A joyful beginning: St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary opens new year on Mary’s birthday
By Allison Mosier09/09/2026
The St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary began its 2026-27 year on Sept. 8 with an evening centered on the two things at the heart of its mission: prayer and support for seminarians.
The date made the gathering especially meaningful. Sept. 8 is the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, traditionally celebrated as Mary’s birthday. Auxiliary members and seminarians began the evening together at Mass, celebrated by Father Scott Jabo, vocation director for the Diocese of Erie and rector of St. Mark Seminary, and concelebrated by Father David Renne, vice-rector of St. Mark Seminary.
In his homily, Father Jabo reflected on Mary’s “yes” to God and the trust that made that response possible. He also addressed a common misunderstanding surrounding the Immaculate Conception. The doctrine does not refer to the conception of Jesus, but to Mary being conceived without original sin in preparation for her unique role as the Mother of God.
Yet Mary was not deprived of her freedom. She still had free will. She could have said no to what God was asking of her. Instead, she trusted him and said yes — a decision that changed the course of salvation history.
Father Jabo reminded those gathered that Mary’s response was never about drawing attention to herself. Her life continually pointed beyond herself to Jesus. That message can even be seen in centuries of Marian art, statues and sacred images, where Mary is frequently depicted presenting Christ to the world or gesturing toward him.
It was a fitting message for an organization whose own work is often carried out quietly, faithfully and behind the scenes.
Following Mass, Auxiliary members and seminarians gathered for their first meeting of the year. President Alice Ballentine led the group through the evening’s business, but the gathering was about much more than an agenda. It was a homecoming for seminarians whom Auxiliary members have come to know over the years and a warm welcome for those beginning a new chapter at St. Mark.
The seminary begins the 2026-27 year with 12 seminarians representing the dioceses of Erie, Buffalo, Greensburg and Kalamazoo. Five are seminarians of the Diocese of Erie: Samuel Ghering, Benjamin Niebauer, Tyler Niebauer, Jack Roy and Tyler Smart.
This year also brings five new seminarians to St. Mark, giving Auxiliary members new faces to learn and new vocations to accompany.
Throughout the meeting, the seminarians spread out among different tables, giving them an opportunity to visit with Auxiliary members and allowing members to learn more about the men they support. September birthdays were celebrated and conversation filled the room as old friendships were renewed and new ones began.
That personal connection is an important part of what makes the St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary distinctive. Its members provide tangible support for the seminarians and the seminary itself. In the past year alone, Auxiliary support helped provide new recliners and desks for seminarians’ rooms as well as a new stove for the seminary — just a few examples of the practical ways members help make St. Mark a home for the men during their formation.
But the most important gift the Auxiliary offers cannot be purchased.
They pray.
They pray for the seminarians discerning God’s call. They pray for the men as they study, grow and prepare for lives of service. They pray for vocations and for those who may still be discerning whether God is asking them to take that first step.
On a night celebrating Mary’s birth, that mission seemed particularly appropriate. Mary’s yes began with listening, trust and a willingness to follow where God led. The seminarians of St. Mark are engaged in that same process of discernment, asking what God is calling them to do and learning, day by day, to respond.
And surrounding them is a community ready to pray for them, encourage them and walk beside them as they seek their own faithful “yes.”
Learn more
Learn more about the seminarians of St. Mark Seminary, their journeys and their formation by visiting the St. Mark Seminary website at https://erievocations.org. Follow St. Mark Seminary on Facebook to keep up with the seminarians throughout the year: https://www.facebook.com/StMarkSeminary.
The St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary is featured in this month’s edition of Faith magazine, highlighting the longstanding tradition of support, friendship and prayer its members provide to generations of seminarians. Read “A tradition that walks beside St. Mark Seminary seminarians”.
Interested in learning more about the St. Mark Seminary Auxiliary or becoming a member? Follow the Auxiliary on Facebook for photos, updates and ways to support the seminarians: https://www.facebook.com/groups/272074481187224. Contact Auxiliary President Alice Ballentine at aah1224@gmail.com or 814-897-3548.
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