1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity
3. catholicism

The Aspirant
About
The Labouré Society
Why are we needed?
Board of Directors
Tim Bastian
(Sabbatical)
Rosa Cumare
Christopher Johnson, SJ
(Aspirant Alum)
What have we accomplished?
•Operating since 2003
•Over 255 assisted into formation to the priesthood or religious life
•Over $3.2 million awarded, over 90% of aspirant funds received
•A network of thousands of praying singles, families, religious, priests, & bishops
•Efficient service: a modest staff of 3 employees in a donated office
How do we do it?
Tom Kissel
Frank Moore
Scott Osterling
Casey Regan
Shirley Seyfried
George Zirnhelt
Our Aspirants:
President
Staff
Cy D. Laurent
Founder and Executive Director
John Flanagan
Director of Operations
Maritza Sanchez
Aspirant Program Administrator
The Labouré Society
651.452.1160
1365 Corporate Center Curve
Suite 104
Eagan, MN 55121
www.LaboureSociety.org
The Labouré Society is a 501(c)3
nonprofit organization domiciled
within the Archdiocese of Saint
Paul and Minneapolis but is not a
• Discern a vocation & are accepted into a diocese or religious community
• Are blocked from entering or continuing vocational formation due to student loans
• Apply to Labouré & meet intake requirements
• Are trained in ethical fundraising – empowered with practical tools, personal mentoring,
& accountability
• Share their vocation stories & participate in building a culture of vocations & evangelization
• Raise funds for Labouré to benefit many vocations
• Are awarded monthly loan payments covering their educational loans
• Receive final award payout after 3 years & enter freely into a lifetime of priestly
or religious service
The Labouré Society
•Works with each aspirant to ensure all personal means are utilized to mitigate the loan amount (loan consolidation, asset review, financial counseling, employment, etc.) prior to acceptance
into the program
•Trains each aspirant in biblically based philanthropy
• Forms a semi-annual ‘class’ of aspirants
• Mentors each aspirant building a unified team; each individual works toward the collective goal
• Provides ongoing accountability to ensure proper preparation & completion of personal
fundraising plans
•Equips each aspirant with an online fundraising platform for real time donation processing, reporting, assessment of goals & class interaction, marketing & communications tools
•Facilitates ongoing communication & updates between aspirants & donors after formation
entrance
•Manages aspirant award payments while they are in formation
•Completes award payout after 3 years active formation
BRIDGE
TO
MIRACLES
1365 Corporate Center Curve, SuitE 104, Eagan, MN 55121 • LaboureSociety.org • 651-452-1160
The Labouré Society is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible. Gifts solicited by our aspirants belong to Labouré and are dispersed upon board
approved guidelines to ensure full compliance with IRS rulings. Aspirants who leave Labouré are not required to repay any funds disbursed but are strongly
encouraged to support Labouré however possible. Funds awarded but not dispersed to a former aspirant are reallocated according to the aforementioned guidelines.
Labouré News
Delivering Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life through Student Loan Resolution | Winter 2015, Volumne 9, Issue 1
Thanks to You...
Another Step Closer to Vocations
A new class of aspirants is well
on its way toward answering
God’s call.
Snow flurries and frigid temperatures greeted the winter, 2015 class of Labouré
aspirants as they arrived in Minneapolis this past January; but the three days of
training, prayer, and fellowship experienced at Labouré’s biannual “Boot Camp”
provided a warm contrast to the blustery conditions outside.
Labouré alumna, Caroline
Villar, is in postulancy with the
Missionary Sisters Servants of
the Word.
Labouré alumna, Sister
Katheryn Teresa, recently
expressed: she is having a
wonderful year as a novice.
The word is continuing to
spread about Labouré. Please
visit our new Website at www.
LaboureSociety.org, or Like us on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/
labouresociety.
Each day began with Mass celebrated by Labouré alum, Father Chris Johnson, and
was followed by a full schedule of presentations, discussions, and workshops. As
usual the aspirants were highly motivated, engaging presenters with questions
and thought provoking insights. The energetic give and take resulted in many
wonderfully uplifting and inspirational sessions.
Now the work truly begins...
Through your continued prayers and generous financial support, our current
aspirants will succeed in eliminating the obstacles that prevent them from
pursuing their vocations. In the coming months, perhaps more than ever, they
will heed the advice of Saint Augustine: “Pray as though everything depended on
God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
MIRACLES
The Labouré Society exists to
provide financial assistance
and spiritual support to
individuals who must resolve
student loans in order to
pursue a vocation to the
priesthood and/or religious
life in the Catholic Church.
