Message from Bishop John
March 2024
CATY MRAZ | THE U.P. CATHOLIC
Bishop John Doerfler (left) and Bishop Emeritus James Garland distribute ashes at St. Peter Cathedral on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023.
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Lent is one of my favorite times of year. It helps me to focus on what is truly important. From time to time, it is easy for me to become distracted by everything else going on in life. Through the Lenten practice of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we are able by God’s grace to turn our hearts more fully to the Lord.
By fasting and giving up something, we are able to focus our hearts more on the Lord Jesus. This Lent I prayerfully decided to give up coffee, which has been a long time part of the beginning of my day. I have sometimes joked that coffee is the definitive proof that there is a good and benevolent God! Nonetheless, I realized that I have just become too attached to that morning brew. Though I really do like coffee, going without is a simple reminder for me every morning that I love Jesus more. After all, is not the most important thing in life to love God with our whole heart, mind and strength?
In addition during Lent, I have increased my giving to charity above my usual practice, and to help foster my prayer life, I have decided to re-read "The Story of a Soul," the autobiography of St. Therese. Though I have read it a couple times, it seems very fitting now for me to spend some time with my friend, St. Therese, knowing how much she helps me by her prayers to grow closer to the Lord.
How is Lent going for you? I hope and pray that this is a privileged time for you to fall deeper in love with God.
+Most Reverend John F. Doerfler
Bishop of Marquette
Praised be Jesus Christ!
Lent is one of my favorite times of year. It helps me to focus on what is truly important. From time to time, it is easy for me to become distracted by everything else going on in life. Through the Lenten practice of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, we are able by God’s grace to turn our hearts more fully to the Lord.
By fasting and giving up something, we are able to focus our hearts more on the Lord Jesus. This Lent I prayerfully decided to give up coffee, which has been a long time part of the beginning of my day. I have sometimes joked that coffee is the definitive proof that there is a good and benevolent God! Nonetheless, I realized that I have just become too attached to that morning brew. Though I really do like coffee, going without is a simple reminder for me every morning that I love Jesus more. After all, is not the most important thing in life to love God with our whole heart, mind and strength?
In addition during Lent, I have increased my giving to charity above my usual practice, and to help foster my prayer life, I have decided to re-read "The Story of a Soul," the autobiography of St. Therese. Though I have read it a couple times, it seems very fitting now for me to spend some time with my friend, St. Therese, knowing how much she helps me by her prayers to grow closer to the Lord.
How is Lent going for you? I hope and pray that this is a privileged time for you to fall deeper in love with God.
+Most Reverend John F. Doerfler
Bishop of Marquette
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