Diocesan Communicator
December 2024
Publishes monthly on the second Wednesday
COURTESY PHOTO
Students at St. Mary Catholic School in Sault Ste. Marie have "adopted" seminarian William Heiny. The Adopt-A-Seminarian program was organized by the Vocations Department for the Diocese of Marquette and encourages seminarians to visit the Catholic schools and spend time in the classrooms. The students will pray for Heiny as he discerns the priesthood; and he will pray for the school and students.
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
March 15, 2025 Parish UPCSA campaign 57 payments due to the Diocese
Office of the Bishop
Bishop John F. Doerfler
ACTION ALERTS-SIGN UP TO KEEP INFORMED ON PERTINENT ISSUES
To help keep Catholics informed of pertinent issues on both the State and National level, I encourage Catholics to sign up for notices from the Michigan Catholic Conference and the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. These vehicles issue timely notices and information on issues pertinent to the Catholic Church.
If you have not already signed up for these action alerts, I encourage you to do so. I would also ask you to help me spread the word about these valuable resources that help to keep Catholics informed and enable them to take timely action on important issues.
You may sign up for alerts from the Michigan Catholic Conference by following this link: http://www.micatholic.org/advocacy/catholic-advocacy-network/
You may sign up for alerts from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by following this link: https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/home
WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED
Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide, parish-based initiative to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need. It works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. Volunteers walk with moms throughout the motherhood journey, offering them authentic Christian friendship and ongoing support.
To learn more about Walking with Moms in Need, please visit their website by clicking on the following link: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/
Walking with Moms in Need has also released new videos; to watch, please follow this link: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/videos
JUBILEE YEAR 2025 – PILGRIMS OF HOPE
On Dec. 29, 2024, the Diocese of Marquette will enter the Jubilee Year 2025 for the Universal Church (the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of our Lord). The following churches will be designated as pilgrimage churches for the Diocese of Marquette:
- St. Peter Cathedral
- St. Paul, Calumet
- Our Lady of Peace, Ironwood
- St. Mary Queen of Peace, Kingsford
- Holy Spirit, Menominee
- All Saints, Gladstone
- St. Mary, Sault Ste. Marie
Further information regarding how to receive the Jubilee Indulgences will be disseminated throughout the diocese soon.
To learn more about Jubilee 2025, please visit the following sites:
The Vatican à https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html
The USCCB à https://www.usccb.org/jubilee2025
OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR
AND DIVINE WORSHIP
Rev. Daniel Moll
WINE USED FOR THE CELEBRATION OF MASS - REMINDER
Please be aware that much of the wine available in grocery stores is either of doubtful liceity or validity. Therefore, the wine to be used for Mass in the Diocese of Marquette should be wine that is certified for sacramental use. Redemptionis Sacramentum states that:
“The wine that is used in the most sacred celebration of the Eucharistic Sacrifice must be natural, from the fruit of the grape, pure and incorrupt, not mixed with other substances […] Great care should be taken so that the wine intended for the celebration of the Eucharist is well conserved and has not soured. It is altogether forbidden to use wine of doubtful authenticity or provenance, for the Church requires certainty regarding the conditions necessary for the validity of the sacraments. Nor are other drinks of any kind to be admitted for any reason, as they do not constitute valid matter” (Redemptionis Sacramentum, 50).
Bink’s Wines and Beverages of Escanaba sells wine certified for sacramental use. They deliver to Delta, Dickinson, Menominee and Iron Counties. If you would like to purchase wine certified for sacramental use from Bink’s and you are not located in one of the previously mentioned counties it can be picked up from their warehouse in Escanaba. Also, Dewitt Church Goods of Green Bay sells wine certified for sacramental use. Dewitt’s does not deliver wine, but it can be picked up in Green Bay.
Department of Ministry Personnel
Very Rev. Timothy Ekaitis
CONTACT INFORMATION
Donielle Kube will be on medical leave starting Monday, Dec. 9, 2024, to undergo a fifth hip surgery at Mayo Clinic. She will be returning Monday, April 14, 2025.
In her absence please contact:
- VIRTUS, Permanent Diaconate and Ministry Personnel matters can be directed to Carmen Hammes at chammes@dioceseofmarquette.org or (906) 227-9155
- Letters of Good Standing to MaryAnn Bernier at mbernier@dioceseofmarquette.org or (906) 227-9131
- Safe Environment questions/concerns to Terry Bailey at tbailey@dioceseofmarquette.org or (906) 227-9115
VOCATIONS POSTERS/DIRECTORIES
New deacon candidate vocations posters, deacon pictorial directories, and priest pictorial directories are being printed and will be distributed to the parish offices soon.
PERMANENT DIACONATE
Deacon Retreat – March 24-26, 2025
Jesuit Retreat House – Oshkosh, Wis.
Theme: The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius & Spiritual Direction Pro Tips
See attached schedule.
