The First Annual Archbishop’s Golf Tournament is in the books!  Wednesday, over 80 golfers turned out in support of funding and Endowment for Seminary Education.  The tournament is one of two events in which the Archdiocese of Anchorage will try to raise a minimum level of funds to qualify for a matching grant from Catholic Extension Society.  The funds will be used to grow our endowment for Seminary Education.

Many of the golfers mentioned how well the tournament was organized, especially for a first time endeavor.  They also mentioned that it was an exceptional turnout, which indicates to me that many people are highly invested in the future of the Church, and especially in the formation of their future priests.

I learned a long time ago that golfing is not just about the score, but is especially a great way to socialize.  Clearly, the group that came to the Anchorage City Golf Course on Wednesday enjoyed a lot of fun and fellowship, while at the same time helping the Church fund one of our most important areas of ministry.

To all who came out, Thank you!  To all of our great volunteers, Thank you!  To all of our sponsors, Thank you!  And a special word of thanks to three of our seminarians who were present for the days festivities, Madison Hayes, Jake Brownlee, and Ed Burke!  Jake and Ed hung out all day on one of the par threes as official witnesses where a hole in one would have won a brand new truck.  This was also the site where every team got an official photo taken with our seminarians.

An interesting note: one of my high school classmates and high school golf team buddies, Pete Brakora, who lives in Anchorage, put together a team, and won the tournament with a round of 60!  I’m sure it had more to do with the blessing I gave at the beginning of the tournament than skill!  He slyly called their team, the Marksmen, in honor of our high school mascot, the Tell City Marksmen.  This year also marks our 40th class year reunion.

The day concluded under tent with grilled burgers and brats, distribution of prizes, and more time to visit with one another.  Everyone was in agreement that we should continue this as a tradition, and were committed to help make next year’s tournament an even bigger success!

Please pray that we will be blessed with even more young men who will study for and become priests for the Archdiocese of Anchorage.

Peace,

+pde

5