Patrons and supporters of Sacred Heart Major Seminary can look forward to a change of scenery for the 2026 Archbishop’s Gala, the annual fundraiser that supports the seminary’s mission to form future ordained and lay leaders to serve the people and parishes of the Archdiocese of Detroit and beyond.
The Gala will be held on the evening of Thursday, June 4, in the Monarch Ballroom at Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth, after previous years’ celebrations have been held at Detroit’s Huntington Place.
In a letter addressed to friends and patrons of the seminary, Fr. Stephen Burr, Sacred Heart’s rector and president, wrote that the change of venue is significant as it marks “a homecoming” for the seminary.
“Our community returns to the hallowed grounds of the former Saint John’s Provincial Seminary, beautifully bridging the legacy of our past with the vibrant future of Sacred Heart,” Fr. Burr wrote. “By returning to this site, we honor an enduring legacy of faith that connects to our present mission of forming the next generation of spiritual leaders.”
The Gala’s theme this year is “Sacred Heart, Sacred Mission: Forming Shepherds for the Good News,” which “speaks to the core” of the seminary’s mission, Fr. Burr explained.
“We are called to form men and women who possess the heart of the Good Shepherd — leaders who are ready to go out into the world and proclaim the Gospel with courage and compassion,” Fr. Burr said. “Your support ensures that our students receive the academic excellence and spiritual formation necessary to serve the Church and our community with a steadfast commitment to the Good News.”
The seminary’s role in forming spiritual leaders is further highlighted by its anticipation of the ordination of four seminarians to the priesthood and three to the transitional diaconate this spring for the Archdiocese of Detroit, in addition to several more for other dioceses and religious communities.
Gala attendees can look forward to an evening of fellowship and faith, beginning with an outdoor cocktail reception, followed by a plated dinner and program highlighting the seminary’s enduring legacy of priestly and lay formation, as well as a performance by the seminarian choir.
Attendees can also enter a $25,000 cash raffle drawing, sponsored by Weingartz. Raffle tickets are available for purchase at $10 apiece through Sacred Heart Major Seminary, all local Knights of Columbus Councils and at the Gala.
This year’s event sponsors include the presenting sponsor, Christian Financial Credit Union, and major sponsors including Catholic Funeral and Cemetery Services, Alliance Catholic Credit Union, Weingartz and Alpha & Omega Laser, LLC.
Individual tickets may be purchased for $300 each, which include cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and an exquisite 3-course plated dinner. Benefactor tickets are $500 each and also include a pre-event cocktail reception with Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger, Fr. Burr, and Fr. Kevin Creagh, Sacred Heart’s incoming rector.
Individuals, businesses, schools and other organizations are invited to support the seminary’s mission through sponsorship opportunities; all sponsors will be recognized in the program book. To become a sponsor, visit archbishopsgala.com or contact Chris Rettich at (313) 237-5918 or [email protected]. Sponsorship commitments must be received by May 11, and tickets must be purchased by the deadline, May 15.
For more information, please contact [email protected] or 313-596-7400.
