Dear Friends,

I hope you enjoyed our travel-blog theme as we traversed the Upper Peninsula this summer and showcased many, beautiful Catholic communities throughout our Diocese. It’s been a blast breaking bread with many of you and getting to know your unique churches, towns, and schools. We look forward to the adventures still to come next year: Menominee, Norway, Iron Mountain, St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, and more! Meeting you, learning your communities’ needs, and celebrating your hometowns is an honor and brings a lot of joy.

 

Upon reflection, I want to focus on these words: "beautiful Catholic communities." I see the beauty all around us – in our Great Lakes and fall foliage, in the art of our churches, in our relationships, in the Eucharist, and in our acts of charity. I recently read a fantastic article on the subject of beauty by Fr. Billy Swan and have included the link to it here. 

Fr. Swan states, “Goodness and charity are beautiful when we see them. Selfishness and greed are ugly…Be a person of charity, love, and justice in order to make the world a more beautiful place.” So let us strive this winter season throughout the U.P., in our interactions and charity towards this ongoing UPCSA campaign, our parishes, and with one-another, that we might continue to enjoy beautiful Catholic communities.

 

Thank you for reading, friends.

 

In Christ,

 

Executive Director, Stewardship & Development

& UP Catholic Foundation, Inc

1004 Harbor Hills Dr, Marquette, MI 49855

Direct 906/227-9108  |  Toll Free 800/562-9745 #108

Did you know you can make your Upper Peninsula Catholic Services Appeal parish gift or pledge online? It's easy! Just click here!

Matt and Jane Surrell of Marquette became Bishop's Ambassadors to the Diocese of Marquette this year when they completed legal paperwork to designate assets, upon death, to the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation. The Surrells are members of St. Michael parish (Marquette) and have directed their gifts to the Legacy of Faith and the Seminarian Endowment funds. Thank you, Matt and Jane, for your witness, example, and leadership. 

To read more about Matt and Jane Surrell, see the UPCF annual report here.

To learn more about Bishop's Ambassadors, click here.

A recent episode of Dead Friend Saints Podcast features our very own Bishop Baraga! It's always fun to see how others find him, and even more so, how he finds us in present-day times. You can listen here.

On November 13, 2022, the Diocese will celebrate the Diocesan Day of Consecrated Life. It is an annual day to honor those with have devoted their lives through consecrated life. We are so grateful to all the Sisters who serve our diocese. Please keep them in your prayers.

Is your favorite Catholic parish, school, or ministry ready for #iGiveCatholic Day? The Office of Stewardship & Development is offering a chance at a $2000 award for diocesan ministries that actively participate in #iGiveCatholic. For more information, please email me at rtaylor@dioceseofmarquette.org

The Ishpeming, Michigan parishes are once again inviting all Yoopers on a bus pilgrimage to Washington D.C. for the March for Life in January. The bus is currently more than half full, so reserve your spot at ishpemingcatholic.com/march. Deadline for deposit has been extended to Nov. 15th. Sign up today!

Mark your calendars, plan your trips, the Diocesan Eucharistic Congress is coming June 9-10, 2023 at the Superior Dome in Marquette! Learn more and register: revival.yoopercatholic.org

If you have put off writing your will or deciding who gets your belongings when you’re gone, you are not alone. Face it, estate planning can seem like a chore. But—as with paying the bills or cleaning the house—it feels great when it’s done.

Getting started is often the hardest part, so we have put together a 5-step plan to help. You can go at your own pace, and soon you will feel the pride and the peace of mind that come from creating something that protects you and your loved ones.

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