Support My Formation Beyond the Seminary

My name is Roman Mayard (pronounced “My-yah”).  I am from Erath, Louisiana, and I am a seminarian for the Diocese of Lafayette.

During my first year of seminary, I have realized just how blessed I am to have the opportunity to pursue this journey to the priesthood.  We have this phenomenon in the seminary known as the “Seminarian Time Warp.”  The days are sometimes long, but the weeks are short because of how active and fun seminary life is.  I have only known these guys for a few months, however, they already feel like brothers.  On top of all of that, God is quickly doing so much work within me that I feel like I can’t even keep up!  I pray that the Holy Spirit stirs up generosity within the people of God, so that me and my seminarian brothers may be formed into the men God needs for his kingdom.

While the Diocese of Lafayette covers the essential seminary tuition, my full formation requires much more. I and my brother seminarians need experiences that forge our faith, test our resolve, and deepen our capacity to serve the People of God.

Vital foundational experiences require extra funding:

• Annual 5-Day Retreats: Not just a break, but a necessary spiritual crucible. This time is dedicated to profound, silent encounter with Christ, allowing the Holy Spirit to burn away distractions and anchor their vocation in unwavering faith. This discipline forms the unshakeable core of a holy, prayerful priest. Every seminarian, each year goes on retreat.  Retreats cost $1,000 per seminarian.
• COR Ministry Excursions: Twelve days away from comfort, this is where resolve is tested and a missionary heart is forged. In the wilderness, they learn to rely on God and each other, preparing them for the harsh realities and extraordinary demands of ministering to souls. You are helping to build priests who are courageous, adaptable, and ready to go where they are needed.  These run $3,400 per seminarian.

• Studies Abroad & Spanish Immersion: Equip our future priests to effectively serve our increasingly diverse Catholic community. These experiences foster cultural competency and language skills, ensuring they can welcome and minister to all the faithful with understanding and compassion.  These formation experiences average $5,000 per seminarian.