Dear Friends,
Each new year gives us a chance to reflect and to renew.
As I look back on the past year, I am filled with hope. In the first two stories of this newsletter, I share with you two examples of the fruits of the Legacy of Faith Fund that began preserving and fostering the Catholic faith in the Upper Peninsula twenty years ago.
- Northern Michigan University's Catholic Campus Ministry (CCM) has been selected to host a team of four FOCUS missionaries. This opportunity is a nod to the wonderful leadership, both past and present, at CCM and will undoubtedly strengthen the outreach to college students on the campus.
- Additionally, Holy Name Catholic School in Escanaba is set to reopen the high school in the fall of this year. It will be the only Catholic high school in the Upper Peninsula at this time. I cannot help but think of the additional opportunity this may create for students across our beautiful diocese who have become accustomed to online learning over the past ten months.
With this good news, I find myself asking, "How is God calling me to be a steward of the faith in 2021?" Read more below and see if you feel the same.
Gratefully,
Terri
Campus Ministry at NMU Takes on a New Focus
Catholic Campus Ministry at Northern Michigan University (NMU) was recently chosen to host a team of four missionaries beginning with the winter semester 2021. The Fellowship of Catholic University Students, better known as FOCUS, serves at 180 different locations throughout the U.S. and the world. Get to know the missionaries at YooperCatholic.org
B.J. Stupak Memorial Foundation donates $50,000 to Holy Name High School, also offers to match donations
The students of the soon-to-reopen Holy Name High School (Escanaba) will benefit for years to come because of the generosity of Bart and Laurie Stupak. Read the story on the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation website by clicking here.
A Tax-Saving Way to Help the Catholic Diocese of Marquette
You can give any amount (up to a maximum of $100,000) per year from your IRA directly to a qualified charity such as your parish without having to pay income taxes if you are 70 1/2 years or older. Gifts of any value $100,000 or less are eligible for this benefit and you can feel good knowing that you are making a difference in the Church. For details, visit the diocesan planned giving website and take a look at this new content. There are also benefits for those 59 1/2 years old or older.
Catholic Schools Week Jan. 31 - Feb 6
On the cusp of Catholic Schools week, Bishop John Doerfler offers thanks and praise for our diocesan schools in the above video. God bless our teachers, students, and staff!
Legacy of Faith Grants Available
The Legacy of Faith Advisory Board invites all parishes and Catholic institutions in the Diocese of Marquette to apply for grant funding for faith formation programs taking place during the 2021-22 fiscal year. Encourage your parish to apply for a grant at www.LegacyOfFaith.net. The deadline for submitting applications is April 1, 2021.
Seminarian Reflections
Throughout the Covid crisis, our diocesan seminarians have been providing scripture reflections by video. This is just one of the many ways our diocese has reached out to Yooper Catholics during this difficult time. You can access all of these videos at The U.P. Catholic here on YouTube.
Votive Mass for The Gift of Human Life
At 5:15 on January 29th, Bishop John Doerfler will celebrate a Votive Mass giving thanks to god for the gift of human life. The Mass will be live-streamed on The U.P. Catholic Facebook page.
What Does the CARES Act Extension Mean for You
A couple of key provisions of the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act were extended into the new year (and, in one case, increased). Visit our diocesan planned giving website to see what the new stimulus package means for you in 2021.