From the State Vocations Director

The Knights of Columbus Refund Support Vocations Program (RSVP) is a longstanding initiative (since 1981) designed to help seminarians, novices, postulants, and religious aspirants. We stand firm in our mission to support seminarians and aspirants through this program.

 

How It Works

  • Adopt & Invest
  • Local councils (including assemblies and Squire circles) adopt one or more individuals preparing for religious life. They provide both financial assistance (for tuition, books, travel, living expenses, insurance, etc.) and moral/spiritual support through letters, personal visits, event invitations, and prayers.
  • Smart Support = Smart Refunds
  • For every $500 donated to an individual, the Supreme Council refunds the local council $100, capped at $400 per person per fraternal year (which equals a maximum donation of $2,000).
  • More Than Just Money
  • To qualify, we must also provide spiritual encouragement: lectures, letters, in-person fellowship, regular prayer, and invitations to council events.
  • Legacy of Faith
  • Since 1981, RSVP has provided over $60 million to more than 91,600 aspirants—echoing the blessing that Blessed Michael McGivney once received and has now passed forward through us.

 

Impact & Scale

  • Since its inception, RSVP has contributed over $100 million in support across the U.S. and Canada.
  • In the most recent year, more than 2,700 councils participated, collectively donating $4.1 million, the highest annual total yet.
  • Councils have assisted thousands—RSVP has benefited over 91,600 individuals since 1981.

 

Why It Matters

  • Cultivating Vocations – Supports those discerning or pursuing religious life at a critical time in their formation.
  • Honoring Our Founder’s Roots – Blessed Michael J. McGivney nearly abandoned his priestly calling due to financial hardship. RSVP is a direct way to “pay it forward”.
  • Local Impact, National Reach – Empowers councils to foster connections with seminarians and strengthen the future of the Church.

 

Before and when sponsoring a seminarian, please notify our State Vocations Chairman Thomas C. Armel. Here is his contact information.

 



He’s tracking our sponsorships and coordinates reporting directly with the diocese. Do NOT reach out to diocesan offices on your own—use your council’s established channels and resources so our support remains coordinated and effective.

 

How Your Council Can Participate

  1. Set a Support Goal – Decide how many seminarians or aspirants to adopt.
  2. Fundraise – Organize events like breakfasts, dinners, second collections, etc.
  3. Provide Holistic Support – Letters, mentorship, invitations to events, and ongoing prayer are essential.
  4. Submit for Reimbursement – File the RSVP Refund and Plaque Application (Form #2863) to the Supreme Council to claim your rebate.
  5. Display Recognition – Many councils proudly display their RSVP plaques in parish halls.

 

Click on the button above to see a list of RSVP Candidates

Click on the button above to see Candidate Contact Information