Blessings to you this Holy Week!

I am energized by my first two months in my newly created position as Director of Missionary Stewardship at the diocese. I won't lie to you; the learning curve has been steep, but after developing an annual work plan with Bishop John's help, I am finding my footing!

Last Thursday, I enjoyed meeting some of you at the diocesan Spring Study Day, where we had the wonderful opportunity to hear Fr. Luke Ferris, one of the USCCB's National Eucharistic Speakers. He spoke about the Experience of Encountering Jesus in The Eucharist and it was inspiring.

Study Day was followed by the diocesan Chrism Mass at St. Peter Cathedral (Marquette). Bishop John concelebrated with priests from around our diocese, and I had the honor of cantoring the Mass with our very own Director of Sacred Music, musical genius Benjamin O'Brien! I learned that the Chrism Mass is often celebrated on Holy Thursday, but since our diocese is geographically vast, it makes sense for us to hold it on an earlier day. At the Mass, the sacred Chrism is consecrated, and the other oils are blessed. They are then distributed to representatives from each parish and mission. It is with the sacred Chrism consecrated by the Bishop that the newly baptized are anointed, and those to be confirmed are signed. It is with the Oil of Catechumens that catechumens are prepared for Baptism. Finally, it is with the Oil of the Sick that those who are ill are comforted in their infirmity. What a blessing to witness.

Over the last two months, I have learned about the many beautiful works done through the Stewardship & Development Office. There are so many things I was unaware of, so I want to share them with you in case you also didn't know about them. I have created a short survey at the bottom of this email, listing a few of the ministries we are working on currently. Please let me know by participating in the survey which you'd like to know more about. 

In the meantime, please feel free to reach out to me.

Thank you,

Direct 906-379-5057

1004 Harbor Hills Dr, Marquette, MI 49855

The Bishop Baraga Association is excited to announce a new children’s book, 

The Snowshoe Priest, written by Elizabeth Fust and Illustrated by Olivia Theut, is now available. The book details Bishop Baraga's life and labors, outlining his life with real-life events, history, and stories! This has been a labor of love by Elizabeth and Olivia. It is a great way to introduce children to the first Bishop of the Diocese of Marquette. Copies can be purchased at the Baraga Educational Center and Museum or online here. The book is $12, plus shipping and handling if applicable.

Each year, the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation (UPCF) follows a recommendation from The Diocese of Marquette Spending Committee for the distribution of funds. This year the committee recommends that endowment funds withdraw up to 4.5% in assets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. They additionally recommend that funds use a five-year weighted average of investment performance to calculate final distribution amounts. Endowment funds participating in the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation will receive 4.5% distributions in July 2024.