Sentiments for Seminarians 2025
Knights of Columbus Council #6448 and St. Leonard's Christian Formation program are pleased to announce that they donated $4,525 in gift cards and 95 gift bags to St. Francis de Sales Seminary through their collection in November 2025. This beats the previous record value of $3,344 in 2024. We express our heart-filled gratitude to our entire faith community, as this collection was made possible by the generosity of St. Leonard parishioners and all other individuals who donated.
The annual Sentiments for Seminarians Collection seeks to help local seminarians supplement some of their basic needs with gift cards. Knights of Columbus Council #6448 explains, "Since seminarians don’t get paid, have no jobs or vacations, it’s often hard for them to obtain many simple, needed items and travel when and where they need to," (read more on the Knights of Columbus webpage).
Our Christian Formation students in grades 1-6 contributed to this initiative by assembling and donating the gift bags. First-year students decorated the bags, adding bright colors and cheerful holiday designs. Second-year students created thoughtful postcards with uplifting messages and prayers. Grades three, four and five crafted ornaments and Christmas magnets to bring warmth and joy to the recipients’ rooms and offices. Grade six designed inspirational bookmarks to accompany spiritual reading during the Advent and Christmas seasons. Additional snacks, treats, and the gift cards collected through the Sentiments for Seminarians collection were added to each bag. "It was a joyful Advent outreach project," said Lisa Jachimiec, Director of Child Formation and Safeguarding Coordinator.

On December 4 parishioners Dave and Barb Pronchinske delivered the gift cards and gift bags. They were greeted by Dcn. Nathan Budde (whom St. Leonard was an official teaching parish for) and Debbie, an employee of the seminary. "There was a great big smile from all," said Dave, "and lots of 'thank you’s.' They appreciate [St. Leonard] so much. It was a truly special and blessed day."
Please continue to pray for our seminarians and all discerning their vocation.












