Diocese of Gary

MERRILLVILLE – Hundreds of vocations supporters gave their affirmation, offering prayer, treasure and fellowship to a group of men who are each on a journey that started with a “Yes.”

Nine of eleven diocesan seminarians gathered with guests for the 10th annual Black Tie White Collar gala on Sept. 18 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. The benefit, sponsored by the Diocese of Gary Office of Vocations, featured auctions, games, prayer and fine dining.

Far from being yes-men, diocesan seminarians each have their own unique stories of acting upon promptings and taking the time to discern a call to potentially serve the Church as a member of the clergy. In an atmosphere of encouragement and positivity, young discerners were eager to talk about their experiences.

First-year seminarian John LaCorte stepped back to take in the large room filled with hundreds of local parishioners, priests and deacons. Just a couple of years officially and sacramentally a member of the Catholic Church, the convert is full speed ahead into his formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, Minn.

“For myself – and it’s become more profound since I got to IHM – it’s the prayers,” said LaCorte. “I know I would not be there without, specifically, the Serra Club, everyone in the diocese and our Bishop McClory and their prayers.

LaCorte continued, “The Lord just wants a ‘Yes.’ In my case, saying ‘Yes’ meant being open to what the Lord would inspire and listening to those around me about what kind of wisdom they could impart. 
“Furthermore, it’s expensive to educate a man to learn to be a priest. It’s a lot of school and the generous donations and the giving that the people of the diocese do, their reward will be in heaven for sure,” he concluded.

Also attending the gala were seminarians Deacon Nicholas Emsing, Collin Van Waardenburg, Leo Marcotte, Roy Graf, Nathan Knowlton, Mark Akert, Isaac Ford and Joseph Bojda. Gianni DiTola and Ryan Pierce remain in Rome, studying at the Pontifical North American College.

More seasoned in his formal service to the Church, Bishop Robert J. McClory spoke of the culture of faith that helped him pivot from a legal career to what eventually became a priestly ministry. Often mentioning the holiness of his late parents, the diocesan shepherd gained additional inspiration that pointed him to his calling.  

“I think to say ‘Yes’ to Jesus you have to know and fall in love with Jesus and know that he wants what’s best for you,” said Bishop McClory. “For me, being raised in a family of faith was so important, but then I was surrounded by peers in high school and as a young adult, to help me to pray ... they helped me listen to God’s voice, which was very key in my vocation.”  

The bishop was the toast of a unique auction, whereby the highest bidder won an exclusive dinner with guests and the leader of the diocese at his residence in Crown Point. After repeatedly raising their bid sheets in a bidding war, a generous couple from St. Matthias contributed thousands to further vocations support.

“I don't like to lose,” said DJ Moore. “And I was in no matter what. God’s blessed us very much, and we want to give it back and help build the Church.”

While a silent auction continued to draw bidders, the banquet itinerary moved ahead under the watchful eye of Jo Anne Rosenow, administrative assistant for the vocations office. Father Nathaniel Edquist, diocesan vocations director, walked to the podium to present this year’s Guardian Angel award for outstanding vocations support to Sandy Butler.

Butler, one of eleven children, enjoys spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren as she remains active as a longtime parishioner at Mary Mother of Mercy Parish (and a founding member of the former Queen of All Saints Parish) in Michigan City.

Known for her prayerful support of seminarians, who will one day say the Eucharistic Prayers, she offered brief remarks, most of which were in the form of a prayer for priests.  

Geoff and Mary Williams of Valparaiso enjoyed their steak dinner while reminiscing about work in various church ministries as well as child-rearing. They said it was a blessing to finally be “just the people in the pew.”  

Yet their support for those discerning a call to the priesthood is something that got them to the banquet on time.

“I think it’s important to start discerning a call no matter how old you are ... if you wait until high school and college there’s already a lot going on,” Mary Williams explained. “The younger you are, the closer to God you are, as the noise of the world hasn’t started to clutter their brains.”

The Williams said they love seeing that the seeds of faith once planted can bear fruit.  

“One of the most inspiring things is to see people who we've engaged with in ministries like Father Will (O’Donnell) to see that through (to the priesthood) and carry that service forward,” said Geoff Williams.

For more information about religious vocations in the diocese, visit garyvocations.com.

Caption: Sandy and Joe Szczerbowski and Cindy and Philip Baumeister of Holy Spirit Parish view art works at the Black Tie White Collar gala on Sept. 18 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. Hundreds of guests gathered for introductions, games, dining and live and silent auctions at the tenth annual event to benefit priestly vocations. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)