2009 Desert Classic Highlights

Never let it be said that Sacred Heart supporters are afraid to get wet, especially for a good cause. Despite almost constant rain and wind, over 130 golfers took to the course at St. John's in Plymouth on Monday, September 28, 2009, in support of Sacred Heart's seminarians for the Twenty-seventh Annual Desert Classic golf outing.

Founded by seminary supporter Edward Bovich, the Desert Classic benefits the Desert Formation Experience Program, a four-week intensive spiritual journey that takes place for seminarians completing their first year of Theological training. Through this pilgrimage, the men—traveling this year to the Holy Land, Rome and other holy sites in Europe—grow in faith and understanding of their call to holiness and priestly service.

After a soggy and blustery day out on the course, the golfers moved indoors to the Grande Ballroom to enjoy some good food and fellowship. During the dinner program, guests viewed an inspirational video showcasing highlights of the 2009 Desert Formation Experience.

The 2009 first place team was captained by newly-ordained Fr. Mark Prill, Jack Brosas, Mike Hopkins, Mark Pippas and Dan Smith. In second place for the second year in a row were Fr. Steve Burr, Carl Myler, David Myler, Dan Myler and Tom Myler, Jr. Captained by Fr. Jerry Brzezinski, the third place team also included Jim Eischeid, Mark Murphy, Jim Scovic and Ron Sheets.

The Closest to the Pin trophy, known as the Cardinal Dearden Cup, went to Bob Fox, at 7'10".  Ron Sheets took the prize for the Accuracy Shot, at a mere five inches from the mark.

On behalf of our seminarians and the entire seminary community, we would like to thank our golfers, our sponsors and all who participated in the success of the Desert Classic. Your continued support and generosity have helped in the formation of more than 247 of our seminarians in the past 27 years and is truly a blessing and a wonderful witness to us all.

In the words of 2009 Desert Classic Seminarian Chairman, Craig Giera, "The generosity of the faithful toward their priests and seminarians never ceases to amaze me…. (The golfers') participation in the Desert Classic provides us with a summer of grace and an experience that will give us a lifetime worth of meditation."

We hope you will prayerfully consider joining us next year for our Twenty-eighth Annual Desert Classic on Monday, September 20, 2010, for the benefit of our seminarians, for the glory of God and for fun! Opportunities are available for new teams and sponsors.

For information regarding next year's Desert Classic, email DesertGolfClassic@shms.edu or phone (313) 883-8567.