Parish hosts seminarian dinner

By Bobbie Genovese
For The Catholic Week
The ever-popular Seminarian Dinner was held this year on July 8. A capacity crowd filled the St. Columba parish hall to honor this year’s 14 young men who are studying for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Mobile. Knights of Columbus Council 6727 hosted the event, led by Knight Bill Clements. Following an initial gathering and social hour,  Master of Ceremonies Jeff Sandoz welcomed the guests and dignitaries, including Archbishop Thomas J. Rodi, Keynote Speaker Fr. Chris Boutin, Pastor Fr. Jim Dane and Deacon Joe Mueller. Patrick Donovan provided music and youth from the parish Lifeteen group helped with serving and cleanup. 
As in past years, the attending seminarians gave a brief overview of their discernment process and journey to priesthood and received a check 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 Fr. Jim Dane.
Next year’s event is scheduled for July 14, 2023.