JUNE 24, 2016 DECHANT FOUNDATION GOLF CLASSIC, GARDEN CITY, KS
By DAVID MYERS
Southwest Kansas Catholic
GARDEN CITY -- Dozens of golfers took to the fairway at the Golf Club at Southwind, Friday, June 24, to raise money for retired priests.
The 2016 Dechant Foundation Golf Classic drew 28 teams of four golfers each who enjoyed a day under sunny skies and temperatures not quite as hot as in recent days, and with a pleasant breeze.
This is the second year for the Classic, and the second organized by Diocese Director of Development Mark Roth.
“Thank you all for coming out today and supporting our retired priest benefit,” he told those gathered at the prime rib reception which followed the golf classic. “I hope everyone had a good time and enjoyed the course.
“I put the wind up just for myself so I had an excuse why I played like I did,” he said to laughter.
Like last year, the Most Rev. John B. Brungardt spent the day under an awning at the ninth hole, greeting golfers and even lending a swing if the team asked.
“Thank you all for supporting our retired priests,” the bishop said at the dinner reception. “What a dedicated bunch we have in all these retired priests who have served us for decades and decades. ... Three of them are 92 years old this year.”
The bishop shared a reflection from Pope Francis: to encounter, invite and accompany.
“It’s really not Pope Francis’s idea, it’s what Jesus did. He encountered someone, he invited them to a deeper walk with him, and he accompanied them--walked with them.
“And you might think of that even today, at this golf tournament. You encountered someone who heard about this golf tournament. How important it is--just that meeting--for our relationship building.
“Then the invitation came: Come to the tournament; come support the priests; come walk with us in a greater call to holiness. Then accompaniment. Here we are, accompanying each other all day long. What a great gift. Thank you. ...”
The Ann and Virgil Dechant Foundation has three goals: to strengthen families, provide support for present and future priests, and to support Catholic Formation. Dozens of individuals and businesses offered their financial sponsorship for the golf classic.
The Dechant Foundation offered a statement of appreciation to all those who participated in the classic: “Through your support and dedication we are able to show our thanks to the present and past priests who have touched our lives in so many ways, and have been an important part of our spiritual growth.”
By DAVID MYERS
Southwest Kansas Catholic
GARDEN CITY -- Dozens of golfers took to the fairway at the Golf Club at Southwind, Friday, June 24, to raise money for retired priests.
The 2016 Dechant Foundation Golf Classic drew 28 teams of four golfers each who enjoyed a day under sunny skies and temperatures not quite as hot as in recent days, and with a pleasant breeze.
This is the second year for the Classic, and the second organized by Diocese Director of Development Mark Roth.
“Thank you all for coming out today and supporting our retired priest benefit,” he told those gathered at the prime rib reception which followed the golf classic. “I hope everyone had a good time and enjoyed the course.
“I put the wind up just for myself so I had an excuse why I played like I did,” he said to laughter.
Like last year, the Most Rev. John B. Brungardt spent the day under an awning at the ninth hole, greeting golfers and even lending a swing if the team asked.
“Thank you all for supporting our retired priests,” the bishop said at the dinner reception. “What a dedicated bunch we have in all these retired priests who have served us for decades and decades. ... Three of them are 92 years old this year.”
The bishop shared a reflection from Pope Francis: to encounter, invite and accompany.
“It’s really not Pope Francis’s idea, it’s what Jesus did. He encountered someone, he invited them to a deeper walk with him, and he accompanied them--walked with them.
“And you might think of that even today, at this golf tournament. You encountered someone who heard about this golf tournament. How important it is--just that meeting--for our relationship building.
“Then the invitation came: Come to the tournament; come support the priests; come walk with us in a greater call to holiness. Then accompaniment. Here we are, accompanying each other all day long. What a great gift. Thank you. ...”
The Ann and Virgil Dechant Foundation has three goals: to strengthen families, provide support for present and future priests, and to support Catholic Formation. Dozens of individuals and businesses offered their financial sponsorship for the golf classic.
The Dechant Foundation offered a statement of appreciation to all those who participated in the classic: “Through your support and dedication we are able to show our thanks to the present and past priests who have touched our lives in so many ways, and have been an important part of our spiritual growth.”