Surgite Eamus Dinner Celebrates Vocations

By Sarah Bakker, WSDCF

More than 130 guests gathered with Bishop Scott Bullock, priests, seminarians, and supporters from across western South Dakota for the Surgite Eamus Mass & Dinner on August 1. More than 20 volunteers generously shared their time and talents to make the evening possible. Together, guests and supporters raised more than $57,000 for seminarian education and formation, before event expenses.

The dinner brings Catholics together in gratitude for the gift of the priesthood and in support of the men preparing to serve as priests in western South Dakota. Through prayer and generosity, our Catholic community helps provide seminarians with the education, formation, and support they need to faithfully answer Christ’s call.

“This great work with the diocese is not just for my vocation and not just for my work here at the Cathedral, but to enter into the greater work of this Church,” said Deacon Josiah Hanson. “To continue the formation of priests and seminarians for the next year, the next five years, the next decade, in the next century.”

During the evening, guests heard Deacon Hanson share his vocation story and learned the personal stories behind different chalices used by our priests in their ministry. Bishop Scott Bullock and Fr. Mark McCormick each shared reflections on chalices and the special meaning these sacred vessels hold in the life of a priest. These stories offered a powerful reminder that every priestly vocation is a gift to the entire Church and that each vocation needs the prayers and support of the Catholic community.