Attitude of Gratitude

Priest/Seminarian Dinner is a time to show thankfulness for vocational support.

For over twenty years, Sacred Heart seminarians have been extending invitations to priests who have supported them through their journey to, and throughout, their seminary studies. On November 16, 138 priests and seminarians gathered for what has become an annual event, the Solemn Vespers and Priest/Seminarian Dinner.

Sixty-five priests attended the function, greeted in the main lobby by grateful seminarians who have benefitted from their generosity. The priests were directed into Sacred Heart's main chapel, a place many of the priests know well. Our chapel is where a number of them found clarification in their own vocations, some in recent years and others decades ago. The gathering sang solemn evening prayer together, accompanied by the Sacred Heart Schola, the seminary liturgical choir. Following hors d'oeuvres, Msgr. Todd Lajiness, the seminary's rector, offered a formal welcome before dinner in the gymnasium.

For seminarians and priests alike, the chance to pray together and to enjoy each other's friendship is an opportunity to grow together in faith. For many of the priests who studied here and now pastor parishes at opposite ends of the archdiocese, the evening is a welcome opportunity to reconnect socially and take a walk down memory lane to their days as Sacred Heart sems.

Riley Durkin, second year pre-theology seminarian for the Diocese of Fargo, invited his former pastor to the dinner. Fr. James Goodwin accepted the invitation and was perhaps the greatest-travelled attendee of the evening. A thankful Riley remarked, It's a great opportunity to be able to do something for a priest who did so much for me growing-up. I get to show my appreciation for him supporting me and encouraging me to be open to the priesthood.

The students recognize the importance of showing appreciation to those who nurture vocations within their parishes. Similarly, the students, in the midst of a busy semester, often miles from their home diocese, are thankful for the chance to show their gratitude to those priests with whom they do not have regular contact any more.

On behalf of all the seminarians, we thank all the priests whose untold prayer—many prayed before we even sensed our own vocationhave helped to sustain us and continue to sustain us as we discern the will of God in our lives.