The Fr. John Berris Memorial Golf Tournament was first held in 1989 and has become an annual tradition celebrating Fr. Berris passion for life, the priesthood and, of course, golf. Fr. Berris was the St. Nicholas Parish Priest from 1967 until his retirement in 1981. An enthusiastic and inspiring priest, he continued to play an active role in our community until his passing in 1987. A man devoted to Christ, his family and our community, Fr. Berris genuinely loved life - and a good game of golf. Many of us recall his strong voice yelling FORE! on the course and his deep, velvety voice commanding our attention during Sunday liturgy and the glorious hymns of Pascha.

Fr. Berris was concerned about the growth of the church and the religious education of young men and women. In particular, he was strongly committed to helping students pursue the priesthood at Holy Cross School of Theology. Memorial donations given at the time of Fr. Berris death were used to establish a scholarship fund for these young students. To continue supporting future priests, the Memorial Golf Tournament was begun a year later. Proceeds from the annual Tournament benefit the Fr. John Berris Memorial Scholarship Fund.