By KATIE LEFEBVRE, Globe staff reporter
October 2, 2003

As the Seventh Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education, draws near - ticket sales are still underway. The event will feature Rocky Bleier former Notre Dame, NFL star as its keynote speaker.

This year's dinner, the major fundraiser for the Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Sioux City, will be held on Oct. 19 at the Sioux City Convention Center.

"We are very excited this year about the approaching event," said Steve Elbert, director of stewardship and development for the diocese. "Rocky Bleier will certainly be an interesting speaker."

Rocky Bleier was born in Appleton, Wisc. and graduated from Xavier High School in that community. In 1968, he graduated with a degree in business management from the University of Notre Dame. During his senior year, he served as team captain of the Irish squad that won the national championship. Bleier was not picked in the NFL draft until the 16th round, however he made the opening day roster of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

"I am hopeful that we get a good crowd this year," said Elbert. "Bishop DiNardo is very pleased because we have a Pittsburgh Steeler who will be in town, and he is hoping that a lot of people show up to help him cheer on Rocky Bleier and our Catholic schools."

Toward the end of his rookie season, Bleier was drafted again, this time by the U. S. Army. Bleier was sent to Vietnam and suffered severe rifle and grenade wounds when his platoon ran into an ambush. He was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star for his service to his country.

"We always look at a number of different speakers for the Bishop's Dinner," said Elbert. "He stood out. Early on in my Catholic school days, he actually came and spoke at Bishop Garrigan High School. He is a good speaker and a good Christian man. From our reports, he and his wife have adopted some children from Europe and are active in their parish. I think he is well-suited to speak on behalf of Catholic education as well as leadership and success despite diversity."

Upon his return from Vietnam, Bleier spent time on the injured reserve list as he attempted to make a comeback. In 1971, he made Pittsburgh's taxi squad and saw action in six games. In 1972-73 he played primarily on special teams. But in 1974, Bleier won the job as the team's starting fullback and remained in that position until his retirement following the 1980 season. His first year as a starter was also the year that the Steelers began their unprecedented run of four Super Bowl championships in six seasons.

The event will begin with a social hour at 4:30 p.m. followed by dinner. Then five special teachers of the diocese will be honored and the Leadership in Catholic Education Award will be presented. Rocky Bleier will give his keynote speech after which will be closing remarks from Bishop Daniel N. DiNardo.

"We hope that people will respond sooner rather than later. This helps with the planning of the evening," Elbert explained. "We are hopeful that we will have many faithful attendees back for this year's event."

This year, people are able to designate a certain percentage of their ticket to be returned to the Catholic school of their choice.

"We definitely want to thank and acknowledge our sponsors for their generosity again this year," said Elbert. "Without their support we would not be able to help our schools, students and teachers the way we do. We wish to thank our chair couple, Dr. Ken and Debbie McCalla, as well as all the other Bishop's Dinner committee members for their help in this annual event."

There will be no reserve seating for attendees this year, however people will be able to make their choice of seating once they arrive. There will be a method to have them place their name at a seat beforehand so that they will be able to get a table with people that they know.

"It has been a great way for people who deeply care about Catholic education to gather on a yearly basis and celebrate what our Catholic schools mean for our students, teachers, administrators, parents and other interested people," said Elbert on the value of the dinner. "It has just been a great way to get together, have fun and raise some money for needed programs in our schools."

Tickets for the 7th Annual Bishop's Dinner for Catholic Education are priced at $125 per person and are continuing to be sold. For more information, contact the diocesan Office of Development at (712) 233-7524.