More than 200 supporters attended the seminarian fundraiser, “Priests for Tomorrow” on July 30 at the Waterfront Restaurant in La Crosse.
The event gives benefactors for the diocese’s 29 seminarians, an opportunity to socialize with Bishop William Patrick Callahan, many diocesan priests and to meet most of the seminarians who are studying for the priesthood.
Father Alan Wierzba, Director of the Office for Vocations, served as master of ceremonies for the evening. After the meal, two of the newest priests of the diocese, Father Aaron Becker and Peter Kieffer, shared reflections on their journey’s to becoming priests, what it has been like during their first months as priests and what having generous supporters meant to them throughout seminary and after.
Gary and Elizabeth Peckham were also presented with the Spirit of Light Award and have been long-time supporters of the diocese and the Office for Vocations.
Msgr. Jeffrey Burrill gave the keynote address as a priest for the Diocese of La Crosse and who now serves as the Associate General Secretary of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington D.C.
Bishop Callahan closed with a final prayer and remarks of gratitude, not only for the generous donors but for the parents who support their sons every day in their quest to answer God’s call to the priesthood.
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