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• Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

  My name is Fr. Jeff Eirvin and I serve as the Director of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Portland in Oregon. In this role, I promote vocations to the priesthood and religious life throughout the Archdiocese while assisting in the formation of our seminarians studying at five different locations around the world. I am privileged to accompany these men as they deepen their desire to serve our local Catholic Church as priests of Jesus Christ.
  
  The last twelve months have been some of the most challenging yet rewarding times to serve as a vocations director in the Catholic Church. Honestly, I am amazed that we accepted 9 new seminarians this year alone. It reminds me that Jesus is in charge of His Church. Jesus is still calling men to the priesthood and they need our support now more than ever! As Director of Vocations, I have a front row seat to witnessing this call. In my experience, an authentic call is never self-centered; rather, it is always founded on the desire to serve others. Pope Francis echoes this reality as he teaches us that “spiritual accompaniment must lead others ever closer to God” (Evangelii Gaudium, 170). The “call” is simply to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ to a world in great need of the Father’s love.
  
  Will you consider a gift to the Seminarian Appeal for the Archdiocese of Portland? 100% of your gift to this Appeal will go to recruiting, educating, and forming men for the priesthood for service in parishes and other apostolates here in western Oregon.
  
  Thank you for your prayerful consideration. Education and formation expenses alone can cost up to $50,000 annually for one seminarian. On average, seminarians attend seminary for 6 years and can study for up to 10—or $500,000. I know this is a lot, but it is an investment in the future of the local Catholic Church.
  
  I look forward to working closer with you as we ensure the future of the local Catholic Church through vocations.
  
  Sincerely yours in Christ,

  

  
  
  
  
  Rev. Jeffrey M. Eirvin
  Director of Vocations

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