JotForm RSVP https://www.jotform.com/form/61715981340961
Department of Evangelization
and Education
Rev. Ryan Ford
RITE OF ELECTION
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will take place on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at St. Peter Cathedral at 3:30 p.m. ET. Please inform your catechumens and/or candidates to save the date and plan to attend. Please fill out the registration form even if your parish will NOT be attending. The registration form is available at: jotform.com/DioceseofMarquette/rite-of-election-2025
SPRING STUDY DAY 2025
Mark your calendars for Spring Study Day: Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral. The topic this year is 'Discipleship in the Workplace.' Deacon Mike Houghton from the Archdiocese of Detroit will present practical ways to live your faith in everyday work life, and strategies to share the Good News at work. Deacon Mike worked 35 years in the automotive industry and now uses his experiences living and sharing the faith in the business world to help others do the same.
Cost is $15 and includes refreshments, lunch, and materials. Registration is open at: yoopercatholic.org/spring-study-day
CONFIRMATION
Spring Confirmation schedule is HERE. Registration will open in the new year.
CONFIRMATION RETREAT
A Confirmation Retreat with Spiritus ministries will take place Saturday, Jan. 11 at Immaculate Conception parish in Iron Mountain from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. CT. This is open to 10th and 11th grade students from around the Diocese. We can take as many students as we can get. Registration is open, and parents can register their child(ren) here: Confirmation Retreat.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT LESSONS
One Safe Environment lesson needs to be taught to each parish faith formation class by January 2025. Options for lessons are in this Google Drive folder. Parent info sheets and opt-out forms are also in that Folder. You need to report to the Diocese how many students in each grade were taught the lesson or opted out. The report form is here.
CATECHETICAL LEADER RETREAT DAY
A Retreat Day for parish catechetical leaders will be Thursday, Feb. 6 at St. Mary & St. Joseph parish in Iron Mountain from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. CT. Parish catechetical leaders are invited to come refresh with the Lord and each other. There will be plenty of time for silent prayer and lectio divina, Mass, lunch, Adoration and Reconciliation. More info and registration are here: PCL Retreat Day
MARCH FOR LIFE PILGRIMAGE
Join Fr. Ryan Ford with parents and students from Holy Name High School in Escanaba on a pilgrimage to Washington, D.C. for the National March for Life: Wednesday, Jan. 22 through Sunday, Jan. 26. Cost is $450 per person and includes bus transportation from Escanaba, quad-occupancy at Hampton Inn-Navy Yard, pre-loaded Metro card, and participation in all March for Life events. Space is limited to the first 15 people, $100 deposit is due at registration. More info and registration are here: yoopercatholic.org/march
Communication Services
John Fee
ADVENT WREATH AND CHRISTMAS DECORATION PHOTOS
Please send photos of the Advent wreath and Christmas decorations at your parish, school, or other places of Catholic interest in the U.P. to news@dioceseofmarquette.org for possible publication in a future issue of The U.P. Catholic and in other diocesan media including social media.
THE U.P. CATHOLIC NEWSLETTER
The U.P. Catholic newspaper has an electronic newsletter that is sent through Flocknote. Rather than a replacement for the print edition, the newsletter accompanies the newspaper. It is an easy way to find links to photo albums and videos, local stories and more. Visit: https://dioceseofmarquette.flocknote.com/TheUPCatholic to sign up, fill in your name and email address, and you'll be all set.
THE U.P. CATHOLIC CENTENARIAN CORNER
Attention Parishes: Do you have a 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.
PARISH EVENTS
Are there special events being held at your parish? Please send information about events, including the date(s) and location to news@dioceseofmarquette.org for possible publication in The U.P. Catholic calendar in future issues and in other diocesan media including social media.
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 email 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 email to news@dioceseofmarquette.org or mailed to The U.P. Catholic, 1004 Harbor Hills Dr., Marquette, MI 49855.
Financial Services
Timothy Thomas
The Diocesan offices will be closed Tuesday, Dec. 24 through Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2024 and on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Regular office hours will resume on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025.
CHRISTMAS PARISH BONUSES
CHRISTMAS PARISH BONUSES
Just a reminder that all holiday bonuses are considered taxable income per IRS regulations. Any bonuses for parish/school employees must be recorded in Paycor.
UPDATED USCCB GROUP RULING/TAX EXEMPTION PROOFS AVAILABLE ON DIOCESAN WEBSITE
UPDATED USCCB GROUP RULING/TAX EXEMPTION PROOFS AVAILABLE ON DIOCESAN WEBSITE
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a new IRS determination letter supporting the tax-exempt status of parish, school, and other Catholic entities in the Diocese of Marquette this month. Please find the new proofs of your tax-exempt status (including the determination letter, a memo from USCCB Counsel, and pages from the latest edition of the Official Catholic Directory) on the diocesan website here. This information is also available as Addendum #1 of this Communicator.
REMINDER TO NOTIFY MCC OF PROPERTY ADJUSTMENTS
As a reminder, parishes and schools must notify Michigan Catholic Conference of any new buildings or additions to existing properties using the New or Renovated Building Log to update insurance coverage for these spaces. If your parish or school has recently sold a property or demolished a building, please contact MCC Risk Management and Claims Services Manager, John Greenburg, to remove it from the insurance listing.
