DETROIT — Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, has become for Americans a symbol of consumerism during the holiday season, as Americans race from their family dinner tables to the checkout lines in an attempt to nab the latest deals on everything from iPhones to socks.

The first day of the following week is known as Cyber Monday, which is basically the same thing, except online.

In recent years, however, charities have begun promoting “Giving Tuesday,” a day to give back and remember the real meaning of the Advent season.

At Sacred Heart Major Seminary, that day will be #GivingHeartDay, a day in which the seminary is urging Catholics across Metro Detroit to consider donating to help support the education of hundreds of lay students, seminarians and future deacons.

“The Giving Tuesday movement started a few years ago, and we knew about it and wanted to tap into that energy and movement. Other universities use a similar approach, so we tweaked the name of it,” said Edmundo Reyes, director of institutional advancement for the seminary.

In video message on the seminary’s website, the seminary asks Catholics to donate to help the Fisherman’s Fund, a scholarship that helps pay tuition for undergraduate seminarians and lay students.

“The campaign is directed primarily toward students, alumni, staff and faculty,” said Reyes, while adding everyone is encouraged to donate their support. “The idea is to encourage them not only to give, which is welcome, but to share it with friends and family.”

When friends and family of Sacred Heart students donate, they can report who it was who “inspired” their donation, Reyes said, lending a communal aspect to the campaign.

This is the second year for #GivingHeartDay, Reyes said. Last year, the campaign raised $24,000, which Reyes said the seminary hopes to exceed.

To donate, visit www.shms.edu/givingheartday.