Diocesan Communicator

December 2022

Publishes monthly on the second Wednesday

Photo courtesy of ST. FRANCIS DE SALES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

PreK4 students at St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Manistique celebrate All Saints Day.

Welcome to the Diocesan Communicator

The Diocesan Communicator is now being delivered through Flocknote. You no longer have to click through to a website and are now able to read the information right in your email message!

If you have any thoughts or suggestions to share concerning the new format, please email Sara at sshusta@dioceseofmarquette.org and John at jfee@dioceseofmarquette.org.

If you are looking for past issues, please visit https://dioceseofmarquette.org/communicator.

Important Dates and Deadlines

01-14-2023 Mission Combined Collection (Administration & Finance)

01-15-2023 Mission Combined Collection (Administration & Finance)

02-12-2023 U.P. Catholic Newspaper Collection (Administration & Finance)

02-22-2023 Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection (Administration & Finance)

02-26-2023 Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection (Administration & Finance)

02-28-2023 Mission Collection Remittance Deadline (Administration & Finance)

03-15-2023 Bibianne Bessette Scholarship Submission Deadline (Administration & Finance)

Office of the Bishop

Bishop John F. Doerfler

MASS STIPENDS AND MASS INTENTIONS

Just a reminder: Any parish that has more Mass intentions and Mass stipends than they can satisfy in a year should send the Mass intentions and corresponding Mass stipend check made payable to the Diocese of Marquette to the diocesan office c/o: MaryAnn Bernier, Office of the Bishop, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855. You will receive a letter acknowledging our acceptance of the responsibility to see that the Mass intentions are celebrated. The Mass intentions and stipends will be distributed to senior priests of the diocese who celebrate Masses or may be distributed to parishes who are in need of Mass intentions. (Canon 953 No one is permitted to accept more offerings for Masses to be applied by himself than he can satisfy within a year.)

ACTION ALERTS - SIGN UP TO KEEP INFORMED ON PERTINENT ISSUES

To help keep Catholics informed of pertinent issues on both the State and National level, I encourage Catholics to sign up for notices from the Michigan Catholic Conference and the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. These vehicles issue timely notices and information on issues pertinent to the Catholic Church.

If you have not already signed up for these action alerts, I encourage you to do so. I would also ask you to help me spread the word about these valuable resources that help to keep Catholics informed and enable them to take timely action on important issues.

You may sign up for alerts from the Michigan Catholic Conference by following this link: http://www.micatholic.org/advocacy/catholic-advocacy-network/

You may sign up for alerts from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by following this link: https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/home

MCC Advocacy Network

USCCB Voter Voice

Ministry Personnel

and Safe Environment

Very Rev. Timothy M. Ekaitis

Please save the dates for the next Deacon Convocation and Deacon Retreat:

2023 Deacon Convocation @ Comfort Suites – Green Bay, WI

October 27-29 or November 10-12, 2023

Dates are reserved for both weekends. A final date will be announced when the Packers schedule is released. The hotel is not available during Packers home games.

2023 Deacon Retreat @ the Jesuit Retreat House – Oshkosh, WI

April 24-26, 2023

Fr. Brian Gerber and Fr. Tim Ekaitis will present on the Eucharist. Confessors and spiritual directors will be available from the retreat staff.

NOTE: Prices have not been arranged yet, but both the convocation and the retreat are expenses that are covered for active deacons by their assigned parish(es).

Office of the Chancellor

and Divine Worship

Rev. Daniel Moll

NEW ORDER OF PENANCE AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER

A new Order of Penance is being printed as you read this. The allowable use date is Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023 and the must use date is the Second Sunday of Easter (Divine Mercy Sunday), April 16, 2023.

A notable change are some word modifications in the Prayer of Absolution.

Publishers are now advertising the new ritual edition of the Order of Penance and taking pre-orders now. Books can be mailed after January 25, 2023.

Catholic Book Publishing (34.00) https://catholicbookpublishing.com/product/1638
Liturgy Training Publications (49.95) https://ltp.org/products/details/OPRE/order-of-penance
Magnificat (24.95) https://bookstore.magnificat.net/the-order-of-penance.html
Midwest Theological Forum (49.95) https://www.theologicalforum.org/Category/118/Product/636/The_Order_of_Penance?

There are no substantial volume discounts so we will not be providing orders.

Questions, please contact Deacon Tom Foye at tfoye@dioceseofmarquette.org.

Department of Evangelization

and Education

Mark Salisbury

SPRING STUDY DAY – SAVE THE DATE

Mark your calendars for Spring Study Day, March 30, 2023. Our presenters this year include Rev. Maurice Henry Sands, executive director of the USCCB’s Black and Indian Mission Office in Washington D.C., and Len McKeen, executive director of the Bishop Baraga Association. Topics will include the National Eucharistic Revival and Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga. More details coming soon!

