Saint Meinrad Seminary (Saint Meinrad, Ind.)
By Kathi Reichert
On Nov. 16the Catholic community will come together in celebration and support of four Zionsville seminaries on the path to priesthood. St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church will host the Hearts of Fire dinner and silent auction to raise funds for the educational needs of all seminarians from The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana, including four of their own.
“Saint Alphonsus Liguori is blessed to have four (seminarians) from our parish; Michael Bower, James Baxter, Nicholas Brown and Christian DeCarlo,” said St. Alphonsus’ director of communications Diane Kern. “It is exciting for the families to be a part of prayers and support offered for the young men who are in seminary.”
Saint Meinrad Seminary (Saint Meinrad, Ind.)
The Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana created the Seminary Fund Appeal to help offset the cost of a six- to eight-year seminary education where an average cost of tuition, room and board is $35,000 per year per student. There are 22 students studying to become members of the Holy Order from the diocese. The inaugural Hearts of Fire Dinner is one way the parish will help aid in the calling of these young men.
“Father O’Keefe has created a true parish family. It is in this spirit that the family will support its members and come together for these truly wonderful young men,” committee member Mary Ellen Kirby said. “Hearts of Fire gives us all the opportunity to be a part of supporting them. We will embrace and celebrate and support these fine young men and we surround them with love.”
Saint John Vianney College Seminary (St. Paul, Minn.)
Seminarian Michael Bower feels the support from his church.
“The parishioners at St. Alphonsus have been a constant support to us throughout our formation. Whenever we have doubts or difficulties in our vocation, we just think about the people back home whom we are eager to serve,” Bower said.
Bower is studying at Saint Meinrad Seminary in Meinrad, Ind., and three years from graduating into priesthood.
Held in the Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Hall, the dinner will be hosted by Fox 59 news anchor and St. Alphonsus parishioner, Ray Cortopassi, and will include both a silent and live auction with a wide variety of items available for bid. Christian recording artist Danielle Rose will provide the evening’s entertainment.
Saint John Vianney College Seminary (St. Paul, Minn.)
Hearts of Fire Dinner/Auction
6 p.m. Nov. 16
St. Alphonsus Liguori Catholic Church, Parish Hall, 1870 W. Oak St.
Formal / Black Tie Optional
$65 per person for wine and hors d’oeuvres, formal dinner, silent and live auctions and live entertainment.
Tickets and sponsorships available at Parish Office or by calling 873-2885