Seminarians from Sacred Heart Major Seminary served as the waitstaff at the 14th annual Dinner for Life, taking charge of organizing the entire event, from the liturgy to selecting the beneficiary of the fundraiser. The evening was captured in photos by Valaurian Waller for Detroit Catholic.
Support for Sidewalk Counseling and Pro-life Ministry at Annual Dinner
DETROIT— On February 9, supporters of Sacred Heart Major Seminary gathered for the 14th annual Dinner for Life, an event filled with prayer, camaraderie, and introspection, where the seminarians themselves catered the dinner.
The event featured a Mass celebrated by Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton, who also presided over the inaugural Mass in 2006 when he served as the seminary’s rector.
The beneficiaries of the dinner harkened back to its origins, with the South Lyon-based sidewalk counseling ministry being the focus. Jim Musgrave, a second-year theology seminarian for the Archdiocese of Detroit, highlighted the ministry’s dedication to providing support to mothers considering abortion with compassion and a deep-rooted belief in the sanctity of life.
Approximately 300 attendees participated in the dinner, meticulously organized by the seminarians who handled everything from the Mass readings to meal preparation and beneficiary selection.
Jim Musgrave emphasized the communal effort behind the event, stating, “We engage in this selflessly, solely to serve the people of God. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our commitment to the Gospel of Life.”
Aside from fundraising for Guadalupe Workers, the dinner serves as a vital component of the seminarians’ priestly development, imparting essential pastoral skills necessary for advocating a pro-life stance.
Bishop Monforton commended the seminarians for initiating the Dinner for Life as a testament to their dedication to fostering a culture of life within the priesthood.
The evening’s reflections during Mass resonated with the theme of embracing the light of God and embodying the compassion of Christ in one’s actions.
Edmund Miller, a teacher at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor and the founder of Guadalupe Workers, delivered a poignant keynote address underscoring the transformative power of love and hope in the pro-life ministry.
Guadalupe Workers, established 22 years ago, focuses on providing compassionate support to individuals facing the challenges of unplanned pregnancies, emphasizing the importance of love and human connection in fostering hope and healing.
Miller stressed the significance of genuine care and empathy in pro-life work, emphasizing that love has the power to bring about profound change and instill hope in those facing difficult circumstances.
In conclusion, the annual Dinner for Life stands as a testament to the seminarians’ commitment to promoting a culture of life and embodying the values of compassion, service, and love in their priestly formation.