Monsignor Jeffrey Wald Memorial Slam Dunk for Our Schools a big success

Monsignor Jeffrey Wald would have been proud, and probably would have been at the center of the fun! The late priest from the Diocese of Fargo, who passed away in October 2020, was the inspiration for a basketball game between the priests of the Diocese of Fargo and from the Diocese of Bismarck to benefit Catholic schools.

The first annual Monsignor Jeffrey Wald Memorial Slam Dunk for Our Schools basketball game took place on July 18 at the McDowell Center on the campus of the University of Mary in Bismarck. A large crowd was on hand, mostly Bismarck Diocese fans, to watch the game and help raise money to benefit the winning team’s diocesan Catholic schools. In his opening remarks, University of Mary President Monsignor James Shea coomented on Monsignor Wald’s dedication to Catholic education, and his sense of humor, calling him “one of the funniest priests I’ve ever met.”

The game didn’t quite go as planned for the priests of the Fargo Diocese. They held an early lead in the game, but about four minutes into the opening period the size advantage of the Bismarck Diocese priests was just too much to overcome. One of the bright spots for the Fargo Diocese team was the play of newly ordained Father Joseph Littlefied. Although no official stats were kept for the game, Father Littlefield was clearly the high scorer for the Fargo Diocese team, including his conversion of three consecutive free throws after he was fouled attempting a three-point shot late in the game.

When the final buzzer sounded, the Bismarck Diocese defeated the Fargo Diocese 61-22. Their efforts earned $8,010 for Catholic education in the Bismarck Diocese, which included a $5,000 purse offered by the University of Mary. Plans are already underway for a rematch next year and every year in honor of the late Monsignor Wald and his love for Catholic education… and a good laugh.