Diocesan Communicator
October 2024
Publishes monthly on the second Wednesday
Photo JOHN FEE | THE U.P. CATHOLIC
Priests and deacons of the Diocese of Marquette joined the Sisters of St. Paul de Chartres to celebrate Sister Fidelia Villa's 25th Jubilee at St. Anne Parish in Escanaba on Sept. 22. Bishop John Doerfler was the main celebrant of the Mass. Sister Fidelia is the seventh grade Catholic Faith teacher at Holy Name Catholic School in Escanaba and also assists with the kindergarten class.
Welcome to the
Diocesan Communicator
The Diocesan Communicator is delivered through Flocknote. You are now able to read the information right in your email message!
If you have any thoughts or suggestions to share, please email Sara at sshusta@dioceseofmarquette.org and John at jfee@dioceseofmarquette.org.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions to share, please email Sara at sshusta@dioceseofmarquette.org and John at jfee@dioceseofmarquette.org.
The current Communicator, as well as past issues, are available on the Diocesan website at https://dioceseofmarquette.org/communicator.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Oct. 15, 2024 Parish and Secretary Bookkeeper Workshop (Administration & Finance)
Office of the Bishop
Bishop John F. Doerfler
MASS OF THANKSGIVING FOR PHYSICIANS & ALL HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
You are cordially invited to attend a Mass of Thanksgiving for Physicians and Healthcare Providers along with their spouses. The Mass will be celebrated by the Most Reverend John F. Doerfler, Bishop of Marquette. The Mass will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024, at 5:15 pm ET* at All Saints Catholic Church in Gladstone, Mich. Families are invited to an open reception with a light meal following Mass in the church hall. Questions? Contact the Office of the Bishop at: (906)-227-9115 or email: tbailey@dioceseofmarquette.org The public is welcome and highly encouraged to attend this Mass of Thanksgiving.
ELECTION YEAR GUIDELINES FOR CATHOLIC PARISHES AND ORGANIZATIONS
The following are “Dos and Don’ts” to help assist Catholic entities during the 2024 election season:
Dos
• Share Catholic Social Teaching and apply these values to legislation, public issues, and ballot issues.
• Advocate for or against a particular ballot proposal.
• Conduct a non-partisan voter registration drive.
• Encourage Catholics to vote after evaluating candidate positions carefully and having developed their conscience.
• Check with the diocesan attorney if there are questions about appropriate activity.
Don’ts
• Only invite selected candidates to address a church-sponsored group.
• Distribute partisan campaign literature or unapproved election material.
• Endorse/oppose candidates and political parties while acting as a representative of the Church.
• Use organizational resources to participate in political activities or provide financial support for candidates, political parties, or PACs.
• Conduct a voter registration slanted toward one candidate or political party.
Here are two additional resources that can be found on our website:
2024 Voter guide à Elections - Diocese of Marquette - Marquette, MI
Political Endorsement Guide à 2024-05-01 Political Endorsements Policy Effective-1.pdf (ecatholic.com)
RESOURCES FOR RESPONSIBLE CATHOLIC CITIZENSHIP DURING ELECTION SEASON FROM THE USCCB
Election season can be a great opportunity for catechesis about missionary discipleship and the political responsibilities of Catholics. To help you in your formation efforts, and to equip you to answer questions about the Church’s role in political life, the Catholic bishops have made available dozens of resources at www.faithfulcitizenship.org
Please continue to input your weekly weekend Mass attendance counts (for all Vigil and Sunday Masses combined) each week. The weekly Mass Attendance counts will give us a baseline for our Mass attendance as we work together to increase Mass attendance through evangelization efforts discussed in Bishop John’s Pastoral Letter on Evangelization, entitled: “Transforming Fire: A New Pentecost to form Spirit-Filled Evangelizers.” If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Bishop at (906)-227-9115. Weekly Weekend Mass Attendance Counts Form Link can be requested by reaching out to Terry Bailey via email: tbailey@dioceseofmarquette.org
Department of Ministry Personnel
Very Rev. Timothy Ekaitis
PERMANENT DIACONATE
Upcoming Events:
All deacons & wives are welcome to the following:
- Rite of Candidacy & Lector Mass at St. Peter Cathedral
- Oct. 29, 2024
- Deacon Retreat at the Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, WI
- March 24-26, 2025
- Retreat director: Msgr. Michael Steber
- Topic: Discernment of Spirits from St. Ignatius of Loyola & Spiritual Direction Techniques
Two new deacon candidates were accepted:
- Scott Sapino – St. Joseph, Lake Linden
- Jim Koskiniemi – St. Joseph, Lake Linden
PRIESTS
The Evangelical Catholic would like to invite the priests of the Diocese of Marquette to the Priests for an Apostolic Age conference that will take place in San Antonio, Texas, from Jan. 21-24, 2025. The Evangelical Catholic and Catholic Leadership Institute are partnering to host this conference designed for priests and bishops.
This conference is an opportunity to bring together apostolic-minded priests and bishops to:
- Uncover their mission and identity as an apostolic priest in a secular age and what they need to be equipped to lead the laity to live out the Great Commission.
