The Seminarian Partnership Program is an annual donor-directed scholarship fund that directly benefits seminarians studying at five seminaries across the country. This fund allows individuals, parishes, and groups to contribute directly to the cost of formation for seminarians in the Diocese of Raleigh. Donor generosity has enabled these young men to grow in their intellectual and spiritual formation, ensuring a vibrant diocese in the years to come.
To help cover these costs, you can:
- Make a one-time gift.
- Make an annual or multi-year pledge of cash or stock to the Seminarian Partnership Program.
- Support an existing endowment.
- Remember the Diocese of Raleigh Vocations Program in your will.
Priesthood: Serving God's People
Sometimes, the greatest call comes when it's least expected. The weight of the call is real, but the joy of serving God's people is even greater. Video and story courtesy of the Diocese of Raleigh.
A Story of Faith and Love
My name is Dcn. Drew Navarro, and I am an ordained transitional deacon of the Diocese of Raleigh. I will be ordained a priest for the diocese in June 2026. The past six years of seminary formation have been one of the greatest gifts in my life. The seminary has allowed me to receive God’s love, discern his call, and prepare to be a priest after his own heart.
Born and raised in Raleigh, I did not think about priesthood too often growing up. I always had dreams and plans for myself. This was especially true when I began college. My goal was to earn admission to medical school and become a doctor. I worked hard in my undergraduate studies and began to build a resumé. During these years, I also fell in deeper love with the Lord and our Catholic faith. As my junior year began, a friend invited me to attend the East Carolina University Newman Center. The experience of prayer and fellowship with other Catholic young adults simply changed me. I began to see just how much God loved me and desired to be with me.
From time to time, the idea of priesthood would stir up in my heart, but I would gently push the thought away. After all, other doors were opening. I was in a good relationship, and I had received admission to the medical school at the University of North Carolina. But even as I began medical school, the call to priesthood became stronger. Through the guidance of a good priest, a loving small group, and an experience of prayer with a patient, I found the courage to take a leave of absence from medical school and apply to seminary. The experience of seminary since has been a matter of letting myself be drawn forward and more deeply into God’s great love. Today, I give thanks to God and to the supporters of the Seminarian Partnership Program. Your generosity has made this gift of priestly formation possible and fruitful. It is my hope to soon be a devoted priest of Jesus Christ and this diocese, both of whom have loved me first (c.f. 1 John 4:19).
Sincerely in Christ,
Dcn. Drew Navarro
Average Annual Seminarian Education Costs
Be a Part of the Mission
The Seminarian Partnership Program was created to specifically fund the cost of formal education.
As we continue to be blessed by God’s grace through the Sacraments, we invite you to prayerfully consider the spiritual needs of future generations and to support them through the faithful sharing of your time, talent, and treasure.
To help cover these costs, you can:
- Make a onetime gift.
- Make an annual or multi-year pledge of cash or stock to the Seminarian Partnership Program.
- Support an existing endowment.
- Remember the Diocese of Raleigh Vocations Program in your will.
Consider this!
- Which planned gift is most appropriate?
- Which gift option matches your interests?
- Consult with The Foundation and your tax advisor for thoughtful guidance on these questions.
History of Vocations in the Diocese of Raleigh
The first native born priest from the Diocese of Raleigh was Servant of God, Thomas Frederick Price. He was ordained June 20, 1886. Since then, the diocese has ordained hundreds of priests.
Learn more about Vocations in the Diocese of Raleigh:
For more information on discerning to the priesthood, please visit ncpriest.org.
To see the impact of your giving, meet our seminarians.