My subject for this pastor's column was influenced by the Gospel that was proclaimed for Tuesday, July 9 and a meeting that was held right after that Mass. In the Gospel, (Mth 9:32-38), Jesus was busy teaching, preaching and healing people. As he went from one place to another, he may have felt somewhat overwhelmed by the task in front of him. He said "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few, so ask the harvestmaster to send out laborers for his harvest." (Mth 9:32). This passage has often been quoted over the years when encouragement is given to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. The meeting I attended after Mass that morning addressed the upcoming annual fundraising dinner for our Arkansas seminarians (August 9) that is sponsored by our local Knights of Columbus (Council 10208). Much effort has already been put in to make this the most enjoyable (and hopefully successful) nights that we have ever had for this important and worthy cause to prepare through educa-tion and formation the future "laborers for the harvest" in the fertile field of the state of Arkansas. Through cooperation and coordination with the vocation office of our diocese we will have the most seminarians EVER who are able to attend our meal and program (around 19)! We will have some seminarians perform some music for us, and one seminarian share about the journey of faith that has led him to this point in his formation. In addition, we have the vocation director, Fr. Jeff Hebert, the new spiritual formation director at the House of Formation, Fr. Mauricio Carrasco and Bishop Taylor speaking to the attendees and a DELICIOUS dinner prepared by Chef Johnna. (See the bulletin announcement for the menu). I will have plenty of homemade ice cream made for dessert to top off a wonderful meal! The cost of the meal is $25.00 a person, I am happy to tell you that due to the generosity of Karen Feckler (who is underwriting the cost of the food and caterer) all $25.00 will be going to the seminarian fund.

I hope you will join me in making a generous donation at the dinner when invited to do so, and even make a sacrificial gift toward the process of preparing these men to celebrate the Sacrifice of the Mass countless times, and for many years to come, in addition to other ministries that will build the Kingdom of God in Arkansas beyond what we can imagine. I especially encourage those who have not participated in this unforgettable evening and cause to join us this year. Tickets can be purchased online or if you can't do that by calling Jerry Kordsmeier at (501 282-2030).

Please don't wait to get your tickets as we only have room for around 170 paid participants. God is indeed in-spiring men to participate in the harvest of souls for the Lord and his kingdom in an ordained life. Our participation in this calling is, in part, a way to thank the Lord for the priests of our past (and present) who are bringing the Lord to us in the Eucharist, the other sacraments and in many other ways! I hope to see you on the evening of August the 9th at 5:00 p.m.