Dear Friends,
I hope you are enjoying this beautiful summer in God's country.
Today, I have so much good news to share with you.
According to Giving USA, in a year of unprecedented events and challenges, charitable giving reached a record $471.44 billion in 2020! Religion remains the top charitable recipient with an estimated $131.08 billion in contributions. You can read the full press release here.
Additionally, for the first time, the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation topped $500,000 in its annual grant distributions to a wide range of Catholic ministries across the Upper Peninsula, including Catholic Social Services of the U.P., seminarians, and Catholic schools. See more in the story below.
And finally, our diocese currently has eight challenge gift opportunities underway. Your generosity will be multiplied when you give to any of these ministries. For a full list, click here.
I am feeling grateful for the generosity expressed for our Catholic faith.
Sincerely,
Terri
Pictured above: Students look forward to entering a new school this fall, Holy Name High School – A Chesterton Academy. Pictured (left to right) are Patton Nyquist, Kamryn Patmythes, Katelyn Rexford, and Joseph Carlson. Students from across the Upper Peninsula have a new opportunity to receive a quality, classic Catholic education beginning in the 2021-22 school year through both in-person and remote learning.
UPCF Distributions Top $500,000 for First Time
For the first time, the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation, Inc. (UPCF) topped $500,000 in its annual grant distributions to various Catholic ministries across the Upper Peninsula, including the new Holy Name High School. The UPCF connects faith with charitable giving through long-term support for the needs of Catholic ministries in the Diocese of Marquette. Read the full story here.
Bishop's Residence may be converted to Recovery Center for Mothers
Bishop John Doerfler has offered the bishop's residence to Catholic Social Services of the Upper Peninsula as a recovery center for mothers struggling with addiction. "Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized our duty to reach out to the people on the periphery, and I see this effort as doing just that," said Bishop Doerfler. The plan is currently before the City of Marquette. For more details, see this article in The U.P. Catholic newspaper.
Catholic Gymnast Takes Her Rosary to the Tokyo Olympics
Olympic gymnast Grace McCallum knows her talent is a gift from God and she doesn't want to waste it. The 18-year-old is making headlines, not just for her skills at the vault, but also for her Catholic faith. You can read her story here.
Challenge Campaigns Across the Upper Peninsula
There is an abundance of Catholic ministry challenge campaigns happening in our diocese right now - eight to be exact! Your gift will be multiplied when supporting any of the ministries listed below. For additional information on all of them, and how to donate, click here.
1. Our Lady of Peace, Ironwood: Parish Hall
2. Houghton, St. Albert the Great: Parish Hall
3. Sawyer, St. Francis Connection Center: Operations
4. Houghton, St. Ignatius Loyola: Rectory Roof & HVAC Repairs
5. Marquette, Bishop Baraga Association: Operations
6. Marquette, NMU Catholic Campus Ministry: FOCUS
7. Escanaba, Holy Name Catholic High School: Re-Opening
8. Diocese-Wide, Yoopers for Seminarians: 2021 YFS Challenge
Vacation Bible School is Rolling!
Vacation Bible Schools and Totus Tuus are thriving in our Upper Peninsula this summer. Watch the video above for a glimpse into the fun week at All Saints, Gladstone!
Annual Milestone Wedding Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, August 29th 3:30 pm ET
Couples celebrating their 25th, 30th, 40th, 45th, 50th or above anniversaries, as well as this year's newlyweds are invited along with their families to the annual Milestone Wedding Anniversary Celebration. Due to last year’s cancellation, those celebrating last year and this year are included. Golden anniversary couples are additionally invited to submit information and photos for publication in The U.P. Catholic newspaper. The celebration will be at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2021, beginning with Mass at 3:30 p.m. ET. Click here for the registration form.
Discover the Potential of Your Will
Will planning is the highly personal process of deciding how your assets will be distributed after your lifetime. But your will can do so much more—it’s not just a legal document to transfer your assets. It is your chance to express your values and show your love to your family and favorite charitable causes. Learn more here.
If I can be of help to you, please feel free to reach out to me in any of the following ways:
1) Click the blue reply button below
2) Email me at tgadzinski@dioceseofmarquette.org
2) Email me at tgadzinski@dioceseofmarquette.org
Terri Gadzinski, Executive Director
Diocese of Marquette, Stewardship & Development
U.P. Catholic Foundation, Inc.
U.P. Catholic Foundation, Inc.