A Special Day of Celebration

Students, faculty, and staff at Sacred Heart Major Seminary had three reasons to celebrate on December 8. Not only was it the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception and the patronal feast day of Sacred Heart, but this year, December 8, was designated as Giving Heart Day—the annual giving day created to raise funds for the seminarians and lay students of Sacred Heart. Students, faculty, and staff helped raise close to $30,000—all in just a few weeks.

The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception—the day the Church honors Mary as being conceived in the womb of her mother, free of Original Sin—is Sacred Heart’s patronal feast day. One reason this day was chosen was to continually point out the intercessory role that Mary, the Mediatrix of All Graces, plays in the life of every seminarian. Another important—and more practical reason—is because the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus falls in June after spring term has ended and the seminarians have dispersed for the summer.

Keeping with tradition, the Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron, archbishop of Detroit, met with Sacred Heart's seminarians for a conference in the early morning. Following the conference, he joined staff and seminarians to celebrate solemn Mass in the main chapel. During his homily, Archbishop Vigneron spoke about the importance of Mary’s role in God’s salvific plan.

 “[Mary] is the one who was and remains forever transformed by God’s free gift of his love and action,” Archbishop Vigneron explained. “Made a mother by God’s free choice—to which she cooperates—beyond all expectation God acts and God acts to save. [He] continues to act unexpectedly. He chose you to be his servants, unworthy as you are, and fill you with grace in order to accomplish his will.” Following Mass, Archbishop Vigneron, along with Sacred Heart's faculty and staff, joined the men for a luncheon in the seminary gymnasium.   

Further building upon the joyful celebration of the day, December 8 also marked the culmination of Sacred Heart’s Giving Heart Day campaign. Giving Heart Day is an opportunity for Sacred Heart students, faculty, and staff to support The Fishermen’s Fund, a scholarship fund that provides tuition assistance to undergraduate seminarians and lay students.

The goal this year was to raise $10,000 in funds. Msgr. Todd Lajiness, rector and president of Sacred Heart, encouraged students, faculty, and staff to join in Giving Heart Day by either donating online or inviting their family and friends to make a gift. Supporters were encouraged to give whatever they could, no amount was considered too small. The response was awe-inspiring.

In just a few weeks, Sacred Heart supporters helped raise over $14,000 in funds.  Through the generosity of a supporter of Sacred Heart, every gift made was matched dollar-for-dollar, bringing the total to almost $30,000.

Funds raised for the Fishermen’s Fund play a vital role in preparing men for the ministerial priesthood and permanent diaconate and also helps prepare women and men for various forms of ministry in the Church. The Fishermen’s Fund gives invaluable assistance by ensuring that no vocation—no calling from Christ—is hindered due to financial need. 

Sacred Heart is deeply grateful for the generosity of all those who continue to support the mission of our seminary. Thank you for the spiritual support provided through the many prayers offered. 

To learn more about Giving Heart Day, or to make a gift to The Fishermen's Fund, please visit: shms.edu/givingheartday