Wednesday night the Catholic Community in North Texas turned out to welcome 69 seminarians who are studying for the priesthood at Holy Trinity Seminary, Redemptoris Mater Seminary and serving pastoral years at parishes. Seminarians from the Diocese of Dallas and six other dioceses in the region were among the young men introduced.

More than 1000 filled the ballroom at the Fairmont Hotel for the annual event that serves the dual purpose of welcoming the seminarians and raising funds to be used in improving facilities at Holy Trinity Seminary.

Many generous Catholics support the programs of the Diocese through the Bishop’s Appeal and personal gifts to Catholic schools, agencies and institutions but the Seminarians Welcome Dinner and the Catholic Charities Gala are special events that highlight and support two foundational efforts of the Church of Dallas.

At the Last Supper Jesus instituted the priesthood and the Eucharist and then washed the feet of the Apostles. He charged the Apostles, and us, with continuing both. The work of our seminaries and of Catholic Charities represents our carrying out those mandates of Jesus…worship and service to others.

In supporting these two diocesan events Catholics insure the continuing presence in our community of Jesus the High Priest and Jesus with the basin and towel.