The U.P. Catholic Newsletter
September 2024
Sister Fidelia Villa's 25th Jubilee
JOHN FEE | THE U.P. CATHOLIC
(Top photo) Sister Fidelia Villa, SPC, smiles as she holds a vase of roses at the Mass celebrating her 25th Jubilee at St. Anne in Escanaba. The Mass was held on Sept. 22, 2024. (Middle photo) From left, Sisters Gloria Schultz, Mary Ann Laurin and Fidelia Villa, SPC, pray during Mass. (Bottom photo) The Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres with Bishop John Doerfler after the Mass.
Sister Fidelia Villa's 25th Jubilee was celebrated at St. Anne Parish in Escanaba on Sept. 22, 2024. She was joined by her fellow Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres, as well as priests and parishioners from across the diocese. Bishop John Doerfler was the main celebrant and homilist at the Mass. He was assisted by Deacon Bob Berbohm. The Mass was followed by a luncheon in the parish hall.
Mass for the Elderly - Holy Family, Flat Rock
JOHN FEE | THE U.P. CATHOLIC
(Top photo) Parishioners 85 years and older with Bishop Doerfler and Fr. Kavumkal. (Bottom photo) Couples celebrating 50 or more years of marriage with Bishop Doerfler and Fr. Kavumkal.
Bishop John Doerfler was the principal celebrant of a Mass celebrating the elderly parishioners of Holy Family, Flat Rock, on Sept. 22, 2024. Fr. Sebastian Kavumkal, pastor, concelebrated. Deacon Robert Berbohm assisted. Two groups were celebrated: those who have been married for 50 or more years, and those 85 years of age and older.
Milestone Wedding Anniversary Mass 2024
BRIAN MALONE | LAKE SUPERIOR PHOTO
(Top photo) From left, Andy Wasilewski of the Knights of Columbus Council 689 hands Bonnie Peruzzi of St. Agnes in Iron River a rose while Timothy Peruzzi looks on prior to the annual Milestone Anniversary Mass held at St. Peter Cathedral on Sept. 8, 2024. The Peruzzis celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this year. (Bottom photo) Couples present at the Milestone Wedding Anniversary Mass renew their vows.
Bishop John Doerfler celebrated the Milestone Wedding Anniversary Mass at St. Peter Cathedral on Sept. 8, 2024. Concelebrating were Bishop Emeritus James Garland and Fr. Brandon Oman, cathedral pastor, assisted by Dcn. Gregg St. John. Dcn. Paul Lochner was emcee. Recognized anniversary milestones were 25th, 30th, 35th, 40th, 45th, 50th or 51st and above. Couples present enjoyed a reception and socializing after the Mass.
Photos courtesy of Brian Malone of Lake Superior Photo.
Ampe family named Knights of Columbus Family of the Year
By Caty Mraz
The U.P. Catholic
COURTESY PHOTO
Members of the Ampe Family with two bishops at the recent Knights of Columbus convention where they were awarded the International Family of the Year.
"The Ampe family’s advice to Catholics across the U.P. is, 'Be bold in generosity. Say yes to God’s call or tug however you feel it. Our country is experiencing difficult times with incredible animosity and conflict between individuals and different belief systems. Catholics have a unique opportunity during these times, to not sit on the sidelines complaining, but to instead joyfully address the many problems we see. We need to live our faith in all of our decisions and actions.'"
New St. Kateri Tekakwitha church building dedicated in Bay Mills
By Caty Mraz
The U.P. Catholic
CATY MRAZ | THE U.P. CATHOLIC
From left, Mark Beukema, Bishop John Doerfler, and Dcn. Paul Lochner look on as Fr. Dominic Yamoah Afrifa, pastor, unlocks the doors of the new St. Kateri Tekakwitha church building in Bay Mills. The church was rebuilt after a fire in 2021 and a dedication Mass was held on Aug. 11, 2024.
"Parishioner Cindy Wilson reflected on the occasion of the dedication and how they felt being able to attend Mass at their own home parish once again. Wilson said, 'We’re so excited to have our church back, finally. It’s been a long haul.'"
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