Joseph Wappes, a seminarian for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, will be polishing his trumpet as he prepares to play jazz tunes with other seminarians at the annual Rector’s Dinner April 20 at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Online Catholic news and information outlet Aleteia reports Wappes, a member of St. Charles Borromeo in St. Anthony, will be joined by schoolmates playing saxophone, piano, guitar, bass and drums. They will play in the background throughout the fundraising event, which Wappes, 25, describes as “quite lighthearted and fun with a lot of joy and gratitude in the air.”
Among the 450 guests are bishops, Curia members and diplomatic representatives. Seminarians help serve, play music, set up and clean up. Wappes was tapped to lead the entertainment, a role he accepted last year, as well.
“What I learned is that people enjoy seeing us having fun and using our talents,” Wappes told Aleteia. “Last year, I was more nervous, as I was worrying about the pressure to put on a good show. This year, I am much more at peace and know that whatever we play musically it will be just fine and people will receive it well.”
To read more about the event, Wappes and his love for music, go to a Q&A with the seminarian conducted by Aleteia.