- Learn how to take proactive measures to respond to the hurdles presented by our current cultural landscapes and help the faithful navigate their journey as disciples with joyful hope.
- Learn how to leverage their influence to inspire and activate a movement of evangelization and personal apostolate in their communities.
- Gather in fellowship with priests and bishops who share the same convictions and goals.
During these four days, we are bringing together a range of voices that are working together to imagine what an apostolic Church can look like in a secular age. We are thrilled to have Damascus, Decided Excellence Catholic Media, and DeSales Media as strategic sponsors. OSV,Source and Summit, Communio, and ACST Catholic, will also be joining us as platinum sponsors. We have Fr. John Riccardo from Acts XXIX, Lisa Brenninkmeyer from Walking with Purpose, Dave Durand from Leading Giants, and Dan Cellucci from Catholic Leadership Institute joining us as some of the keynote speakers.
Attached is a flyer for the conference.
Department of Evangelization
and Education
Rev. Ryan Ford
CATECHUMENS AND CANDIDATES
All catechumens (those preparing for baptism at the Easter Vigil) and candidates (baptized non-Christians preparing for reception into Full Communion) are invited to participate in the Rite of Election with their sponsors on Sunday, March 9 at St. Peter Cathedral. Now is the time to inquire into each catechumen's and candidate's marriage history so any canonical or annulment process can begin now, if needed. Contact Fr. Dan Moll dmoll@dioceseofmarquette.org or Fr. Ryan Ford rford@dioceseofmarquette.org with any questions about marriage situations.
YOUTH ENCOUNTER RETREAT
Youth Encounter is a Catholic retreat open to all high school students. A team of students give talks and lead group discussion and prayer, supported by an adult team led by Fr. Ryan Ford. The retreat takes place twice a year. The Fall weekend is Nov. 8-10 at Fortune Lake Camp near Crystal Falls. Registration is open now at: youthencounter906.com
CONFIRMATION RETREAT
A one-day retreat aimed at candidates for Confirmation will be put on by a Spiritus Ministries team at Immaculate Conception parish in Iron Mountain from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (with 4 p.m. Mass) central time on Saturday, Jan. 11. Students from around the U.P. are invited and encouraged to come. Registration is open at yoopercatholic.org/confirmation-retreat.
EUCHARISTIC MIRACLES BY TEXT
Looking to spread Eucharistic Revival among your parishioners? Encourage them to sign up for FREE Eucharistic miracles using the Remind app. To sign up, text @8ahc7g to 81010. These are the same Eucharistic miracles that appear on the Vatican-approved Real Presence website (therealpresence.org) and Blessed Carlos Acutis' website (carloacutis.com) and can now be sent directly to your phone. Leave the group at any time. Offered by the Missionaries of Mary.
OCTOBER 2024 PRINCIPALS' MEETING
A reminder to all Catholic school principals that the October Principals' Meeting will be on Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Diocese office in Marquette from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Snacks and lunch will be provided.
2024 PARISH ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT (PAAR)
2024 Parish Annual Administrative Reports were due Sept. 30, 2024. The link is available online on the Diocesan website: https://form.jotform.com/DioceseofMarquette/2024-PAAR
.
If you have not submitted your PAAR, please do so as soon as possible. Please contact Sara Shusta sshusta@dioceseofmarquette.org with questions on PAAR submission requirements or for general form assistance.
The PAAR is a completely separate report from the PAFR-Parish Annual Financial Report.
Communication Services
John Fee
SACRAMENTS AND RCIA PHOTOS
Please send photos of First Communion, Confirmation and RCIA groups for publication in The U.P. Catholic’s annual Sacraments and RCIA issue. Be sure to list names (left to right) front row, second row, third row, back row, etc. Photos may be sent by e-mail to news@dioceseofmarquette.org or mailed to The U.P. Catholic, 1004 Harbor Hills Dr., Marquette, MI 49855.
Please send photos of First Communion, Confirmation and RCIA groups for publication in The U.P. Catholic’s annual Sacraments and RCIA issue. Be sure to list names (left to right) front row, second row, third row, back row, etc. Photos may be sent by e-mail to news@dioceseofmarquette.org or mailed to The U.P. Catholic, 1004 Harbor Hills Dr., Marquette, MI 49855.
PARISH, SCHOOL AND OTHER EVENTS
If your parish, school or other Catholic entity has photos from liturgies or events such as fall bazaars or upcoming Advent or Christmas events, please feel free to share them with The U.P. Catholic and other diocesan media by sending them to news@dioceseofmarquette.org. If you are sending from a phone, please send at Full, Original or Actual Size.
Financial Services
Timothy Thomas
Bishop Doerfler directed all parish corporations to submit copies of the minutes from your second annual board meeting(s) and conflict of interest disclosure forms to the diocesan office by Sept. 30, 2024. If you have not yet submitted conflict of interest disclosure forms or minutes from your parish corporate board meeting, please do so at your earliest convenience. These materials may be sent directly to Irene McCauley at the diocesan office.