SPRING CONFIRMATIONS

Spring Confirmations have been scheduled and registration will open mid January.

The Masses have been scheduled as follows:

St. Peter Cathedral Vicariate Confirmations

St. Michael Catholic Church, Marquette 1:30 pm ET April 22, 2023

Diocesan Confirmations

St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette 3:30pm ET April 23, 2023

Holy Name of Mary Vicariate Confirmations

St. Joseph Catholic Church, Sault Ste. Marie 2:00 pm ET April 30, 2023

St. Mary Norway Vicariate Confirmations

St. Mary & St. Joseph Church, Iron Mountain 3:00 pm CT May 7, 2023

The Diocesan Confirmation is open to all adults, and youth from vicariates other than St. Peter Cathedral Vicariate, St. Mary Norway Vicariate, and Holy Name of Mary Vicariate.

If you have any questions please contact Mark Salisbury, 906-227-9127 or msalisbury@dioceseofmarquette.org.

Communication Services

John Fee

DEACON APPRECIATION ISSUE

Please consider joining us for our 2023 Deacon Appreciation Issue.

Click here for Information and ordering instructions: https://form.jotform.com/223325718291153

If you have trouble with the link or need additional assistance please contact Deacon Steve directly at ads@dioceseofmarquette.org or 906-863-7460.

Ad requests which come in after January 12, 2023, will be placed in the next available issue.

Thank you.

COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Know someone who would like to share the Good News as a Communications Specialist?

The U.P. Catholic and diocese is seeking a communications specialist. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, adaptable and creative, as well as comfortable working in print, social, electronic and broadcast media. The candidate must have passion for evangelization and sharing the Good News through diocesan media.

Duties and responsibilities include conducting interviews; writing stories; page layout; still and video photography and editing; working closely with freelancers; and working in all aspects of diocesan communications. The ability to work well in a close, collaborative team environment as well as with people across the Upper Peninsula is required. Frequent evening and weekend work, as well as some travel is required. Work schedules occasionally change quickly without notice. The Communications Specialist also fills in for the Communications Director when needed, working directly with outside news media as the diocese’s representative.

Apply online at https://diocese.hirescore.com/

(FYI: With the birth of her second child, Hattie Hanold has discerned that she is called to focus full time on her family and has resigned as assistant editor of The U.P. Catholic as of the end of December. You may still hear from her as she has agreed to continue to work with the diocese on a freelance basis. We are very thankful for her work and send our prayers and best wishes with her.)

Financial Services

Timothy Thomas

DIOCESAN OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS

The Diocesan offices will be closed on Friday, December 23, Monday, December 26, and Monday, January 2, 2023, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 3, 2023.

CHRISTMAS PARISH BONUSES

Just a reminder that all holiday bonuses are considered taxable income per IRS regulations. Any bonuses for parish/school employees must be recorded in Paycor.

LAST CHANCE TO APPLY FOR ERC FUNDING – DEADLINE MARCH 2023

The Diocese encourages parish and school bookkeepers who have not already applied for ERC funding to do so as soon as possible before the March 2023 IRS deadline. Parishes and schools interested in receiving ERC funding who have not already applied should plan to do so as soon as possible, as the filing process takes approximately 10-12 weeks to complete. Bookkeepers should consult with their pastors and Parish Finance Councils to make sure this is the way they want the funds represented on the Income Statement. To start the filing process, please contact Brian Locker at Paycor (blocker@paycor.com). For any other ERC questions, please contact Casey Banks at 906-227-9105 or cbanks@dioceseofmarquette.org.

EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL FILES

Just a quick reminder, in Addendum #1 there is a checklist of items that should be maintained in all employee personnel files. Year end is a good time to review your files to ensure you have all of the necessary documentation.

ORDER CATHOLIC EXTENSION CALENDARS NOW FOR 2023

Do you want to order official Catholic calendars to distribute for 2023? If so, please consider placing your order through Catholic Extension, a nonprofit Catholic organization that supports 87 U.S. Mission Dioceses with the proceeds from calendar sales. Those looking to place calendar orders should contact Dan Stremel as soon as possible, as the calendars take approximately 4-6 weeks to print and ship. Dan Stremel can be reached at 620-408-5338 or dstremel@catholicextension.org.

LOOKING AHEAD - MAXIMUM 403(b) CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2023

The maximum contribution for 2023 will increase to $22,500 unless the employee is age 50 or over. Members over 50 years of age will be allowed an additional “catch-up” contribution of $7,500.

