Archbishop ’ s Gala Supports , Encourages Current and Future Seminarians ’ Vocations
Archbishop Vigneron , Sacred Heart rector ask donors to continue to support seminarians year-round at 2022 gala
More than 600 donors and benefactors of Sacred Heart Major Seminary gathered at Huntington Place in downtown Detroit , Michigan , on June 10 for the 2022 Archbishop ’ s Gala to support the mission of the seminary and the future priests it will form .
“ This fundraiser is a great way to support the mission of Sacred Heart ,” Father Stephen Burr , rector and president of Sacred Heart Major Seminary , told Detroit Catholic . “ Tonight is a chance to gather with all the people of God who support us . We have such great benefactors , people who support us for many years and those who are new to the seminary community .”
In a year in which the Archdiocese of Detroit is marking a special Year of Prayer for Priestly Vocations , Father Burr said events like the gala are among the many ways parishioners can support current seminarians in their studies and encourage men to consider the priesthood .
“ Supporting vocations first starts with prayer , and then it starts with an invitation to have the Lord rooted in your life , so you know what the Lord wants for you in your life ,” Father Burr said . Then we extend that invitation to serve in the Church as disciples in different ways ,” including as priests and in consecrated life .
Five transitional deacons from the Archdiocese of Detroit emceed the gala , which carried the theme “ Hearts for Christ .”
Detroit Archbishop Allen H . Vigneron gave the keynote address , announcing a $ 100,000 gift from the Michigan State Council of the Knights of Columbus to Sacred Heart and thanking donors for their continued support of the seminary where he was a student , professor , rector , and is now chairman of the board of directors .
“ The work of the seminary , of course , is aimed at preparing shepherds and their co-workers to serve the Gospel ,” Archbishop Vigneron said . “ This image of the heart of Christ [ is important ], because we never would want pastors who work in the name of Christ to serve us without the heart of Christ .”
Robert and Melanie Nofz of St . Michael the Archangel Parish in Livonia attended their sixth gala , showing their appreciation for the work of the seminary .
“ We ’ ve been donors for six years now and feel the seminary is such a great place ,” Melanie Nofz said . “ We see these [ seminarians ] at different parishes throughout the Detroit area , and we see young priests coming up and going through new assignments , and it ’ s really rewarding to see .”
Coming to the gala is a way to express further gratitude for priestly vocations ,
24 Sacred Heart Major Seminary | Mosaic | Fall 2022