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Maura Baker

Staff Writer

People of the diocese came together in support of vocations and seminarian education, Oct. 16, for the 2026 Seminary Ball. This annual ball serves as the “kickoff” for the Seminarian Education Collection and a major fundraiser for the Seminarian Education Fund, which provides funding for diocesan seminarians as they study for the priesthood.

This year’s event was hosted at Receptions in Erlanger, where 73 tables became 75 as Jim Hess, director of Stewardship and Mission Services, who hosts the ball, announced that this year’s ball was “record-breaking” in the number of attendees — with more than 740 present.

“This is a unique event because it is not a hard sell,” Mr. Hess told guests during his welcome at the ball. And, while the option to donate at the event was given — guests were also invited to participate in the collection the following weekend, Oct. 24 and 25, with funds raised during the event mostly thanks to the event’s sponsors.

“We’re extremely grateful for your support,” Mr. Hess said, “I’m absolutely floored by the level of support tonight,” proudly announcing that more than $210,000 was raised for the Seminarian Education Fund thanks to guests and sponsors before the event even began.

As part of the evening’s program, the seminarians themselves (currently 6 within the diocese) were invited to participate — both in the mingling with guests, but in a “Q&A” session hosted by Bishop John Iffert following dinner, as well.

Questions were provided by guests during dinner service, with questions ranging from asking seminarians their favorite dinosaurs and Marian titles, to feelings about having an American pope and how they’ve “encountered” Jesus at seminary.

During the Q&A, Bishop Iffert finished off with one last question. “When you look out at this crowd — 740 people strong — and you see this level of support, what does the Holy Spirit say to you?”

“I just really get a sense of peace with all the love and support that we get,” one seminarian, Will Fuller, answered, “and from the people of God.”

“I was just looking out at the crowd,” answered another seminarian, Evan Ihrig, who said he was reminded of a quote in the book of Hebrews that says, “You are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, so run the race and persevere.”

“To know that I have the diocese behind me … many people praying for me and for my brother seminarians, it’s so incredible to be surrounded by this great cloud of witnesses as I run this race with my brothers towards the priesthood,” Mr. Ihrig said.

Following the Q&A, Bishop Iffert also personally thanked the people gathered, saying that the Seminary Ball was “one of the most lovely evenings in the life of our local Church here in Covington, where so many people gather together to support these men and to support the reality of priesthood and formation for priesthood here in the diocese. I am very grateful to you all for turning out.”

“As I look at these men who are studying and discerning their way forward, I am renewed and invigorated,” Bishop Iffert said, “and these men, God has been extraordinarily generous in the quality of human beings that God is sending us for that discernment.”

“So thank you,” he said, addressing the seminarians once more, “I want you to know that even now, just in being open to this discernment, you are feeding the life of faith of your bishop. You are showing me God’s constant call to be sanctified and renewed. You are that kind of love in the life of this Church.”

“Put that in your little bank of thankful moments,” Bishop Iffert said, “and let it be an encouragement to you when you need that encouragement.”