Preparing for the Big Game

Yesterday Fr. Vogel and some of his teammates got together for practice as the Priests of the Omaha Archdiocese face the Priests of the Lincoln Diocese in the I-80 Collar Series. Since Werner Field is within our parish boundaries, we expect him to represent St. Columbkille well!

But before they practiced, they prayed.

Here Fr.Roza warms up with Fr. Oscar Perez.

Fr. Harry Buse won't be playing, but he did host the practice and made sure everyone was prepared.

Fr. Damien Wee is used to hitting a ping pong ball, so a softball makes a big target.

Fr. Oscar Perez made a fancy play scooping up a grounder, spinning and throwing to first.

Fr. Frank Jinda showed he's in shape with some nice plays.

Team Captain Fr. Michael Voithofer said he updated his funeral plans before the game and Fr. John Pietramale was once of three priests had oils on hand for the anointing of the sick.

Here Fr. Damien Cook gets his bat on the ball.

Fr. Joe Taphorn showed his range in the outfield.

Fr. Oscar Perez impressed his teammates at the batting cage on Monday. Here he gets in a workout with Fr. Mike Eckley catching. Fr. Eckley played in a softball league for 20 years before hanging up his cleats just a few years ago.

Fr. John Brancich was honing his skills at second base.

Fr. Kevin Vogel played well at first base, but played even better in the outfield before coming in for some batting practice.

Fr. Mario Rapose scooped up this grounder before the quick throw to first.

They're working to make sure they're ready Sunday!

The game is at Werner Field. Tailgating starts at 3:30 with the game at 5:00. All of the proceeds will fund vocations in the two dioceses.