deductible?
Yes, donations to burses are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Consult your tax advisor for guidance.
Can I include a burse in my estate plans?
Yes. A planned gift allows you to support future seminarians through your will, trust, or other estate plans.
Who can establish a burse?
Anyone—individuals, families, parishes, schools, or organizations—can create a named burse.
Can I donate to an existing burse?
Yes, contributions of any amount are accepted to help complete an unfinished burse or grow the St. John Vianney Perpetual Burse, which remains open to ongoing contributions.
What happens when a burse is completed?
Once a burse reaches $15,000 (Founders’) or $36,000 (Shepherd’s), it is closed to future contributions and remains a perpetual source of seminarian support.
What are the tax benefits of supporting a burse?
Burse contributions may qualify for tax deductions and offer additional financial planning benefits. Consult your financial advisor for details.
How do I start a new burse?
To establish a burse, contact the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana at 337-261-5642 or mtrahan@CLFAinc.org.
Together, we build a Forever Faithful Church.
At the Catholic Legacy Foundation of Acadiana, we are committed to stewardship, sustainability, and service.
By supporting our priests and seminarians, we ensure that Catholic ministries, parishes, and schools are forever faithful. Join us in making a lasting impact—because your faith, generosity, and vision can shape the future of the Church.
Start Your Legacy Today
Are you ready to make a gift towards our priests and seminarians? We can help!
Phone (337) 261-5642 | Email mtrahan@CLFAinc.org | Contact Us