TO
Mission
•There are an estimated 10,000 individuals discerning a priestly or religious vocation in the
US annually
•42% are blocked from pursuing this call due to educational loans*
•The average vocational ‘aspirant’ in Labouré owes $45,000 in educational loans
•Most religious communities cannot assume this debt
•Most dioceses will allow some debt but have a limited threshold for acceptance
*(NRVC Vision Study, 2010)
BRIDGE
A publication of
The Labouré Society
1365 Corporate Center Curve
Suite 104
Eagan, MN 55121
The Aspirant
unit of the Archdiocese.
A Publication of The Labouré Society
Called to serve
The Winter Class of 2015
Remembering Our Leader (1945–2015)
The Labouré Society honors our leader, George Zirnhelt, Chairman of the
Board of Directors, The Labouré Society, Inc.
George is a dear friend, confidant, and associate
of Labouré’s founder and executive director Cy
Laurent. The relationship was the foundation
for George’s imprint on and across the Labouré
mission. Labouré draws close to family and
community saddened by his loss and seeking
meaning.
MARVIN ABELLA
Home:
California
Community: Capuchin Franciscans
Alma Mater: ITT Techinical
Insitute
Major:
Electronics
Engineering
Technology
LARYN KOVALIK
Home:
California
Jessica BLAS
Home:
Guam
BRENDEN BELL
Home:
Nevada
Community: Verbum Dei
Missionary Fraternity
Community: Discalced Carmelite
Sisters
Community: Oblates of the
Virgin Mary
Alma Mater: University of Illinois
at Chicago
Alma Mater: University of Guam
Alma Mater: Boston College
Major:
Major:
Major:
Biomedical
Visualization
Elementary
Education
Theology, Philosophy
SARAH MEIER
Home:
Colorado
Community: Poor Clares of
Bethlehem Monastery
in Barhamsville, VA
Alma Mater: Washington University
in St. Louis
Major:
Physical Therapy
George demonstrated tender virtues in his
courage, optimism, and love of the Labouré
mission: “to provide financial assistance and spiritual
support to men and women who must resolve student
loans in order to pursue their vocation to priesthood or
religious life in the Catholic Church.”
George showed great practical wisdoms brought from his broad history of
involvement across Catholic institutions; prudently investing his time, talent,
and treasure. Labouré knows George as a close friend, outstanding family
man, servant leader, optimistic supporter, faithful role model, pragmatic
organization builder, savvy business executive & entrepreneur, and lover of
Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church. George immediately sparked kindred
relationships with everyone he collaborated with at Labouré, bringing
laughter, confidence, and hope.
Labouré cherishes George Zirnhelt as a leader in our family. His spirit will
live on as part of Labouré. We join with family, friends, and community in
praying for George’s joy & peace in union with Jesus Christ. We pray and seek
intercession for his wife Susan, his children, and his extended family.
Prayers for all the faithfully departed.
Prayers for religious vocations.
Prayers for all who are in need.
MARIA MARTINEZ
Justin Leedy
Home:
Idaho
Home:
Illinois
James Ritch
Home:
Rhode Island
Home:
Kansas
Community: Dominican Order, Province of St. Joseph
Community: Sisters of Christian
Charity
Community: The Servants of
The Lord
Alma Mater: Gonzaga University
Alma Mater: International
Academy of Design
and Technology
Alma Mater: University of
Massachusetts
Worcester
Alma Mater: Benjamin N. Cardozo
School of Law
Alma Mater: Benedictine College
Major:
Major:
Major:
Music
Information
Technology
Neuroscience
Thank you!
enabled us to cope… In difficult moments, God always
encouraged me to bring
God Bless you!
placed angels in our way to ease the challenges and gave
everything to prayer and to
~The Labouré Society
(board, staff, all 257 aspirants past &
present, and their religious communities)
us the strength we needed to face them. This experience
believe that God has a plan
led me to have a lasting and unshakable trust in God’s
for me… I began to make
providence...”
regular visits to the chapel
Join us in delivering much needed priests, sisters, and brothers to the
Church. Labouré needs Prayer Partners, Regional Advocates, and Aspirant
Accountability Partners. Email info@labouresociety.org to get involved.
Together we have prayed for these vocations. Together we can deliver them to
a Church in need.
New York
Community: Missionaries of
Charity
“Joyful Dominican priests...
Volunteering Opportunities
Home:
Briana Murphy
Community: Monastero di
San Benedetto
“I realized that God’s presence — His love and care —
George Zirnhelt (second from left) celebrating the
ordination of Labouré alum, Father Chris Johnson.
Cialinett Colon
–Cialinett Colon
and felt my friendship with
God strengthen.”
–Jim Ritch
Major:
Law
“...It was then that I
knew the Lord was
calling me to be His:
I felt a joy and peace I
had never felt before...”
–Jessica Blas
Major:
Theology
“I pray that God will
grant me His blessing and
give me the opportunity
to be among these men, to
faithfully live the Gospel
and always be in service
to His people.”
