REFUND SUPPORT VOCATIONS PROGRAM (RSVP)
A HIGHER PURPOSE
Keep the faith alive by supporting our seminarians and postulants. As the strong right arm of the church, Knights of Columbus are committed to providing moral, financial and spiritual support to our future priests and religious at all stages of their formation. A featured program, RSVP counts for two credits toward the Columbian Award.
Knights of Columbus stand in solidarity with our priests and religious.
OVERVIEW
Knights of Columbus stand in solidarity with our priests and religious. Through this program, council and parish families will raise funds to support seminarians in their area. For every $500 given to an individual, the Supreme Council will refund the council or assembly $100. The maximum refund a council or assembly can receive is $400 per individual supported. Though financial support is vitally important, it is not the only aspect of the RSVP. Councils are also called to provide their “adopted” seminarian or religious aspirant with moral support and prayers for their success.
Deacon Erick Cruz
Level of Study: Synthesis Year
Home Parish: Holy Trinity-San Antonio
Podcast: Seminarian Q&A: Erick Cruz
My vocation was inspired by the faithful witness of the many priests God placed in my life while growing up, throughout college, and during my time as a missionary. Their joyful service, love for the Church, and dedication to God’s people stirred within me a desire to discern whether the Lord was calling me to follow Him in the priesthood.
Now, as an ordained deacon, my deepest hope is to be an instrument of God’s love and mercy. I seek to serve His people faithfully, accompany them in their journey with Christ, and help them grow in holiness as we strive together toward the fullness of life He offers.
Blessings,
Dcn. Erick Gerardo Cruz
Luis Horacio Gómez
UPDATE!
I want to express my gratitude for your years of support while I was in formation at the seminary. I was ordained to the priesthood on April 18th 2026, and now I am serving the Lord as parochial vicar at St. José Sánchez del Río Catholic Church here in San Antonio.
May the Lord continue to guide you in all your projects and in everything you do for the good of the Church.
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Luis H. Gomez
Joseph Duque
Level of Study: 4th Theology
Home Parish: Prince of Peace-San Antonio
Podcast: Seminarian Q&A: Joseph Duque
My vocation journey began while reading about and watching the lives of holy and courageous priests, as well as hearing God calling me during moments of Adoration. If I am truly called to be a priest, I look forward to being an instrument of God’s mercy and love through the sacraments, and bringing the truth of God to the world.
Jesus Sanchez
Level of Study: Configuration III
Home Parish: Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church
My vocation towards the priesthood initiated with a Vocations Retreat with the Missionaries of the Holy Spirit at the age of 15, where I learned about the different vocations within the Church. Toward the end of the retreat, I took time to pray deeply and ask God what He desired for my life. It was during this prayer that I experienced an overwhelming sense of peace while contemplating whether He was calling me to be a priest—a shepherd for His people. At that moment, everything seemed to make sense: the gifts He had bestowed upon me and my innate desire to serve my parish community.
Before beginning my seminarian studies with the Archdiocese of San Antonio, Texas, I had the opportunity to work as a Social Studies teacher for junior high and high school students in both California and Texas. Along with obtaining a Masters in Business Administration and a Doctor of Philosophy in Developmental Psychology. I feel incredibly blessed to have learned from and journeyed with the diverse individuals from faith based organizations, academic institutions and the business sector. Throughout my journey, I have encountered many individuals who have taught me to love with the Heart of Christ and to recognize His presence within His people. I am excited to continue my seminarian studies in the beautiful Archdiocese of San Antonio and to walk alongside my fellow seminarians on this journey.
I humbly ask for your prayers, and please know that you are always in mine.
God bless you!
Jesus Sanchez