Parishioners support seminarians with a game of golf

The Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau hosted its annual golf tournament at Moose Run Golf Course north of Anchorage on August 6. 13 teams registered to support the seminarians of the archdiocese, joining Archbishop Andrew Bellisario, C.M. on the links (term for a classic golf course featuring bumpy, sandy ground). It was a foggy day with a slight sprinkle that soon gave way to the sun. This year, the rankings are Benton Bay Lions at 1st, KPKP at 2nd, Wing and a Prayer at 3rd, D-Boyz at 4th, and Michael’s Angels at 5th. 

Though seminarian Daniel Kemper could not attend the tournament because of a mandatory retreat at Mount Angel Seminary, he was still present. In a video, Kemper shared with attendees his progress at seminary and thanked all those in the archdiocese for supporting seminarians. Kemper begins his first year of theology this fall, and he said he will keep all in the archdiocese in his prayers. 

To show their support for the archdiocese’s seminarians, numerous teams of parishioners and members of organizations such as Catholic Social Services and Holy Spirit Center came to play. The teams showed up at the Moose Run Golf Course chalet around 7 a.m. to enjoy a light breakfast of oatmeal, scones, and conversation. Upon his arrival, the Archbishop thanked and led the group in prayer. Then each team went to find their golf carts to get out and play.

Armed with mulligans, “Divine Interventions,” and “Holy Hand Grenades,” golfers strategized out loud. One team discussed amongst themselves the most efficient way to employ their mulligans given the number of pars on the course. 

“We’ve been sleeping on this plan for years,” one parishioner on the team, KPKP, said.

Others were there more to enjoy a nice, relaxing game with friends. One parishioner expressed nervousness after seeing “some of the other players practicing on the drive range” earlier that morning. 

Teams came with all different skill levels and different compositions, such as families, friends, and coworkers, but everyone was there to support seminarians — and under the same sky. 

“It’s nice that the rain stopped,” said one parishioner on the A Wing and a Prayer team. 

One team member of the Benton Bay Lions joked they should have worn xtratufs: “My shoes are soaked. But we’re here, so we ought to use the course. Go out into the woods, fish in the puddles.”

The players joked around and said they enjoyed themselves, especially when the sun did come out, lifting the fog to reveal the Chugach Range just beyond the woods surrounding the course. 

Parishioners smiled for their team pictures and joked about how instead of holding fishing poles, for once they’re holding  golf clubs. Then they returned to play, showing their support for the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Anchorage-Juneau in a unique way.