Dear Friends,

What a glorious summer we have had in our beautiful Upper Peninsula diocese! I want to share with you a few things that happened in the last month and preview what is coming for fall 2024, starting with the details (below) of the Milestone Wedding Anniversary Celebration that is fast approaching.

 

I hope that you have had a blessed season with family and friends. 

Sincerely,

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

Each year, the Sisters of the Discalced Carmelite Monastery of the Holy Cross in Iron Mountain sponsor the Carmelite Fall Festival (formerly the Silver Tea), Craft and Bake Sale, which is scheduled this year on Sept. 21-22 from noon- 3 p.m. CST.  

This year, the Sisters’ homemade bread will be sold, as well as additional fall favorite baked goods, Italian turkey lunch plates, and other items from their gift shop, such as crafts and miscellaneous items. A basket raffle and other raffle prizes will be available. Raffle tickets may be purchased through your parish.  

Bishop John highly encourages your support and participation in the event.  The Carmelites pray and contemplate, focusing on the welfare and fruitfulness of all those engaged in the work of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Bishop John asks for your assistance in helping the Carmelites in carrying on their spiritual mission.

Our first Donuts with the Diocese, held last month at St. Gregory's in Newberry, was a great way to kick off this new program. Megan O'Connor, Director of Missionary Stewardship, will visit each vicariate within the Diocese to engage in meaningful conversations with parishioners and strengthen our church community's relationships.

This informal and inexpensive event is based on a drop-in format centered around sharing donuts and coffee. It is inclusive and welcoming, encouraging all parishioners to attend and making it a church-community-wide effort. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with Megan and other church leaders and interact with fellow church members.

The goals of the program are to:

We look forward to seeing you there and building a stronger, more united church community together. If you would like to connect with Megan prior to the event, please respond to this newsletter by using the blue reply button at the bottom, or you can reach her by:

email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org

or phone: 906-379-5057

BISHOP BARAGA DAYS 2024
Registration for our Annual Baraga Days Event has been extended through September 3, 2024! There's still time to RSVP online or by mail! 

This year, we will be celebrating the life and labors of Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga from 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. Find all the information by clicking here.

On Aug 11, 2024, Bishop John Doerfler dedicated the newly built St. Kateri Tekakwitha Mission in Bay Mills. Concelebrating were Fr. Dominic Yamoah Afrifa, pastor, and other priests from across the Diocese. The church was rebuilt after a fire in 2021. For more pictures from the dedication, click here. 

Our diocesan planned giving website has been completely revamped to serve you better. The platform now offers tailored giving options based on your age, income, and current assets, along with complimentary resources and sample will language. Give it a try now, and draft your legacy to the church!

Giving Tuesday is set for Dec. 3 this year. Now is the perfect time to strategize how you can leverage this global day of giving to enhance and expand your parish, school, or ministry's current fundraising efforts. Take advantage of the extensive local and national media coverage to maximize your impact. Contact Megan O'Connor at moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org if you want more information.