As the Lansing Lugnuts played just another summer Friday night game on August 1, the stadium was packed with attendees for the 25th annual Knights of Columbus Vocations Night baseball game, writes Elaine Kutas.
Bishop Earl Boyea of Lansing addressed the crowd before the game with a message on the jumbotron, thanking the Knights for continually putting on this event, everyone for coming out, and the Lugnuts for hosting.
“God has richly blessed this diocese with vocations to the diaconate, priesthood, and religious life,” Bishop’s voice echoed, “All we can say is, firstly, thanks be to God, and secondly, go Lugnuts!”
In attendance were priests from all across the diocese; the Dominican Sisters of Mary Mother of the Eucharist; Sisters of Mercy; seminarians from all levels of schooling, and many families too.
Father Mike Cassar, Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Lansing, sees this event as a beautiful way for people of the diocese to connect with those in the priesthood and religious life.
“This event has a couple of purposes, yes we want to raise awareness about vocations, but it has also become an event that every Catholic in the area attends,” Father Cassar said.
“It really has become an opportunity to be bolstered in your faith as we get to see nuns in their habits, priest in their collars, and all these faithful gathered together watching a game and enjoying each other’s company.”
Father Cassar and Dawn Haussman, Director of Consecrated Vocations, hope that events like this one bring vocations into the forefront of young people’s minds and shows them that living God’s vocation for their lives is a beautiful calling.
The Lansing Lugnuts defeated the Cedar Rapids Kernels 10-7 after a strong performance scoring five runs in the second inning, securing their lead and taking them to the win.
* Visit the Diocese of Lansing website for more information if you feel called to consecrated religious life, or visit lansingpriest.org for more information about the priesthood.
