October 6, 2010 // Local

Bishop D’Arcy, local couples to receive awards at Good Shepherd Dinner

Todays Catholic

COLUMBUS, Ohio — At its inaugural Good Shepherd Dinner on Oct. 26, the Josephinum will present Bishop John M. D’Arcy, bishop-emeritus of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, with the Good Shepherd: Defending the Truth Award. Local couples and long-time seminary supporters Sarah and Roger Baughman and Marilyn and Francis Dono will receive the Pope Leo XIII Award.

“We are honored to present these individuals with these awards,” said Father James Wehner, rector. “Bishop D’Arcy has exemplified the virtues of a Good Shepherd through his leadership of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, and through his unwavering support of the Josephinum. Dr. and Mrs. Dono and Mr. and Mrs. Baughman are true examples of how the lay faithful can support priestly vocations.”

The Good Shepherd: Defending the Truth Award considers how Jesus Christ, as the Good Shepherd, exhorted the Apostles to lay down their lives for the sake of love. — cf. Jn 15:12f. “The bishops of the Church exercise apostolic ministry for the sake of love, for the good of the Church,” noted Father Wehner. “The Josephinum strives to form priests who are spiritual fathers of the flock, who shepherd God’s people with a commitment to the Truth and fidelity to the Gospel.”

The Pope Leo XIII Award is given in recognition of a couple’s or individual’s support of priestly vocations. “It was Pope Leo XIII who established the Josephinum as a pontifical seminary,” said Father Wehner, “allowing us to ensure that future priests in America would be formed according to the mind of the Universal Church, yet with a practical ministry to the people of the United States.”

Frank and Marilyn Dono of St. Andrew Church in Upper Arlington have been members of the Friends of the Josephinum since its inception. Marilyn is a former chair and current board member of the group.

“As one enters the front doors of the Josephinum, the love of Christ and the warmness of the Josephinum community are most evident,” she said. “We are deeply touched with the love and dedication that the seminarians have for the Church.”

Dr. Dono is presently a member of the Josephinum’s board of trustees, and both he and Mrs. Dono are members of The Jessing Society. “We are highly dedicated to the seminary, to support the tradition of sound scholarship and pastoral formation of the seminarians,” said Dr. Dono.

Roger and Sally Baughman, members of St. Michael Church in Worthington, are frequent and welcome visitors to campus and enjoy attending the seminarians’ events. As long-time members of the Friends of the Josephinum, the couples have served on numerous committees and been instrumental in the success of many seminary fundraisers. Mr. Baughman is also a member of the Development Council, an advisory group for the Josephinum Advancement department. A Friends’ committee chaired by Mrs. Baughman is in the beginning stages of planning Clergy Who Cook, a special event for winter 2011.

“Sally and I really enjoy being involved with the seminarians,” said Mr. Baughman. “They are enthusiastic about what they are doing and really want to be where they are. They are outstanding men.”

The Pontifical College Josephinum invites the community to join in honoring Bishop D’Arcy, Mr. and Mrs. Baughman, and Dr. and Mrs. Dono at the Good Shepherd Dinner on Oct. 26, at 7 p.m. Reservations are $125 per person or $875 for a table of eight people. For more information about the event or to make a reservation, please call Wendy Herrel at (614) 985-2321.