Diocese of Southwest Florida

Seminarian Relocation and Support Program

The Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida maintains that Seminary is not the end of priestly formation.  It is the objective of the Bishop’s Office to retain all seminarians of the Diocese for the first three years of ordained ministry.  Therefore, the Bishop has established the following funding opportunity for congregations wishing to explore the prospects of calling person making the transition from Seminary to ordained life.

• The Diocese of Southwest Florida will reimburse any congregation of the Diocese up to $5 thousand toward the relocation expenses of a seminary graduate of the Diocese called to serve the Rector of that congregation in an assisting capacity with an approved Letter of Agreement. The sponsoring congregation will obtain three (3) copies of written estimates from qualified movers for submission to the Diocesan CFO.
• The Diocese will also grant to the same congregation the sum of $7 thousand per year, sent quarterly, for a period not to exceed three years from the effective date of the Letter of Agreement. Details will be approved by the Diocesan CFO.

It is expected that all policies of the Diocese are maintained in order to qualify for funding[1].  It is further expected that the Rector of the participating congregation will serve as a mentor and supervisor to the newly ordained priest for this three-year period.

Funds for this program are provided for by the operating budget of the Diocese.  The Bishop is the final arbiter should there be a dispute regarding the administration of this Program.

[1] Includes Diocesan apportionment, Fresh Start, Anti-Racism training, Safe Church training and minimum compensation requirements.

Last Updated: 2-25-25