New Seminarians Welcomed!

The Diocese of Grand Rapids welcomes six new seminarians: Luke Cunningham will begin his formation at Mundelein Seminary. Noah Abram, Ben Flickinger, Dawson Morrisey, Niko Patterson and Nicholas Whitmer will all attend Saint John Vianney College Seminary.

This brings the diocese’s total number of seminarians to 24 for the upcoming 2025-2026 academic year. Each of the men above will begin their formation in the Propaedeutic stage. Taken from the Greek “pro” (before) + “paideuein” (to teach), the propaedeutic refers to an introductory period of preparation.

Please remember that seminary formation is a time of focused discernment. This may lead to ordination for the priesthood while for others it will reveal God’s plan for their lives in another way. Praise God for our new seminarians and thank you all for your help in encouraging priestly vocations in the Diocese of Grand Rapids!