Founded by seminary supporter Edward Bovich, the Desert Classic benefits the Desert Formation Experience Program for our seminarians. More than fifty hardworking theology seminarians welcomed over 130 golfers, eighteen of whom participated in the first Desert Classic twenty-five years ago! Cardinal Adam Maida started the morning out for veterans and newcomers alike with an opening prayer and blessing before everyone headed out to the course.

 

This year's first-place team included team captain Fr. Joseph Ryder, a senior priest for the Archdiocese of Detroit, Edward Petersmarck, Robert Pulte, Peter Shagena and Roger Zatkoff. The second-place team included Fr. Dan Murphy, Ron Palmer, and Dave DuMouchel. Captain for the third-place team was Fr. Karl Pung, who was joined by Tom Butts, Ralph Hazen, Erich Mau and Dan Perreault.

 

The first-place team at the premier outing in 1983 included team captain Fr. Tom Sutherland, Ed Bovich, Dave Doherty, Ray Lope, and Bill Wildern. Fr. Sutherland's team has participated in the Desert Classic for all twenty-five years.

 

This year's coveted Dearden Cup, one of only twenty-five in existence, was awarded to Ron Sheets, whose "Closest to the Pin" shot was a mere five feet, eight inches from the pin on the fourteenth hole. Second-place went to Bob Pulte at nine feet, two inches.

 

First-place for the Accuracy Shot on the seventeenth hole was awarded to Jay LaBarge at two feet, ten inches. Second-place went to Dave DuMouchel at three feet, two inches.

 

After a gorgeous day out on the course, the golfers moved indoors to the Grande Ballroom to enjoy a reception of good food and the company of good friends, old and new. Following Ed Bovich's welcoming comments, Sacred Heart's Rector/President Very Rev. Msgr. Jeffrey Monforton thanked the sponsors, including Event Sponsor Knights of Columbus—Michigan State Council and Dinner Sponsors Glencorp Inc., Liturgical Publications Inc., MPS Group, Schott Group Investment Consulting, and Wolverine Packing Co.

 

David Kelley, SHMS Director of Development and External Affairs, presented a special award to Ed Bovich in appreciation for his twenty-five years of dedication to our seminarians. Over $1.9 million has been raised by supporters of the Desert Classic and the Desert Meals program in the past twenty-five years, allowing more than 220 seminarians to gain this valuable formational experience.

 

Under the direction of Lee Acervo, seminarian chairperson for the Desert Classic and a fourth-year theology student for the Archdiocese of Detroit, dinner was served by the seminarians after they entertained the group with the traditional round of "The Desert Classic Song" written by Millie Bovich, Ed's wife.

 

During dinner, seminarian John Dumas, a second-year theology student, shared memories of his Desert Formation Experience, while slides of this year's trip to the Holy Land and other holy sites of Europe were displayed in the background. The presentation and slide show gave the golfers an idea of the rich spiritual formation experienced by the seminarians, thanks to the benevolence of the golfers and sponsors. Following awards and door prizes, the entire group rose to their feet and closed the evening with a resounding rendition of "I Am the Bread of Life."

 

On behalf of our seminarians and the entire seminary community, we would like to thank our golfers and our sponsors, whose continued support and generosity is truly a blessing to us all.

 

We hope to see you next year for our twenty-sixth annual Desert Classic on Monday, September 15, 2008, for the benefit of our seminarians, for the glory of God and for fun!

 

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