On Saturday evening, Nov. 17, the Theological Institute for the New Evangelization of St. John's Seminary hosted its 14th annual All Souls Memorial Concert in the chapel at St. John's Seminary, where performers and attendees lovingly remembered their departed family and friends.

This year's performers included Father Robert Blaney of Wellesley, as well as Kevin Nelson of CatholicTV and his wife Mary and daughter Emily. In addition, the concert included duets by Cheri Kelly and Kelly Graeber, accompanied by Cheri's young daughters Mary and Caroline Kelly who played violin.

Choirs included the Sacred Heart Parish Adult Choir from Quincy, directed by Howard Lotis; and the children of the choirs of St. Ann, St. Brendan and St. Teresa of Calcutta, Dorchester; and St. Thomas Aquinas of Jamaica Plain, featuring Allyn McCourt and directed by Michelle McCourt.

A favorite of the annual concert is a Bishop John Dooher, who started off with a hymn that is especially significant for him in his ministry, "Only a Shadow." Bishop Dooher shared that when he had tough moments in hospital ministry as a young priest, he would return to his rectory, take out his guitar and sing this hymn, which brought him great consolation.

Each year, this concert is the beginning of the annual fundraising effort for the Theological Institute, which includes both a silent and a live auction. Auction items include items such as retreats, hotel stays, sports tickets and food items, all donated by benefactors, and available in time to be used for Christmas presents. Auction items can be viewed and bid on at the seminary's website, www.sjs.edu. All funds raised benefit the education of the students who attend the Theological Institute, including the laity, deacons, and men and women religious.

All are welcome to be present for the auction finale, which will be held Thursday, Dec. 6 at the Pastoral Center in Braintree. Information about this evening can be found on the sjs.edu website or by calling 617-779-4104 x 2. The evening will include last-minute bids, a dinner (reservation required by Nov. 29), awarding of door prizes, some live auction items, and fun and fellowship.