Friars ball raises funds for seminary

By WCR Staff
Edmonton

As provincial general, Feehan and his executive Friars are setting out to raise more than $65,900 for Newman College, St. Joseph's Seminary and education of future priests for the Ukrainian Eparchy.

"That's how much we made last year," said Feehan, 44, who has been a member of the Friars for 13 years. "We want to beat that number this year."

Established in 1970, the Friars of Edmonton host an extravagant annual event that often brings out the who's who of the city. Past and present Friars include Laurence Decore, Justice Allan Wachowich, Madame Justice Cecilia Johnstone, city councillor Robert Noce and Sun columnist Graham Hicks.

Feehan calls the May 5 Friars' Night a collegial black tie event which "has kept absolutely faithful to the purpose it was founded for. . . . I think it's pretty critical that we keep a facility like Newman College alive and active, and appreciate that we have this kind of resource and education in our backyard.

"It's an important event for the archdiocese. It is the social event of the year for the Catholic community."

Feehan is well known within education circles for his work as legal counsel for the Alberta Catholic School Trustees' Association. As a member of the national law firm Fraser Milner, Feehan has a date with the Supreme Court this week to defend the need for Catholic education in the province.

Feehan is also well known in the Catholic community as an active member of several boards and charities. He sits on 21 boards including the St. Joseph's College Board of Governors, Catholic Charities, the Royal Lifesaving Society of Canada and St. Thomas More Lawyers Guild.

"I think it's critically important that we get involved in our churches and communities."

Feehan, his wife Mona-Lee and four children are members of St. Theresa's Parish. He and his wife have been involved with the parish's marriage preparation program for 21 years.

On top of all this, he manages to put at least 50 km a week in his running log. "You can always make time for things you want to do," he said.

For more information on the Friars' Night call 469-1010.

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