St. Christopher Council #4788 of the Knights of Columbus has donated $200,000 to The Foundation of St. Joseph Seminary and Newman Theological College, establishing a permanent endowment fund to provide bursaries for seminarians studying for the priesthood in Edmonton.
The donation was made possible through the sale of a hall owned for more than 50 years by the Council’s affiliate club. Rather than using the proceeds for short-term purposes, the Council chose to invest in the long-term formation of future priests. Under the terms of the Endowment Agreement, the fund will remain perpetual, with annual bursaries funded through the interest earned.
The presentation of the donation took place in December 2025, at St. Joseph Seminary. Pictured at the event, from left to right, are Bro. Patrick Picardo, Bro. Myron Spak, Acting Grand Knight Bro. Vic Lefebvre, Fr. Sylvain Casavant (rector of St. Joseph Seminary), Bro. Gary Friedel, and Bro. Leo Bauer.
Father Casavant expressed his appreciation for the gift and the ongoing support of the Knights of Columbus.
“I was pleased to greet the Knights of Columbus – St. Christopher Council #4788 in December 2025. Their endowment of $200,000.00 was yet another expression of the Knights’ generosity and recognition of the need to support the formation of our future priests,” he said.
The endowment will provide ongoing financial assistance to seminarians at St. Joseph Seminary, ensuring that the legacy of St. Christopher Council #4788 continues to strengthen priestly formation in the Archdiocese of Edmonton for years to come.
If you are interested in learning more about establishing an endowment or making a gift to St. Joseph Seminary or Newman Theological College, please contact Angela at 780-392-2443.
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