Growing the Athenaeum Family at "Taste and See"

Great synergy among Athenaeum supporters, seminarians and faculty was apparent at the annual “Taste and See” event on September 19^th. Many of the guests enjoyed talking with the seminarians to learn how they discerned their calling to the priesthood. Kate Schutte remarked, “Each one’s story is different and amazing.” Her husband, Larry, added, “I was attracted to come back to Taste and See because of the great conversations I had with the men last year; we absolutely loved it.”

The annual event is for Bishop Fenwick Society (BFS) members and their guests to get to know seminarians and the priests of Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, and for the seminarians to become acquainted with their ardent supporters. Guests are encouraged to join the society through a gift of $1,000 or more annually. Together, BFS members give significant prayerful and financial support to the seminary each year. 

The unusually hot, humid evening did not deter people from enjoying the long portico gracing the front of the Athenaeum, where there were a variety of beers and wines to choose from. Craig and Lucy Miller, founders of the Fenwick Society’s Generations Circle, were busy serving up the drinks. The couple sits on the Athenaeum’s Advisory Council. Lucy said, “We just love this place. We don’t have children of our own so we think of the seminarians as our boys.”

Indoors, the stately Westerfield room showcased a buffet of hors d’oeuvres and desserts, as unique as they were delicious. A pianist’s musical repertoire added to the elegant atmosphere.

Remarks from Deacon Jacob Willig, Fr. Benedict O’Cinnsealaigh, Rector, and Archbishop Dennis Schnurr, engaged the crowd and solidified the people’s desire and fortitude to support the formation of new priests for the Catholic Church. Fr. Benedict talked about the generations of Catholics who came before everyone gathered in the room, making the seminary and the people in it, possible. “We have something eternal to offer,” he said, “and we need you to partner with us in making it a reality.”

Following that request, Phil and Jeanne Tilly, from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, decided to become BFS members at their first Taste and See event. Phil, a non-Catholic who has been married to Jeanne for 35 years, is eager to support the Athenaeum. “I believe in what they are doing here and in the Archdiocese,” he said. “The Archbishop ‘knocked it out of the park’ with the vocations prayer. When I read that prayer on Sundays, I think about what a powerful thing it is.”

Click the following link to see a photo gallery of “Taste & See” 2017 http://www.mtsm.org/PhotoGalleries/PhotoGallery63.aspx

How can you support the Athenaeum’s vital mission? Donate today at http://www.mtsm.org/SupportUs/give-online.aspx
 

Text Credit: Colleen Kammer
Photo Credit: E.L. Hubbard Photography