A Burse is a fund established to provide the finances necessary to educate students for the priesthood. The educational requirements for candidates for the priesthood are four years of graduate studies in a school of Theology.  Not including books, fees, transportation, and additional costs, seminary tuition, room and board run $31,000 per year at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami and at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach. It is rare for a candidate, even with the assistance of his family, to be able to assume the responsibility for the total expenses. In 1953, the Burse Club was formed under the auspices of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women to help the laity recognize the role of the Christian Community in fostering and sustaining vocation to the priesthood of the Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee. This meeting-less club encourages members to support our seminarians with prayer and occasional cards and letters. It also encourages donations – historically $1 per month or $12 per year. Founded in 1975, the Burse Club has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years. Unfortunately, (perhaps the understatement of the year) $12 per year doesn’t go as far as it used to so members can always send in additional gifts.

“In Luke’s Gospel, we hear about being prepared for the Master’s return, and are told that ‘When much has been given a man, much will be required of him. More will be asked of a man to whom more has been entrusted.