‘A cloud of witnesses’ gather in support of seminarians at annual Seminary Ball

More than 740 people attended the 2026 Seminary Ball on Oct. 16 to support vocations and the education of diocesan seminarians. Held at Receptions in Erlanger, the event served as the kickoff for the Seminarian Education Collection and raised more than $210,000 for the Seminarian Education Fund through guests and sponsors.

Jim Hess, director of Stewardship and Mission Services, reported that the attendance was record-breaking. The funds raised will support the six seminarians currently studying for the priesthood within the Diocese of Covington.

During the program, Bishop John Iffert hosted a question and answer session with the seminarians. Guests provided questions during dinner for the men to answer. Following the ball, the diocese will hold its Seminarian Education Collection on Oct. 24 and 25.