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This fall, the Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) surpassed $100 million in financial support to men and women discerning vocations to the priesthood and religious life. This milestone comes at a timely moment — Nov. 3-9 is National Vocation Awareness Week in the U.S., when Catholics are urged to consider how they can encourage and support religious vocations in their families, parishes and communities.
Through RSVP, councils who donate $500 toward a seminarian or postulant’s expenses are refunded $100 by the Supreme Council.
While RSVP is a longstanding Knights of Columbus program, council leaders and members are sometimes still surprised to learn some details about it:
- Support through RSVP is open to both men and women
- RSVP isn’t limited to financial support. Councils are expected to foster a personal connection to the seminarian or postulant as well, whether by sending mail, offering prayers for their discernment, inviting them to council events or more.
- The recipient of RSVP funds does not need to attend the council’s parish.
- More than one council can sponsor a seminarian/postulant.
If your council is already participating in RSVP, thank you for your part in this crucial initiative! Last year alone, more than 2,700 local councils donated $4.1 million, an all-time high since the program began.
If you haven’t been involved in RSVP, this is a great time to start. Read this guide sheet and contact your State Vocations Chairman to find a seminarian or religious postulant to support!
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