Months of planning, mailings, phone calls and e-mails to make our friends aware; weeks of menu planning, production planning, seating arrangements and details to make our friends comfortable; all of these efforts culminated in the four delightful hours of the Archbishop's Gala 2010.

On Wednesday, June 9, 2010, 550 friends and supporters of Sacred Heart Major Seminary turned out at The Henry (formerly the The Ritz-Carlton) in Dearborn, Michigan, to celebrate the mission of the seminary. The event was a success in every respect. Our guests were charming, the food incredible and it was the perfect opportunity for attendees to learn more about the formation of priests, deacons and the lay ministers at Sacred Heart. The event raised $518,000 in support of the seminary.

Guests began to arrive at 5:30 PM. They were promptly greeted by our seminarians who invited them to enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at a reception. Guests also had the opportunity to have their photographs taken with Archbishop Allen Vigneron. Soon the house lights were flashing a gentle reminder that dinner would soon be served. Fr. Tim Birney, vocations director of the archdiocese and the evening's emcee, greeted guests with his special brand of humor and the night was up and running.

Honored guests included Bishop Ibrahim Ibrahim of the Chaldean Eparchy of St. Thomas the Apostle. He spoke on the history and role of Chaldeans in the archdiocese. During the last school year, Bishop Ibrahim sent his seven seminarians to be educated and formed at Sacred Heart, with Fr. Anthony Kathawa graduating in April and being ordained for the eparchy on May 22.

State Deputy John R. "Bob" Moody of the Michigan Knights of Columbus once again graciously served as the Event Sponsor. He presented Msgr. Jeffrey Monforton, rector and president of the seminary, a generous donation of $90,000 in support of the Fr. Michael J. McGivney Chair of Life Ethics. Monsignor Monforton then entered the spotlight and introduced our sixteen newly ordained graduates and briefed the crowd on the general needs of the seminary.

"Your generosity enables us to prepare our future priests and their co-workers as evangelists equipped to enkindle in the lives of others the flame of faith, hope and charity," he said.

Father Birney returned to the stage and announced the winning silent auction bids. Kathy Genthe, wife of Board of Trustee member Richard Genthe, stepped up to the car raffle drum and pulled the ticket, making Jane Copeland of Flushing, Michigan, a winner. The crowd then enjoyed an inspirational video about fourth-year seminarian Jeff Allan and a presentation by Archbishop Vigneron.

The archbishop recalled the theme for the gala from the prophet Isaiah, "I Will Give You Shepherds," and spoke on the seminary's mission of priestly, diaconal and lay ministry formation. He told the crowd how grateful he was for their participation and commitment.

"May God continue to bless all of you who assist us in the work of seminary formation," he said, "and may those God has called to be shepherds have the faith and courage to say 'yes' to his call with their hearts."

Before the evening closed, guests were reminded that the special "Year of the Priesthood" was coming to an end on June 11. Each attendee received a St. John Vianney (the patron saint of priests) prayer card. The room rose and along with Auxiliary Bishop Francis Reiss recited the prayer together, a fitting end to an enjoyable celebration of faith, fellowship and commitment.

Thank you sponsors, advertisers and guests for your kindness. Mark your calendar to join us next year on Wednesday, June 8, for the 2011 Archbishop's Gala.