Knights of Columbus, St. Columba Parish once again host popular dinner to support seminarians

By BOBBIE GENOVESE
For The Catholic Week
DOTHAN — When the Knights of Columbus Council 6727 at St. Columba Parish in Dothan initiated the first Seminarian Dinner in 2010, no one could have known that the annual event would be interrupted by COVID-19. 
After last year’s dinner was cancelled, this popular event was once again on the calendar. More than 200 attendees gathered July 9 to honor the archdiocese’s 15 young men now studying for the priesthood. The capacity crowd welcomed Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, keynote speaker Fr. Patrick Gilbreath, parochial vicar of Holy Spirit Parish in Montgomery, Archdiocese of Mobile Vocations Director Rev. Victor Ingalls and other dignitaries. 
Every year the highlight of the evening is the introduction of attending seminarians. This year they were asked to outline their journey to their vocation. Following their inspiring and entertaining presentations, the men were given a check for $500 from the Knights of Columbus to help pay for their personal expenses in the coming year. The evening concluded with a Prayer for Vocations led by St. Columba Pastor Fr. Jim Dane.
Grand Knight Jack Porter served as host for the evening and Jeff Sandoz was the Master of Ceremonies. Fr. Dane gave the invocation, while Sr. Miriam Fiduccia, MSBT, outgoing pastoral associate, and Deacon Joe Mueller also represented St. Columba Parish. Guests included recently retired St. Columba Pastor Msgr. Patrick Gallagher and Deacon Dave Newell from St. John the Evangelist Parish in Enterprise. Recognition was given to co-founder of the 2010 Seminarian Dinner, Bob Prickett, who traveled from his home in Ft. Collins, Colo., to attend this year’s event.  
Patrick Donivan provided guitar selections during the social hour. Chefs Raphael Clemente, Bernardo DeFaria and Don Gardino presented a gourmet dining experience. Cindy DeFaria and Vicki Gardino directed the food service and teens from the parish youth group helped serve and clean up. 
Next year’s event is scheduled for July 8, 2022.