Frequently Asked Questions Home | Get Started | FAQs Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat does The Labouré Society do? Labouré helps rescue the vocations of aspiring Catholic priests and consecrated sisters and brothers by accelerating the resolution of student loan debt via a multidimensional, relationship-based fundraising model that includes ongoing support and tools to be successful. Does it work? Yes! Labouré has a proven, 20-year history of assisting more than 400 men and women in raising over $10 million dollars. Is there a fee to participate in the Labouré program? No. There are no fees for the discerner or the religious institution. We offer our services at no charge, simply to bring vocations into the Church. What is a Labouré ‘aspirant’? A Labouré aspirant is someone who is preparing for entrance into priestly or religious life formation, who needs help resolving student loan debt, and has been accepted into The Labouré Society’s program. Does the discerner need to be formally accepted by the diocese/community in order to participate in The Labouré Society program? No. A discerner does not need to be formally accepted or have formally completed the application process; however, he or she will need to be in serious discernment with a religious institution to participate. Why do individuals work with Labouré instead of trying to raise the funds on their own? There are many reasons. Notably, as a 501c3 (a non-profit organization), each donation is tax-deductible for benefactors while also qualifying as tax-free income for the aspirant. Our program supports discernment, and aspirants benefit from the expertise and encouragement of the Labouré staff, the support of their classmates, and the many formative aspects of the program. In addition, many donors value the accountability that The Labouré Society provides. What is the average amount of debt per aspirant? Labouré works with varying levels of student loan debt. The program has helped individuals with such debt ranging from $10,000 to those with six-figure amounts. We encourage all discerners to contact us to discuss their particular situation. How long does the Labouré program last? Aspirants participate in the program for a six-month period. The Labouré Society offers two, six-month programs (referred to as “classes”) each year. Aspirants may enroll in additional classes if necessary. How much time is expected of an aspirant each week? During the six-month class, aspirants commit a minimum of 10 hours per week to the program. When is the ideal time to contact The Labouré Society for help? We recommend contacting us sooner rather than later. It is never too early to reach out. My seminary/religious community has a dowry, health insurance, stipend, or other requirement; can you help me with this? Not at this time. I require assistance with travel expenses, medical/dental expenses, etc.; can you help with this need? Not at this time. What does an aspirant do for The Labouré Society in return for their services? In addition to dedicating themselves to Jesus Christ and His Church, aspirants promise to pray for The Labouré Society’s benefactors, aspirants, and staff! Still have questions? Contact us Still Have Questions? We’d love to answer them! Get in touch with our team today. CONTACT US