PARISH INCORPORATION ASSET TRANSFER UPDATE
Diocesan staff sent out further instructions concerning the transfer of financial/investment accounts, other financial assets, tangible property, assignment of bank loans, lines of credit, lease/contract agreements, and easements on Oct. 9, 2024. Please refer to these letters for directions on the next steps in the incorporation process, which will vary for individual parish corporations. If you have any questions about the parish incorporation process, please contact Tim Thomas or Irene McCauley for additional assistance.
As a reminder, please send any correspondence received from local tax assessors concerning parish property tax exemption to Irene McCauley at the diocesan office.
2024 PARISH GOVERNANCE REPORT AND CATHOLIC ENDOWMENT FUND FINANCIAL REPORTS
2024 Parish Governance Report and Catholic Endowment Fund Financial Reports were due to the Diocese on Sept. 30, 2024. All parishes and missions are required to submit Parish Governance Reports annually, which show a record of parish finance council meeting dates and members as well as a copy of the year-end financial summary provided to parishioners. Parish Governance Report resources can be found on the diocesan website at http://dioceseofmarquette.org/forms and in Addendums 1 and 2. Please send your Parish Governance Report to the diocesan office, attention: Irene McCauley or to imccauley@dioceseofmarquette.org.
Catholic Endowment Fund Financial Reports should be submitted for endowment funds that qualify as separate juridic persons. Such endowment funds support causes that don’t directly support the parish’s mission (e.g., a scholarship fund) and are invested outside of the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation (UPCF). As with the Parish Annual Financial Report, Annual Catholic Endowment Fund Financial Reports will cover fund activities for the parish fiscal year starting July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024. Parishes must also include copies of financial statements and meeting minutes with each report submission. To complete your Catholic Endowment Fund Financial Report for 2024, please use the link here or on the diocesan website at https://dioceseofmarquette.org/parish-annual-financial-report. If you’re not sure if you need to submit a report for your endowment fund, please contact Tim Thomas for confirmation.
SECRETARY AND BOOKKEEPERS WORKSHOP – OCT. 15, 2024
Please plan to join us this fall for the Annual Secretary & Bookkeepers Workshop on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024. This year the Workshop will be held at St. Joseph’s Parish, 1889 Prairie Avenue, Ishpeming. The workshop will cover a range of topics including UPCSA campaigning, administrative processes for Holy Sacraments, new record retention guidelines, parish incorporation project updates, financial reporting guidance, facility planning and building assessments, common human resources issues, safe environment best practices, as well as tips and support for eCatholic, PDS, Paycor, FACTS, and MCC platforms. To register for this event, please use the following link: form.jotform.com/DioceseofMarquette/2024-secretarybookkeeper-workshop.
More information about this year’s event as well as materials from last year’s workshop can be found at dioceseofmarquette.org/secretary-and-bookkeepers-workshop. We hope to see you there! Thanks for all you do.
$5,000 MAXIMUM FOR PARISH/SCHOOL RAFFLES
The IRS requires tax-exempt organizations to withhold 25% of raffle winnings over $5,000 and report this amount on Form W-2G. Parishes and schools are advised to limit raffle winnings to no more than $5,000 to avoid tax liability. Federal reporting requirements apply to cash winnings and noncash prizes whose value exceeds $5,000. If you are interested in holding a small raffle for your parish or school, please visit the State of Michigan charitable gaming website at www.michigan.gov/cg/ for more information.
Department of
Stewardship & Development
Scott Fenley
GIVING TUESDAY 2024
The Diocese of Marquette is excited to announce its Fund-A-Need program in conjunction with Giving Tuesday, taking place on Dec. 3! This initiative allows donors to contribute to specific causes without the limitations of auctions.
Many important items need your support, all of which benefit the entire Diocese of Marquette. Visit the link to see how you can make a difference: https://www.osvhub.com/dioceseofmarquette/giving/funds
Don’t forget to follow The U.P. Catholic on Facebook and Instagram where we will be posting about our Fund-A-Need campaign. Like, comment, and share our posts! Thank you for your generosity —every donation counts and is welcomed.
Now is also 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.
STEWARDSHIP E-NEWS
Click here to see the latest issue. Invite your parishioners to subscribe using this link: https://dioceseofmarquette.flocknote.com/Stewardship/notes. We do not share subscriber emails outside of our organization.
Click here to see the latest issue. Invite your parishioners to subscribe using this link: https://dioceseofmarquette.flocknote.com/Stewardship/notes. We do not share subscriber emails outside of our organization.
Bulletin Announcements
THE U.P. CATHOLIC CENTENARIAN CORNER
Attention Parishioners: Do you know of a fellow parishioner who recently celebrated their 100th birthday? Send their name and a photo of their celebration to news@dioceseofmarquette.org for possible publication in a future issue of The U.P. Catholic’s Centenarian Corner and in other diocesan media including social media.
Addenda
Addendum #1 - Governance Report 2024
Addendum #2 - Parish Annual Financial Report Summary for Parishioners
Priests Flyer with Speakers
