Guerin Dinner Dance - A Great Night!

Jan 28

Thank You to Our Supporters and Guests!

The forecast didn’t keep us from celebrating. The Dinner Dance, held on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at The Bellevue Hotel on the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, was a great success! We honored Fr. Guerin’s legacy, celebrated 100 years of Oblate ministry in Philadelphia, and raised funds to care for our infirm and retired priests and brothers.

The 320+ guests enjoyed a visit and presentation by the Honorable Mayor Cherelle Parker, City of Philadelphia. She was joined by two dozen Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, V. Rev Barry Strong, OSFS, Superior General, Rev. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, Provincial Superior, Bishop Chylinski, State Senator Joe Picozzi, State Rep Pat Gallagher, and City Council Mike Driscoll and supporters and alumni Northeast Catholic, Father Judge, Cristo Rey, local parishioners, and other friends. This was a celebration of the Oblates’ lasting impact across the City of Philadelphia.

When the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales began ministering at Northeast Catholic High School in 1926, it marked the start of a relationship with the people of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia that continues to this day. For over 100 years, the Oblates have joyfully ministered as teachers, administrators, parish priests, and chaplains.

Today, they continue to serve in parish ministry across the Archdiocese, administering Father Judge High School, serving as sponsors of Cristo Rey Philadelphia High School, assisting the Northeast Catholic Alumni Association, and ministering as chaplains for colleges and organizations throughout the region.

“For 100 years, the Oblates have been privileged to minister with people of Philadelphia as we work to bring the practical spirituality of our patron St. Francis de Sales, whose feast day we celebrate today. He taught us to Live Jesus in all we do," said Rev. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, Provincial Superior. “The Guerin Dance was both a celebration of gratitude and a commitment that we will continue to spread the Gospel though the lens of St. Francis de Sales for generations to come."

The evening featured a Mass celebrated by Rev. Kolodziej, OSFS, a cocktail hour with appetizers, including Cesphache’s famous appetizers, dinner, and dancing led by The Heartbeats who kept the dance floor hopping! A huge thank you to our sponsors! (See below)

With the Dance kicking off our celebrations, 2026 will continue to be a very special year as we celebrate a century since North opened its doors. Learn more and view the year-long event schedule! Mark your calendar in advance and sign up for updates!

The Oblates of St. Francis de Sales Business Network offers opportunities for spiritual and professional growth for Gospel-minded people in the spirit of St. Francis de Sales throughout the Philadelphia region. The Network hosts networking breakfasts, happy hours, and the Dinner Dance benefitting infirm and retired Oblates.

Join the Network here.

THANK YOU

100th Anniversary Sponsor $50,000

Anonymous - Acknowledging 100 Years of Ministry

St. Francis de Sales Sponsor $25,000

John & Karen Barnes / Beach Brew Coffee
McCafferty Sweeney Slabinski Barnes Funerals & Cremations

Anonymous

Blessed Louis Brisson Sponsors $10,000

Mr. and Mrs. Joe Carleone

DeSales University

Father Judge High School

Mr. and Mrs. John Fries

Mr. and Mrs. Paul Hondros

Mr. and Mrs. Dan Kilcoyne

Mr. and Mrs. Brian McCarthy

Mr. Emmett McVey / Stokes Pharmacy

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Nowakowski

Mr. and Mrs. John Weiland

ExCorde Capital / Mr. Ward Fitzgerald and Mr. Joe Byrne

Fr. Guerin Sponsors $5,000

Anna-Maria Moggio Foundation

Broken Wing Foundation

Mr. Joseph J. Forish

Mr. John Fosbenner, PWC

Morgan Stanley

Mr. and Mrs. Kathleen and Tim Nolan

Mr.and Mrs. David Schaeffer

Cocktail Hour Sponsors $2,500

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Borski
Brisson t Resurrection Oblate Community
BLOCS
Mr. and Mrs. Robert Crossin
Deacon and Mrs. Bill Koniers
Mr. and Mrs. Joe Lerro / Jo Jo’s Tacos and Tequila
Mr. and Mrs. Stephen P. Magenta
Northeast Catholic Alumni Association
Mr. and Mrs. John Parsons / BSI Construction

Victoria Reilly