MISSON COMBINED COLLECTION – JANUARY 14-15, 2023

All parishes in the Diocese of Marquette will be taking up the 2023 Mission Collection on January 14-15, 2023. The Mission Collection supports the following outreach ministries to the Universal Church: the Black & Indian Missions, Catholic Home Missions, the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, and the Propagation of the Faith Mission. Parish bookkeepers are advised to use the Collection Counting Sheet (Addendum #2) and to divide unspecified Mission fund donations evenly between the four individual collections. Bookkeepers may then complete the updated Combined Collection Transmittal Form found in Addendum #3 to include with their payment to the Diocese. Please make checks out to "Diocese of Marquette-Mission Collection."

Please see the Bulletin Announcements section for an advertisement that can be placed in your parish bulletins to promote this collection. Parishes may also print and use the Addendum #4 Mission Collection flyer as an optional bulletin insert. Thank you for your attention to this very important matter.

2024 COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Please see the Diocesan Collection Schedule for 2024 included in Addendum #5. This schedule and corresponding sample envelopes have been mailed to parish-identified envelope companies. If you have any questions about the 2024 Collection Schedule, please contact Irene McCauley at imccauley@dioceseofmarquette.org.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Looking for financial assistance with your college education? Applications are now being accepted for the 2023 Bibianne Bessette Scholarship Fund. The scholarships aid graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a college or vocational education at an accredited degree granting institution. Consideration is based on academic achievement. Applicants must complete the on-line application found at https://dioceseofmarquette.org/awards-scholarships and either mail an Official Transcript and ACT/SAT scores (via postal mail) to: Bessette Scholarship Fund, Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 or email transcripts to Irene McCauley at imccauley@dioceseofmarquette.org. Applications must be received no later than March 15, 2023.

Addendum #1 - Personnel File Contents.pdf

Addendum #2 - Collection Counting Sheet & Deposit Summary.pdf

Addendum #3 - Combined Collections Transmittal Form(Revised).pdf

Addendum #4 - Mission Collection Insert 2023.pdf

Addendum #5 - 2024 Diocesan Collection Schedule.pdf

Department of Stewardship

and Development

Rob Taylor

STEWARDHIP E-NEWS
Click here to see the latest issue. Invite your parishioners to subscribe, use this link: https://dioceseofmarquette.flocknote.com/Stewardship/notes. We do not share subscriber emails outside of our organization.

PARISH ENDOWMENTS
Parish endowments enhance ministry and provide opportunity for parishioners to support the parish forever.

YOUR GIFT MATTERS
Link the diocesan Planned Giving website on your own parish website. New content is provided quarterly. Here is the latest:

Bulletin Announcements

Know someone who would like to share the Good News as a Communications Specialist?

The U.P. Catholic and diocese is seeking a communications specialist. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, adaptable and creative, as well as comfortable working in print, social, electronic and broadcast media. The candidate must have passion for evangelization and sharing the Good News through diocesan media.

Learn more and apply online at https://diocese.hirescore.com/

MISSON COMBINED COLLECTION – JANUARY 14-15, 2023

Black & Indian Missions

The Black and Indian Mission Collection exists to help local African American and Native American diocesan communities throughout the United States spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs. This collection advances causes important to native and African American Catholics. To learn more, visit blackandindianmission.org.

Catholic Home Missions

"Home Missions” is the name for dioceses and parishes in the United States, including its territories and former territories, which cannot provide basic pastoral services to Catholics without outside help. Basic pastoral services include Mass and sacraments, religious education, and ministry training for priests, deacons, religious sisters and lay people. For more information, visit usccb.org/committees/catholic-home-missions.

Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa

While the Church in Africa is growing, many still lack access to basic resources and pastoral care. Many suffer due to high rates of poverty and unemployment, illiteracy, and poor education. The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa supports pastoral projects that foster lasting peace and reconciliation in a continent often marked by division and tension. To learn more about this ministry, visit usccb.org/committees/church-africa.

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith

The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is vital to the missionaries serving in 1,111 dioceses throughout Asia, Africa, parts of Latin America and Europe, and on the Islands of the Pacific. Your generosity makes it possible for local priests, religious, and catechists to reach out to communities, families, and children in desperate need, bringing the light of Christ to the darkest of circumstances covering more than half the globe. For more information, visit onefamilyinmission.org.

Addenda

Addendum #1 - Personnel File Contents

Addendum #2 – Collection Counting Sheet & Deposit Summary

Addendum #3 - Combined Collections Transmittal Form

Addendum #4 - Mission Collection Insert

Addendum #5 - 2024 Diocesan Collection Schedule