MERRILLVILLE – At the seventh annual Black Tie White Collar gala on Oct. 20, a record number of local faithful gathered for fellowship and fun while expressing their commitment to remain steadfast supporters of vocations.
Three-hundred and thirty-five guests were greeted by diocesan staff and volunteers as they filed in to find their seats at tables set in the large expanse of the Avalon Banquet Center. Those dressed in formalwear found the crowd peppered with priests and a small group of advanced seminarians wearing the traditional Roman collar with the white tab.
For the first time in the benefit’s history, a sizable contingent of men from major seminaries joined the evening’s festivities. Some supporters of priestly vocations present said their commitment to formation and service to the Church is a source of optimism in a society and world in need of faithful leadership.
“This is exciting, it’s all for the priesthood and the new seminarians coming in,” said Mary Rose Douglas, a community member of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso. “We need more of them. And I think it’s such a great spiritual doing in which so many people participate.”
Making rounds about the large room elegantly decorated and featuring distinctive orchids on each table, seminarians were greeted by familiar parishioners and made new friends with those happy to see their youthful faces. They spoke of their experiences at seminaries in Michigan and Wisconsin.
Seminarian Alexander Kouris surveyed his surroundings and provided positive feedback regarding the upbeat atmosphere and supportive faithful he was encountering at the gala. After dinner – complete with a prayer led by Bishop Robert J. McClory – and introductions, it wasn't long before he joined his fellow seminarians in some syncopated and whimsical line dancing on the center floor.
“It’s very nice to be here at the gala,” said Kouris, who studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. “For the seminarians it’s our first time. Just being here to meet and greet those who have been very supportive of the diocese is super beneficial and super uplifting.”
Many of the guests who purchased tickets to the event also showed their support by placing bids on items such as religious statuary and baskets filled with preserves.
Items with the potential for larger bids, such as a donated Chicago White Sox luxury suite ticket package, were promoted in fast chants and exciting visual displays during a classic live auction format directed by Max Pouty of the Sayers Jones Auctioneering of Arlington Heights, Ill.
Santos Reyes was joined by his family as they met other area faithful and perused the auction items. Advancing in the Lay Ecclesial Ministry (LEM) training through the diocese, he hopes to continue to pursue the diaconate.
The Holy Family parish of LaPorte parishioner said showing care for the men studying for the priesthood will help produce leaders who will bring the transformative word and sacraments of God to those in a troubled world. The spirit he feels at events like BTWC is one of encouragement, much like that he has received from his wife.
Years ago, Santos Reyes said he was nominally Catholic, sitting in the pew looking at his watch to see when Mass may be over. Now he is inspired to share his love for worship and sharing the faith with others.
“Everything comes from my wife. Before, I believed in Jesus, but I wasn’t feeling it,” he explained. “She told me you have to give all your heart to Him, then listen to the Holy Spirit. The best thing is to get on your knees and pray.”
Even from afar, the encouragement of those who show their support in a public fashion is felt by those continuing in their discernment process.
From Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minn., seminarian Ryan Pierce expressed his appreciation for the beneficence of the Northwest Indiana faithful. “It’s definitely a very beautiful testimony – it’s very encouraging on the journey, spiritually and very practically as well,” he said.
According to vocations office administrative assistant Jo Anne Rosenow, funds collected through the gala will be dispersed to three main endeavors: to fund seminarian attendance at conferences and at the National Eucharist Congress next year in Indianapolis and to buy new surplices for a matching look to the men’s liturgical garments.
Father Nate Edquist, vocations director and pastor of Holy Family parish of LaPorte, said creating a culture of familial support among those answering the call to service in the Church can bear fruit for the present and the future.
“This is a great manifestation of the Church in the diocese,” commented Father Edquist, who was ordained to the priesthood by then-Bishop of Gary Donald J. Hying in 2017. “Here it’s about looking into the future of the Church and promoting vocations, supporting our seminarians, and just making sure all of our laity take an active role in vocation promotion.”
Father Edquist presented the Guardian Angel Award plaque for support of seminarians to Peggy Guernsey, the former longtime vocations administrative assistant. Discerners have affectionately referred to her as ‘Aunt Peggy.’
“I don’t feel I’ve done …,” Guernsey said, pausing as she became emotional. “I’ve gotten more out of this than I could give.”
Like the twelve diocesan seminarians, senior priest Father Gregory Holicky senses the value of the encouragement that engaged local faithful offer.
“It’s good to see the lay people support the clergy,” said Father Holicky, who was ordained in 1971 by Bishop Andrew G. Grutka. “Sometimes we’re standing up there and preaching and wondering if anything is registering. Something must be registering.”
Caption: Father Nathaniel Edquist (right), diocesan vocations director, speaks of the commitment to serving the Church exhibited by the seminarians on stage (along with assistant vocations directors) at the Black Tie White Collar gala on Oct. 20 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. The dinner benefit attended by 335 people featured introductions of seminarians, silent and live auctions and music. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)