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Catholic Radio’s second annual priest, seminarian golf tourney set June 6

Tournament to be held at Littleton’s Columbine Country Club

By Julie Filby

The second annual Priest and Seminarian Appreciation Day sponsored by Catholic Radio Network is set for June 6.

The event to be held at Columbine Country Club in Littleton will honor priests and seminarians in all three Colorado dioceses—Denver, Colorado Springs and Pueblo—with a day of fun and relaxation.

Activities will include a brunch, 18-hole golf tournament, Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament, hors d’ouvres and cocktails, and a banquet and awards ceremony.

“Jim and Carolyn O’Laughlin of Catholic Radio Network came up with the idea modeled after a golf and Texas Hold ‘Em tournament held for the last 19 years in the Kansas-Missouri area, where CRN is based,” event coordinator Karen Mandolfo told the Denver Catholic Register.

Last year’s inaugural event, held in Colorado Springs, drew more than 100 attendees. The planning committee is expecting up to three times that many this year. Special guests will include Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap.; Denver Auxiliary Bishop James D. Conley; Colorado Springs Bishop Michael J. Sheridan; Pueblo Bishop Fernando Isern; and Colorado Spring Bishop Emeritus Richard Hanifen.

Through last year’s fundraising efforts and a silent auction, each of the 27 priests and bishops in attendance was given a new, tailor-made clerical suit. Many attendees also received gift cards.

“Our priests wear these suits each and every day in ministering to us and to our families,” Mandolfo said. “They should be of good quality to hold up to that amount of wear and tear.”

The event is a way for parishioners to express appreciation to their parish’s current and former priests—and those studying to be priests.

“I think St. John Chrysostom said it best: ‘Love priests as children love their fathers. Through them you have received an eternal generation, you have obtained the kingdom, and the gates of heaven are swung open to you,’” she relayed.

Guests can participate in all of the day’s events, or choose particular activities to attend.

While there is no fee for priests and seminarians, registration is required. All priests attending will be measured and entered into a drawing for a new suit.

For other guests, the registration fees—before May 1—are as follows: $175 for 18 holes of golf and all meals and activities; $700 for a team of four golfers; $50 to play Texas Hold ‘Em and attend the banquet; $50 to attend the banquet only. Fees increase after May 1 (see accompanying box).

Sponsorship opportunities ranging from $50 to $10,000 are available. For sponsorship opportunities, contact Mandolfo at 303-523-9760 or kman dolfo@yahoo.com. Gift card donations are also welcome.

“Our objective is simple,” Mandolfo said. “It’s to help raise funds and awareness for the priests of Colorado’s three dioceses.”

Registration will begin at 10 a.m. and the banquet starts at 7 p.m. Columbine Country Club is located at 17 Fairway Lane in Littleton. For more information or to register visit www.golf4priests.com, or contact Marilyn Hutchison at 303-932-2016 or mhutchi@comcast.net.