VALPARISO – This past September, the St. Paul Men's Club held a widely attended golf outing at the Forest Park golf course in Valparaiso. The event was branded as "Mission on the Green" with the goal to fund a scholarship program for students attending college or trade schools.
Based upon the success of the event, the St. Paul's Men's Club is planning to award five $2,000 scholarships this spring.
A parish golf outing has been held for many years, however, this is the first year of the scholarship. Scott Gabel, the men’s club’s newest president, thought of the idea as a way to focus the intent of the outing beyond a golf event.
“I wanted to give back to the youth and encourage them to continue their mission,” Gabel said.
The Mission on the Green golf outing proved beneficial in generating funds. The group was able to raise money through the support of businesses – having tiered sponsorship levels, food sponsors and hole sponsors. Participation also played a key role in the golf outing, having 144 golfers sign up for the event. In addition, raffle tickets were sold for a chance to win prizes along with 50/50 raffle tickets.
Member John Gerth said at the end of the day, it was simply enjoyable spending time with fellow parishioners and guests while raising money for scholarships. Moving forward, he shared, the goal will be to expand upon the success of the inaugural Mission on the Green outing and award more scholarships.
“We are now working to build awareness of the scholarship program via different channels throughout Northwest Indiana,” Gerth explained.
The main criteria will be the applicants' articulation of their "mission statement" in which they will need to respond to two questions: "What is your Mission?" and "How will you make a difference?" Each person will be asked to submit a statement of a minimum of 500 words that will explain his or her purpose in life and what going to school means to him or her.
Applications for the scholarship will be accepted starting Feb. 16 using the ministry’s website, stpaulmensclub.org until April 15. Recipients will be notified in May, with the winners being invited to attend a men’s club meeting to receive a certificate acknowledging the funds being given to the school of their choice.
Gerth shared what he enjoys most about the St. Paul's Men's Club.
“It is the sense of community and the opportunity to spend time with fellow parishioners,” he said.
Gabel agreed, stating he enjoys the comradery among the guys and meeting the new men of the parish. He is also proud of the work the group does that includes donating money to the church, school, local food pantries and helping families in need.
Father Doug Mayer said he is grateful the parish has a ministry that provides great opportunities to build connections for the men within the parish. He stated he is very pleased to have such “a committed group of Catholic men committed to the future formation of our children through our wonderful Catholic school at St. Paul."
Caption: St. Paul Men's Club board members present Father Doug Mayer with a $10,000 donation to the church. (Photo provided)
“We are blessed to have their ministry within St. Paul Church,” Father Mayer added.
The St. Paul Men’s Club sponsors or supports a variety of parish activities within the parish community such as the Mission on the Green golf outing, Lenten Fish Fry and Easter Egg hunt (April 4) for children. The group of men meets at 7 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month.
