"I can't be more blunt about it," he explained, "I want to increase the visibility of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary to attract more men to the seminary. It's all about vocations."

Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, established in 1964 by Cardinal Richard J. Cushing, is the nation's only seminary run by diocesan priests that caters to older, second-career seminarians called to be diocesan priests. Men from all walks of life, including engineers, doctors, servicemen, lawyers, police, financial advisors -- even men with children -- who find themselves single again, have answered God's call. As the parable of the laborers in the vineyard reminds us, some men are called early in the day and others are called later in the day. The seminary boasts nearly 700 graduates who serve all over the world.

The Lawn Party will be hosted by Bishop Robert P. Reed who will introduce the seminary's new rector, Father Brian R. Kiely. Several hundred people will gather inside a huge white tent filled with tables festively decorated for the seminary's annual fundraiser. Cocktails and hors d'oeuvres will be served with music in the background, while donors and benefactors mingle with the seminarians and faculty in an atmosphere of thanksgiving and hope for the future. Proceeds help the seminary keep the costs of educating these future priests affordable.

John and Julie Corcoran are members of St. John the Baptist Parish, but want the world to know about Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. John Corcoran thinks he has found a winning team and "we don't want to keep it a secret."

For information or tickets to the Lawn Party gala, contact Kate Folan, associate director of Institutional Advancement, at 781-899-5500. The seminary website is www.psjs.edu.