Dear Friends,

I enter 2021 with a faith-filled heart and plenty of gratitude.

I am happy to tell you the iGiveCatholic event on Dec. 1st - a day when Catholics join the secular GivingTuesday by donating to Catholic ministries, schools, and parishes - was our best ever! 178 generous donors gave more than $32K to 45 Catholic organizations across our Upper Peninsula. 

Additionally, the iGiveCatholic platform allows participating organizations to accept donations online from anywhere in the world for the duration of the event.

My favorite quote from the day was: "It’s amazing what can be achieved when you’re not ashamed to ask people to support a cause that you – and they – believe in.”

Thank you for all you do for our Yooper Catholic community. And blessings to you in the new year.

Gratefully,

Terri

Congratulations to the organizations that won our iGiveCatholic contest. We had a three-way tie between Father Marquette Catholic Academy, St. Michael Parish (Marquette), and Sacred Heart School (L’Anse) who were all able to increase new iGiveCatholic donors by 300%! The three winning organizations will split the $1,000 prize money. For a full recap of iGiveCatholic Day, visit marquette.iGiveCatholic.org

St. Peter Cathedral (Marquette) hosts hundreds of visitors and world-renowned musicians each year. As renovations continue to this Upper Peninsula landmark, please enjoy this video of Christmas music performed by four musicians from the Marquette Symphony Orchestra and learn more about the gallery restoration project from Samuel Holmberg, Director of Sacred Music.

Have you been considering donating to the Holy Name High School reopening capital campaign?  If so, Now Is The Time!  Your donation will be DOUBLED! To donate and for more information, visit the Holy Name website here.

Pope Francis requested a meeting last month with NBA players because he wanted to learn more about the American athletes’ social justice advocacy. “We cannot tolerate or turn a blind eye to racism and exclusion in any form and yet claim to defend the sacredness of every human life. At the same time, we have to recognize that the violence of recent nights is self-destructive and self-defeating. Nothing is gained by violence and so much is lost,” Pope Francis said in an earlier live stream. Read the full article here.

Many people have been inspired to support the causes and organizations they are most passionate about this year. But parting with assets right now may not be an option for everyone. You can make a difference at your parish, no matter your financial status. Start here with the My Catholic Giving Guide.

All are invited to snowshoe, walk, or hike in honor of Bishop Baraga this season! The BBA will be celebrating the life, impact, and death of Bishop Baraga by releasing teachings, historical presentations, and other information virtually. The adult and youth participant that logs the most miles will receive a gift basket from the BBA! For complete information, visit the BBA website.

Thanks to many benevolent donors, Yoopers for Seminarians met the goal of $100,000 this year and in return, a $25,000 gift has been given to the Seminarian Endowment Fund. 

The 2021 Diocesan Prayer Calendar is now available. Click here to access all twelve months. 

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Catholic sisters are present among those most in need, leading in today’s unprecedented circumstances and easing the pain of so many. Catholic Extension has a goal: $1,000 to 1,000 sisters. Seven sisters in the Diocese of Marquette have received their $1,000 request and have already made a difference in the lives of Upper Peninsula residents. 

When it comes to responding to immediate needs, Catholic sisters have an unprecedented record and scope of service. They work close to the ground; they are embedded in communities; they know who is in need.  Catholic sisters are trusted. Sisters on the Frontlines recognizes the vital role of Catholic sisters in communities where needs are great. For more information, visit Sisters on the Frontlines.

For the first time, the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation sent its annual report via snail mail. You can get a sneak peek here. Meet the advisory board, check out recent fund distributions, and learn more about our fund beneficiaries!