–Marvin Abella
Called to serve
The Winter Class of 2015
Remembering Our Leader (1945–2015)
The Labouré Society honors our leader, George Zirnhelt, Chairman of the
Board of Directors, The Labouré Society, Inc.
George is a dear friend, confidant, and associate
of Labouré’s founder and executive director Cy
Laurent. The relationship was the foundation
for George’s imprint on and across the Labouré
mission. Labouré draws close to family and
community saddened by his loss and seeking
meaning.
MARVIN ABELLA
Home:
California
Community: Capuchin Franciscans
Alma Mater: ITT Techinical
Insitute
Major:
Electronics
Engineering
Technology
LARYN KOVALIK
Home:
California
Jessica BLAS
Home:
Guam
BRENDEN BELL
Home:
Nevada
Community: Verbum Dei
Missionary Fraternity
Community: Discalced Carmelite
Sisters
Community: Oblates of the
Virgin Mary
Alma Mater: University of Illinois
at Chicago
Alma Mater: University of Guam
Alma Mater: Boston College
Major:
Major:
Major:
Biomedical
Visualization
Elementary
Education
Theology, Philosophy
SARAH MEIER
Home:
Colorado
Community: Poor Clares of
Bethlehem Monastery
in Barhamsville, VA
Alma Mater: Washington University
in St. Louis
Major:
Physical Therapy
George demonstrated tender virtues in his
courage, optimism, and love of the Labouré
mission: “to provide financial assistance and spiritual
support to men and women who must resolve student
loans in order to pursue their vocation to priesthood or
religious life in the Catholic Church.”
George showed great practical wisdoms brought from his broad history of
involvement across Catholic institutions; prudently investing his time, talent,
and treasure. Labouré knows George as a close friend, outstanding family
man, servant leader, optimistic supporter, faithful role model, pragmatic
organization builder, savvy business executive & entrepreneur, and lover of
Jesus Christ and His Catholic Church. George immediately sparked kindred
relationships with everyone he collaborated with at Labouré, bringing
laughter, confidence, and hope.
Labouré cherishes George Zirnhelt as a leader in our family. His spirit will
live on as part of Labouré. We join with family, friends, and community in
praying for George’s joy & peace in union with Jesus Christ. We pray and seek
intercession for his wife Susan, his children, and his extended family.
Prayers for all the faithfully departed.
Prayers for religious vocations.
Prayers for all who are in need.
MARIA MARTINEZ
Justin Leedy
Home:
Idaho
Home:
Illinois
James Ritch
Home:
Rhode Island
Home:
Kansas
Community: Dominican Order, Province of St. Joseph
Community: Sisters of Christian
Charity
Community: The Servants of
The Lord
Alma Mater: Gonzaga University
Alma Mater: International
Academy of Design
and Technology
Alma Mater: University of
Massachusetts
Worcester
Alma Mater: Benjamin N. Cardozo
School of Law
Alma Mater: Benedictine College
Major:
Major:
Major:
Music
Information
Technology
Neuroscience
Thank you!
enabled us to cope… In difficult moments, God always
encouraged me to bring
God Bless you!
placed angels in our way to ease the challenges and gave
everything to prayer and to
~The Labouré Society
(board, staff, all 257 aspirants past &
present, and their religious communities)
us the strength we needed to face them. This experience
believe that God has a plan
led me to have a lasting and unshakable trust in God’s
for me… I began to make
providence...”
regular visits to the chapel
Join us in delivering much needed priests, sisters, and brothers to the
Church. Labouré needs Prayer Partners, Regional Advocates, and Aspirant
Accountability Partners. Email info@labouresociety.org to get involved.
Together we have prayed for these vocations. Together we can deliver them to
a Church in need.
New York
Community: Missionaries of
Charity
“Joyful Dominican priests...
Volunteering Opportunities
Home:
Briana Murphy
Community: Monastero di
San Benedetto
“I realized that God’s presence — His love and care —
George Zirnhelt (second from left) celebrating the
ordination of Labouré alum, Father Chris Johnson.
Cialinett Colon
–Cialinett Colon
and felt my friendship with
God strengthen.”
–Jim Ritch
Major:
Law
“...It was then that I
knew the Lord was
calling me to be His:
I felt a joy and peace I
had never felt before...”
–Jessica Blas
Major:
Theology
“I pray that God will
grant me His blessing and
give me the opportunity
to be among these men, to
faithfully live the Gospel
and always be in service
to His people.”
–Marvin Abella
The Aspirant
About
The Labouré Society
Why are we needed?
Board of Directors
Tim Bastian
(Sabbatical)
Rosa Cumare
Christopher Johnson, SJ
(Aspirant Alum)
What have we accomplished?
•Operating since 2003
•Over 255 assisted into formation to the priesthood or religious life
•Over $3.2 million awarded, over 90% of aspirant funds received
•A network of thousands of praying singles, families, religious, priests, & bishops
•Efficient service: a modest staff of 3 employees in a donated office
How do we do it?
