Priests and deacons participated in a basketball game at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church on Oct. 28 to foster vocational discernment. The event brought together clergy and young adults for an evening of fellowship and competition in Kearns.
The priests' team emerged victorious with a 40-29 win over the deacons. The priests' roster included Father Ryan Jimenez, administrator of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Salt Lake City; Father Kenneth Parsad, parochial vicar of Saint Mary of the Assumption Parish in Park City; Father Joshua Santos and Father Juan Garcia, pastor and parochial vicar of St. Joseph Parish in Ogden; Father Rodelio Ignacio, administrator of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Sandy; Father Ariel Durian, pastor of St. James the Greater Parish in Vernal; Father Nitesh Gómez, parochial vicar of Saint Francis of Assisi Parish in Orem; Father Carlos Guzman, RCJ, diocesan director of vocations; Father Robin Cruz, administrator of Saint Martin de Porres Parish in Taylorsville; and Father Alejandro Landin, administrator of Saint Jude Maronite Parish in Taylorsville. Father Rogelio Felix-Rosas, pastor of Saint Francis Xavier Parish, hosted the event.
The deacons' team consisted of Gerardo Marrufo, Duane Padilla, and Guillermo Mendez. They were joined on the court by parishioners and young adults José Ramirez, William Mendez, Jeremiah Mendez, Noa Mendez, Jesus Castañeda, and Tomas Fernandez.
Coaching the priests was the Very Rev. John Evans, vicar general of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, assisted by the Very Rev. Langes Silva, the diocese’s judicial vicar, Father Gustavo Vidal, pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish in Layton, and Monsignor Bob Bussen, a retired priest of the diocese.
The game was intended to promote vocations by creating a relaxed, welcoming setting for clergy and young people to build relationships. Deacon Guillermo Mendez, who supported the event, stated that seeing clergy socialize and play games helps people realize they are part of the community.
Father Felix Rosas noted that the event was made possible through the idea and support of Deacon Mendez. During the gathering, parishioners of all ages attended to cheer, and entertainment included board games like chess.
The event's message of relatability was shared by 11-year-old attendee Marco Gomez, who noted that seeing the clergy play basketball helped him imagine potentially becoming a priest himself.
