HIGHLAND — Approximately 125 donors and guests gathered at the Highland Knights of Columbus Council #1580 Hall on Feb. 21, for the 28th Annual Fundraiser for Vocations, Newman and Pro-Life, sometimes referred to as the Bishop's Dinner.

Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois began the day concelebrating Mass at St. Paul Church in Highland. At dinner, Council Church Director and fundraiser co-chairman Don Lohman of St. Paul Parish, welcomed guests and introduced Sir Knight John Kapp Jr., of St. Paul, warden for Fourth Degree Assembly 0231, who led the guests in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Council Grand Knight and co-chairman Joe Wetmore, also of St. Paul, continued with the introduction of special guests, including Illinois State Council Advocate Stephen Mann, Al Treichel, diocesan chairman of Springfield Diocese, and Larry and Marge Theriault, chairs of the Illinois State Council Right to Life.

Wetmore introduced Father Brian Alford, diocesan Director of Vocations Director, who expressed thanks for their support of the seminarians with prayers and encouragement. He noted that there are now 23 seminarians studying for the priesthood. Wetmore presented a check for $500 for each seminarian, plus a check for $2,000 to the Office of Vocations to help with its overall needs.

"The generosity of K. of C. has been a wonderful blessing to our seminarians in formation," said Father Alford. "Not only does it provide helpful material assistance, but it also helps the men to feel truly connected to the faithful of the diocese, which can be difficult since they all study in locations outside of our diocese."

A check for $2,500 was presented to Bishop Paprocki by Chancellor Bill Napper to help fulfill the bishop's mission to further vocational education. The gift was the result of proceeds from the annual bowling tournament held to raise money for vocations.

State Council Advocate Mann spoke on the positive influence that the Newman centers at secular colleges and universities have on college students. Father Alford also mentioned the great effect that Newman centers have on fostering vocations. Tricia Blasdal reported on the work done at the Relevant Pregnancy Options Center, in providing advice and counsel to women coping with unplanned pregnancies, and helping to supply the needs of those who choose life.

During his remarks, Bishop Paprocki thanked everyone for their support of the three causes featured during the gathering. In addition, he delivered a stirring speech on the life and death of Justice Antonin Scalia, a devoted Catholic and pro-life advocate, who the bishop applauded for his unwavering effort to interpret the Constitution to understand the intentions that the founders intended.

Co-Chairman Lohman thanked everyone for making this year's fundraiser successful and noted that several individuals and businesses also contributed to the success for the council's cause.

Photos and article reprinted with permission granted by The Pioneer newspaper in Highland.