Monday, July 31 — The continued vitality and growth of candidates for priestly formation was evident on Monday night at St. Vincent's in Arlington, Texas, when we gathered for the annual "Religious Appreciation Dinner." This is traditionally held the week in which our seminarians head off to the Cedarbrake Retreat House in the Diocese of Austin, Texas, for a week of prayer and study. This year we are welcoming seven new seminarians, which brings us to a total number of 31 seminarians. Most of the seminarians were able to be present at St. Vincent's, with the exception of those at the North American College in Rome, those on "Clinical Pastoral Education" assignments, and those in Mexico.
The crowd which was at capacity truly enjoyed the evening of faith and fellowship. It was especially fitting that Fr. Kyle Walterscheid, now the pastor of the new Blessed John Paul II parish was recognized for his years of faithful and enthusiastic service, and to welcome Fr. Isaac Orozco as the new Director of Vocations. The generosity of the Knights of Columbus is a true gift. Over the course of this year, the Knights of the Diocese of Fort Worth have raised over $192,000 to help with the expenses of seminary education. Part of the proceeds of that evening also goes to strengthening and sustaining the important ministry of the Diocese to the hearing impaired and the deaf. Thanks to those of the deaf community who were present, and who also entertained us with song and prayer. The entire evening is of symbolic importance in continuing to build a sense of "ecclesial common" for the life of the contemporary Body of Christ, and in continuing to build and encourage a "culture of vocations" where the call to follow the Lord as priests and religious can be clearly heard.
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| Bishop Kevin Vann is presented with a check to support the education of seminarians by the Knights of Columbus. Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen |
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| Fr. Kyle Walterscheid speaks after being recognized for his years of service as the Director of Vocations. Behind him and to the left is Fr. Isaac Orozco, the new Director of Vocations, along with the seminarians. Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen |
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| Members of the Deaf Community signing a prayer and song at the Religious Appreciation Dinner. Photo by Joan Kurkowski-Gillen |