Tom Kissel
Frank Moore
Scott Osterling
Casey Regan
Shirley Seyfried
George Zirnhelt
Our Aspirants:
President
Staff
Cy D. Laurent
Founder and Executive Director
John Flanagan
Director of Operations
Maritza Sanchez
Aspirant Program Administrator
The Labouré Society
651.452.1160
1365 Corporate Center Curve
Suite 104
Eagan, MN 55121
www.LaboureSociety.org
The Labouré Society is a 501(c)3
nonprofit organization domiciled
within the Archdiocese of Saint
Paul and Minneapolis but is not a
• Discern a vocation & are accepted into a diocese or religious community
• Are blocked from entering or continuing vocational formation due to student loans
• Apply to Labouré & meet intake requirements
• Are trained in ethical fundraising – empowered with practical tools, personal mentoring,
& accountability
• Share their vocation stories & participate in building a culture of vocations & evangelization
• Raise funds for Labouré to benefit many vocations
• Are awarded monthly loan payments covering their educational loans
• Receive final award payout after 3 years & enter freely into a lifetime of priestly
or religious service
The Labouré Society
•Works with each aspirant to ensure all personal means are utilized to mitigate the loan amount (loan consolidation, asset review, financial counseling, employment, etc.) prior to acceptance
into the program
•Trains each aspirant in biblically based philanthropy
• Forms a semi-annual ‘class’ of aspirants
• Mentors each aspirant building a unified team; each individual works toward the collective goal
• Provides ongoing accountability to ensure proper preparation & completion of personal
fundraising plans
•Equips each aspirant with an online fundraising platform for real time donation processing, reporting, assessment of goals & class interaction, marketing & communications tools
•Facilitates ongoing communication & updates between aspirants & donors after formation
entrance
•Manages aspirant award payments while they are in formation
•Completes award payout after 3 years active formation
BRIDGE
TO
MIRACLES
1365 Corporate Center Curve, SuitE 104, Eagan, MN 55121 • LaboureSociety.org • 651-452-1160
The Labouré Society is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit and all donations are tax deductible. Gifts solicited by our aspirants belong to Labouré and are dispersed upon board
approved guidelines to ensure full compliance with IRS rulings. Aspirants who leave Labouré are not required to repay any funds disbursed but are strongly
encouraged to support Labouré however possible. Funds awarded but not dispersed to a former aspirant are reallocated according to the aforementioned guidelines.
Labouré News
Delivering Vocations to the Priesthood and Religious Life through Student Loan Resolution | Winter 2015, Volumne 9, Issue 1
Thanks to You...
Another Step Closer to Vocations
A new class of aspirants is well
on its way toward answering
God’s call.
Snow flurries and frigid temperatures greeted the winter, 2015 class of Labouré
aspirants as they arrived in Minneapolis this past January; but the three days of
training, prayer, and fellowship experienced at Labouré’s biannual “Boot Camp”
provided a warm contrast to the blustery conditions outside.
Labouré alumna, Caroline
Villar, is in postulancy with the
Missionary Sisters Servants of
the Word.
Labouré alumna, Sister
Katheryn Teresa, recently
expressed: she is having a
wonderful year as a novice.
The word is continuing to
spread about Labouré. Please
visit our new Website at www.
LaboureSociety.org, or Like us on
Facebook at www.facebook.com/
labouresociety.
Each day began with Mass celebrated by Labouré alum, Father Chris Johnson, and
was followed by a full schedule of presentations, discussions, and workshops. As
usual the aspirants were highly motivated, engaging presenters with questions
and thought provoking insights. The energetic give and take resulted in many
wonderfully uplifting and inspirational sessions.
Now the work truly begins...
Through your continued prayers and generous financial support, our current
aspirants will succeed in eliminating the obstacles that prevent them from
pursuing their vocations. In the coming months, perhaps more than ever, they
will heed the advice of Saint Augustine: “Pray as though everything depended on
God. Work as though everything depended on you.”
MIRACLES
The Labouré Society exists to
provide financial assistance
and spiritual support to
individuals who must resolve
student loans in order to
pursue a vocation to the
priesthood and/or religious
life in the Catholic Church.
TO
Mission
•There are an estimated 10,000 individuals discerning a priestly or religious vocation in the
US annually
•42% are blocked from pursuing this call due to educational loans*
•The average vocational ‘aspirant’ in Labouré owes $45,000 in educational loans
•Most religious communities cannot assume this debt
•Most dioceses will allow some debt but have a limited threshold for acceptance
*(NRVC Vision Study, 2010)
BRIDGE
A publication of
The Labouré Society
1365 Corporate Center Curve
Suite 104
Eagan, MN 55121
The Aspirant
unit of the Archdiocese.
A Publication of The Labouré Society