Thank you to everyone who participated in our survey asking what you would like to learn more about from the Stewardship & Development Team! (If you missed the survey, you can see it in our previous Flocknote here.)

When I started as Director of Missionary Stewardship just a few short months ago, I discovered there were many things happening in the Diocese I was unaware of and wanted to learn more about. I assumed there were many parishioners in the Diocese just like me, so we asked which ministries you wanted us to share more information on. Overwhelmingly, the first answer you gave was the Upper Peninsula Catholic Service Appeal (or UPCSA).

I kept this in mind when we designed this year's UPCSA materials. Like the graphic above, you will find detailed information about how the funds raised through UPCSA are used. For an early peek at the newsletter, click here. 

As of last year, each parish now runs its UPCSA campaign on a schedule that works best for them. And I am available to support parishes as needed. In fact, I have already been to my parish of origin, St. Francis de Sales (Manistique), and also to Gulliver, to discuss UPCSA with parishioners. 

Please let me know if you want me to come to your parish to talk about all things UPCSA.

God Bless,

Direct 906-379-5057

1004 Harbor Hills Dr, Marquette, MI 49855

All parishes in the Diocese of Marquette will be taking up the 2024 World Church Collection on June 8-9, 2024. The World Church Collection supports the following outreach ministries to the Universal Church: The Catholic Relief Services Overseas Fund, the Holy Land & National Communications collection, and the Peter’s Pence Collection (Collection for the Holy Father).

Catholic Relief Services Overseas Fund Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Funds will help six Catholic agencies to provide relief and support to struggling communities and to work toward peace and reconciliation among our marginalized brothers and sisters here and around the world. Learn more at crs.org.

Holy Land & National Communications Collection The political, religious, and military challenges in the Holy Land are more complex than ever. The wars, unrest, and instability have been especially hard on Christians. The Holy Land Collection offers hope to the Holy Land Christians in these times of hardship. To learn more, please visit myfranciscan.org.
The National Communications collection helps connect people to Christ, here and around the world, through the internet, television, radio, and print media. A portion of the funds collected will remain here in the Diocese of Marquette to support our local efforts. Learn more at usccb.org/committees/catholic-communication-campaign.

Peter’s Pence Collection (Collection for the Holy Father) The Peter’s Pence Collection enables the Holy Father to respond with emergency financial assistance to requests to aid the neediest throughout the world—those who suffer because of war, oppression, and natural disasters. It likewise provides the faithful with a tangible opportunity to not only empower the weak, defenseless, and voiceless but also sustain those who suffer. To learn more, visit usccb.org/catholic-giving/opportunities-for-giving/peters-pence. 

A large portion of UPCSA monies raised (6%) supports Catholic Social Services of the Upper Peninsula (CUSSUP). CUSSUP supports U.P. communities with behavioral health services, child welfare, and recovery housing. For detailed information on the 

number of clients served in 2023, you can access the 2023 annual report online here.

The annual Baraga Days celebrating the life and labors of Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga will be held on September 13 through September 14 in Gaylord, Michigan! The event will be hosted by the Bishop Baraga Association (BBA) and The Diocese of Gaylord. This event is an opportunity for those who know this saintly man to celebrate his work and provides an opportunity for all to learn about Bishop Frederic Baraga.

The event is set to include Evening Vespers, Private Blessings with the Baraga Crucifix, presentations on Venerable Bishop Baraga’s work in the Gaylord Diocese area and Baraga Days Mass. There will be time to tour Diocesan sites specific to Bishop Baraga in the area. Baraga Days will conclude with a banquet and the annual Bishop Baraga Association meeting which provides an opportunity for attendees to receive updates on Bishop Baraga’s Cause for Canonization as well as updates on the activities of the BBA.

Please save the date and join us! Visit the Bishop Baraga Association website here for more details.