The Antigonish Diocesan Society was established in 1942 through the collaboration of the Knights of Columbus and the various councils within our Diocese. Its founding purpose was to provide financial support to young men discerning and pursuing priestly studies. Over the years, the Society has assisted numerous seminarians, contributing thousands of dollars to help cover their educational expenses.
Our annual fundraising campaign for the Antigonish Diocesan Society is ongoing. Many parishes include a Society envelope in their regular church envelope boxes, and we are deeply grateful for the generosity of our donors. Your contributions are especially vital as the costs associated with priestly formation continue to rise.
A Message from Bishop Wayne Joseph Kirkpatrick
As St. John Paul II beautifully reminded us, “There can be no Eucharist without the priesthood, just as there can be no priesthood without the Eucharist.” (cf. Gift and Mystery, On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination, 1996, pp. 77-78). He emphasized that the Eucharist is the heart of a priest’s life and the “highest sacred function,” as priests act in persona Christi to bring about Christ’s real presence. Throughout his pontificate, especially in his annual Holy Thursday messages, he encouraged priests to find their identity and joy in celebrating the Eucharist.
Let us continue to pray earnestly for vocations to the priesthood, that many may answer God’s call and serve our community with faith and dedication.
Prayer for Vocations
Heavenly Father, bless your
Church with an abundance of holy
and zealous priests, deacons,
brothers and sisters. Give those
you have called to the married
state, and those you have chosen
to live as single persons in the
world, the special graces their
lives require. Form us all in the
likeness of your Son, so that in
Him, with Him, and through Him,
we may love You more deeply, and
serve You more faithfully, always
and forever. With Mary we ask
this through Christ our Lord.
Amen