700 guests expected at Windsor-Essex dinner to fund priest training
The 19th annual event at the Ciociaro Club welcomes a new bishop and marks 100 years since the seminary building opened.
By Omar Bennett ·
St. Peter’s Seminary has operated for a century, and tonight’s gathering marks that milestone.
Nearly 700 people are expected to attend the 19th annual Bishop’s Dinner at the Ciociaro Club in Windsor-Essex this evening.
The event serves two main purposes: welcoming Bishop Daniel Miehm, the newly installed Bishop of the Diocese of London, and honoring Bishop Emeritus Ronald P. Fabbro. Fabbro will receive recognition for his 24 years of service to the diocese.
Gabriella Catolino, the Interim Executive Director of the St. Peter’s Seminary Foundation, stated that the dinner provides a direct link between donors and the students. "We’re celebrating our seminarians. We have all of our seminarians, I think 28 of them coming to the event to host tables and be present to the community as well so they can see firsthand where their support goes."
Education at the seminary requires an eight-year study period before ordination. Catolino noted that this long timeline creates a high financial burden. "It is supporting seminarians through eight years of study before they become ordained to be priests.. it costs a lot of money and so the community’s support of this organization is vitally important and we need to continue to grow."
Under the leadership of new rector Father Peter Keller, the seminary is exploring new educational models, including hybrid learning options.
The program has grown since its inception in 2004. The evening’s agenda includes a keynote address from Bishop Miehm and a tribute to Fabbro. St. Anne’s jazz band, an award-winning group, will perform during the reception. The seminary’s historic building in London opened in 1926.
Source: CKLW
