Dear Friends,

Happy Halloween! And yes, after the little goblins grab their candies tonight, tomorrow is the Solemnity of All Saints  - a holy day of obligation. Followed, of course, by All Souls Day on November 2nd. We've included a lighthearted poll at the end of this e-newsletter in honor of this important day in our faith calendar.

You are probably wondering about the above photo. Well, I took it at the conference center in Orlando, Florida where I attended the International Catholic Stewardship Conference earlier this month. Despite the sterile, secular vibe as is the case in most conference centers, the ICSC was a rewarding, spiritually charged, and motivating experience. I am so grateful I was able to attend. After spending time with my colleagues from across the country, engaging in prayer and communion, and hearing their experiences, I return to the U.P. re-energized, with new ideas for our beautiful diocese which I look forward to sharing with all of you soon.

In Christ,

Executive Director, Stewardship & Development
& UP Catholic Foundation, Inc
rtaylor@dioceseofmarquette.org
1004 Harbor Hills Dr, Marquette, MI 49855
Direct 906/227-9108  | Toll-Free 800/562-9745 #108

We are happy to announce that Donielle Kube recently joined our diocesan staff! She has been working in the Office of Stewardship and Development, helping greatly this fall with major projects such as the Bishop's Ambassadors' Dinner and the U.P. Catholic Foundation annual report. Donielle will be transitioning into the Department of Ministry Personnel and Safe Environment, and Valerie Bailey will be taking over as the new Administrative Assistant for Stewardship and Development. 

Donielle shared with us a few things about herself:

I am so excited and truly blessed to work for the Diocese of Marquette. I was born and raised in Kingsford, Michigan. I grew up attending Bishop Baraga Catholic School and have always believed in a strong faith foundation. I moved to Marquette to study Political Science at Northern Michigan University, and then my post-baccalaureate certificate in Paralegal Studies. After graduation, I decided to call Marquette my new home and work for the Diocese. When I’m not working, you can find me spending time with my friends and family, cheering on my dad and brother at their dirt bike races, and being their pit crew. I enjoy exploring the outdoors, especially in the Upper Peninsula, and traveling to new places. I frequently visit my Nonna in lower Michigan and spend lots of time in the kitchen always learning new recipes. I credit her for my passion for cooking and baking. I am looking forward to having this wonderful opportunity to serve the church in this new way, meeting fellow Catholics throughout the UP, and helping to contribute to the future generations of Catholics in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!

Welcome, Donielle!

This year’s annual Bishop’s Ambassadors Dinner was held on September 26, 2023, beginning with a Mass at St. Michael’s parish in Marquette. Following the Mass there was a social hour, dinner, and presentations at Northern Michigan University’s Northern Center. A recap of the evening can be found by clicking YooperCatholic.org

The Bishop's Ambassadors is a membership organization led by Bishop John Doerfler and perpetually by future bishops of the Diocese of Marquette. The primary objective of the Bishop's Ambassadors is to hand on to future generations the great, living tradition of faith that has been handed down by past generations. For more information visit upcatholicfoundation.org

Honoring those who strive to preserve and foster the Catholic faith in the Upper Peninsula, in coordination with Legacy of Faith, the Catholic Service Award annually recognizes lifetime dedication and service to the Church in the Diocese of Marquette. This year’s recipients are Joyce Milligan (posthumously, Holy Name of St. Mary, SSM and St. Xavier Francis, Brimley) and Bob Bink (St. Joseph & St. Patrick, Escanaba).

Join Bishop John Doerfler, Monsignor Michael Steber, and Deacon Steve and Jackie Gretzinger on a Spirit-filled pilgrimage to Portugal, Spain, and France. Highlights of the pilgrimage include visits to Fatima, Lourdes, Avila, Lisieux, TGV Experience - High-Speed Train Ride, Normandy: Omaha Beach and American Cemetery, Louvre Museum, motor coach sightseeing of Notre Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower and so much more. For more information visit:  https://tinyurl.com/CarmelitePilgrimage2024

I GIVE CATHOLIC DAY is November 28, 2023 Thanks to a grant from Catholic Extension, the Diocese of Marquette is able to participate once again in this national day of giving. Inspired by and in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, I Give Catholic Day encourages the support of Catholic parishes, schools, and ministries. Visit igivecatholic.org for more information and to search for your favorite Catholic organization. 

Would you like to finish this year with a gift that maximizes your impact and reduces your taxes? When you support your favorite Catholic ministry by simply writing a check, you make great things happen and may receive a federal income tax charitable deduction. Your envelope must be postmarked on or before Dec. 31 for your donation to qualify this year. For more information check our planned giving page here.