"Jesus will always need men to bring Him to the people."
Dear Friends,
The words above, from a former parish priest of mine, have never left my heart.
Originally from Essex, Maryland, I am a second-year seminarian in the Archdiocese of Baltimore and have just begun my philosophy studies at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg. Before entering Seminary, I studied mechanical engineering at the University of Maryland. It was during these years of college that my faith began to grow, that a desire to serve flourished in me, and that I discovered a deep love for our brothers and sisters most in need.
While I’ve always had a heart for service, I had never considered the priesthood until after a Saturday morning Mass five years ago when my parish priest found out I “loved Jesus.” He pulled out his priest’s collar and asked, “Do you want one of these?”
At first, I was petrified, and was sure I did not want one of those; but despite my polite refusal, his next words planted seeds in my heart that would soon take root: "Until He comes back and says we don’t need to anymore, Jesus will always need men to bring Him to the people." And over the years, through prayer and reflection, I found myself falling in love with Jesus—in the Eucharist, in the sacraments, in Mass, and in serving those most in need. The Lord drew me deeper into relationship with Himself, and the love, joy, and mercy I found in Him was like nothing I could have imagined.
Like many of my brother seminarians, my path has not been without its trials. From family struggles to financial hardships, there were moments when it felt as if everything had been stripped away; yet it was in those very moments that I met the living God, who showed me that through all things, His love would endure. He taught me that I could trust Him, and it was this love that opened my heart to the Lord’s plan for my life: a plan–and an invitation–to serve His Church and His people.
As I continue to discern how the Lord is calling me to serve our brothers and sisters facing poverty, I now also have the incredible opportunity to coordinate service projects with my brother seminarians throughout the Archdiocese to support those most in need. This is why I can't begin to put my gratitude for all of you into words; it's your prayers, your generosity and your support that are like the water that let our ministries, and our lives go forth to bear fruit.
The formation of seminarians like me is made possible through your support. Every prayer, every donation, and every sacrifice you offer helps to provide us with world-class instruction as we prepare to serve as priests of Jesus Christ. Your generosity enables us to answer God’s call, and for that, we are deeply grateful.
I invite you to join us in this mission. Your contribution to seminarian formation is more than just financial support—it is an investment in the future of our Church. With your help, we can continue to become the next generation of priests who will bring Jesus Christ to His people, especially those most in need.
Please consider making a gift today to support the formation of seminarians in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, by one of the methods offered below.
If you've already made a gift, thank you!
Together, we can bring Jesus Christ, in the fullness of His love, His hope, and His joy, to every single soul who so desperately needs Him.
With deepest gratitude and prayers,
Ryan Gerbes
Second-Year Seminarian
Archdiocese of Baltimore
B'more Vocations
https://www.archbalt.org/vocations-giving/
