On November 5, fans packed the St. Dominic stadium for the third annual Souls and Goals soccer game to help raise awareness for National Vocations Awareness Week. The Clergy and Company (priests and lay people) took on the Kenrick-Glennon Lions (seminarians) in an epic and rainy game.  The end result was a first-time win for the Clergy and Co., with a final score of 2-0.

The night began with a prayer led by Father Alexander Nord from ICD Parish and the national anthem sung by junior Lindley Schwartz. After much anticipation, the referee blew his whistle to start the game while the fans cheered loudly. On the field were the seminarians and our beloved parish priests along with the familiar faces of Mr. Doerr and Mr. Menke. The first goal was scored within the first five minutes by the Clergy and Co. when Father Michael Grosch from Ascension Parish in Chesterfield sent the ball soaring into the back of the net to give the priests a 1-0 lead.

Shortly after, the heavens opened up and let down a torrential downpour of rain, but that did not keep the fans and players from enjoying the game. The second goal was scored with only two minutes left in the first half. Father Anthony Gerber from St. Joseph Parish in Cottleville rifled the ball into the top corner of the net. He celebrated with a victory slide across the wet field.

After the coaches gave their teams pep talks during halftime, the game resumed. However, only eight minutes of the second half was played because the game was cut short by lightning.  While the priests and seminarians were disappointed by the shortened game, the Clergy and Co. rejoiced for their first ever victory in the Souls and Goals game.

“It was great! We got our redemption,” said Mr. Doerr, who has played in all three of the Souls and Goals games.

The soccer game was a great success and it had a wonderful turnout from the fans despite the weather. People came to watch their parish priests compete and many St. Dominic students attended to cheer on Mr. Doerr and Mr. Menke. The game was also successful in helping to raise awareness for vocations, especially to the priesthood. Souls and Goals helped to show that priests like to have fun just like us by kicking around the soccer ball.

“It’s a neat event that shows the humanity of the priesthood and it shows that the church is alive,” said Mr. Doerr.

Thank you to all who came to support our priests and seminarians at the game and do not forget to pray for all those who are still finding their vocation.