Aspirancy Q & A
DEFINITIONS
Q. Who is an 'Aspirant'?
A. An Aspirant is someone who is preparing for entrance to priestly and/or religious life formation, needs help resolving student loan issues, and has been accepted into The Labouré Society's Aspirancy Process.
ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS
Q. Does the Aspirant need to be formally accepted by the diocese/community before beginning the Aspirancy Process?
A. Yes. Often, the Aspirant is accepted by the diocese or religious community pending resolution of their loans/debts. This status is acceptable for beginning The Labouré Society's Aspirancy process. Corroborative statments are required from VD's, Pastors, and/or SD's.
Q. Why do individuals work with the Society instead of trying to raise the funds alone?
A. There are many reasons for this. Notably, as a 501c3 (a non-profit organization or public charity) each gift given in honor of an aspirant is tax deductible. This is beneficial for our donors in making each charitable dollar go farther. In addition, many donors appreciate the third party accountability that The Labouré Society provides. Not least, Aspirants appreciate the expertise and encouragement of our staff and process.
Aspirant Campaigns through the Labouré Society have been extraordinarily successful.
Q. What is the average amount of debt per Aspirant?
A. We estimate the average is $40,000. However, there have been many with much more and many with much less. The largest debt we've worked with exceeded $190,000. We've also helped individuals with a few thousand dollars or less.
Q. How much time does an Aspirant’s Campaign usually take?
A. The usual length of time we work with an Aspirant from the pre-requisites to entrance into seminary/religious community is 6 months to one year. However, we've worked with individuals with only weeks to entrance and those with over a year. If possible, we recommend that you contact us at least 6 months prior to your entrance date to begin the process. We don't turn individuals away because of a short timeframe.
Q. My seminary/religious community has a dowry, health insurance, stipend, or other requirement; can you help me with this?
A. Please contact us for additional information at this time.
Q. I require assistance with travel expenses, medical/dental expenses, etc.; can you help with this need?
A. Please contact us for additional information at this time.
Q. What must Aspirants do for The Labouré Society in return for their services?
A. In addition to dedicating themselves to Jesus Christ and His Church, Aspirants promise to pray for The Labouré Society (Benefactors, Aspirants, Staff) forever!