REPORT UNOCCUPIED BUILDINGS TO THE DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE
Michigan Catholic Conference is in the process of creating a program for unoccupied buildings in the Diocese of Marquette. The program will involve maintenance of and special reduced insurance coverage for buildings meeting one the following conditions:
- The building has been abandoned, unoccupied, or empty for some time.
- The building currently has operations in no more than 25% of the total usable square footage with no immediate or eventual need to use more space for any additional operational activities in the future.
Please note that this does not include buildings specifically designed for storage or periodic use (e.g., sheds, pavilions, chapels, etc.).
If you know of any buildings meeting these conditions, please contact Tim Thomas at your earliest convenience.
REMINDER TO SUBMIT MATERIALS FROM PARISH ANNUAL BOARD MEETINGS TO DIOCESAN OFFICE
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.
$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.
LOOKING AHEAD - MAXIMUM 403(b) CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2025
The maximum contribution for 2025 will increase to $23,500 unless the employee is aged 50 or over. Members over 50 years of age will be allowed an additional "catch-up" contribution of $7,500.
BESSETTE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Looking for financial assistance with your college education? Applications are now being accepted for the 2025 Bibianne Bessette Scholarship Fund. The scholarships aid graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a college or vocational education at an accredited degree-granting institution. Consideration is based on academic achievement. Applicants must complete the online application found at
Awards & Scholarships - Diocese of Marquette - Marquette, MI and either mail an Official Transcript and ACT/SAT scores (via postal mail) to Bessette Scholarship Fund, Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 or email transcripts to Irene McCauley at imccauley@dioceseofmarquette.org. Applications must be received no later than March 15, 2025.
Department of
Stewardship & Development
Scott Fenley
A SPECIAL INVITATION TO JOIN THE BISHOP’S AMBASSADORS
The Bishop’s Ambassadors, led by Bishop John Doerfler, is a membership organization focused on passing down the living tradition of faith to future generations.
- Who Can Join: Leadership-level donors who commit at least $25,000 (as a one-time gift, multi-year pledge, or legacy gift) to any endowment fund within the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation benefiting a parish, school, or diocesan entity.
- What to Expect: Monthly Mass intentions for the living and deceased Ambassadors celebrated by Bishop John in his private chapel, an annual Zoom meeting, and a fall Mass and dinner with the bishop. Ambassadors also advise the bishop on key diocesan initiatives.
- How Can I Pledge: Gifts can be fulfilled through various types of planned gifts such as cash, securities, pledges, and deferred gifts. Contact Scott Fenley at (906) 227-9108 or sfenley@dioceseofmarquette.org or pledge online at Bishop's Ambassadors - Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation - Marquette, MI.
PARISH UPCSA PAYMENTS DUE
Parish UPCSA payments for the 57th campaign are due to the diocese by March 15, 2025. However, to include parishioner-personalized pledge data for the 58th UPCSA campaign, please submit your information to the diocese by Feb. 1, 2025. If received after this date, parishioners will not be reminded of their previous year's contributions in the initial UPCSA kickoff letter. For assistance with scheduling an ACH/EFT or making other payment arrangements, please contact Tim Thomas for further assistance.
GIVING TUESDAY 2024 RESULTS
The results are in from the Diocese of Marquette’s Fund-A-Need Giving Tuesday campaign. The campaign offered donors the opportunity to contribute directly to specific causes, without the limitations of auctions. Be sure to follow The U.P. Catholic on Facebook and Instagram where we will announce the results of the campaign.
LOF GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS OPEN JAN. 1, 2025
Legacy of Faith invites grant applications that foster a deeper understanding and renewed belief in the Eucharist, as well as support religious education that aligns with the bishop's vision for forming Spirit-filled evangelizers. This vision includes three key steps: 1) Be a friend of Jesus: through personal encounter and prayer; 2) Make a friend: by building a community of love and forming welcoming parishes; 3) Introduce your friend to Jesus: by sharing Jesus with others and helping them make a personal decision to follow him in faith.
Submit Legacy of Faith grant applications Jan. 1-April 1, 2025, at upcatholicfoundation.org/grant-information.
Please pass this notice on to anyone in your parish who may wish to apply for a grant for Faith Formation.
UPCF 2024 ANNUAL REPORT
The Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation has released its annual report. It contains all the foundation's facts and figures, plus stories and photos of some of the many beneficiaries of generous gifts. The report is available to view online here.
PASS ON YOUR FAITH WITH A PLANNED GIFT TO THE CHURCH
Add a link to the diocesan Planned Giving website on your parish website! New content is updated quarterly.
Below is the latest for you to use in your bulletin:
The end of the year is a good time to consider how you will pass on your faith. If you are considering a planned gift to your church, please visit the diocesan planned giving website here: https://dioceseofmarquette.planmygift.org/ and utilize the resources we have made available for you.
INTERESTED IN CREATING A UPCF ENDOWMENT FUND?
The U.P. Catholic Foundation (UPCF) is a permanent endowment organization supporting the Diocese of Marquette by fostering the financial sustainability of parishes, Catholic schools, and other diocesan entities. Its mission is to unite Catholics in faith, invest endowed funds responsibly, and offer a means to create and manage endowed funds in accordance with donor wishes.
Endowments are permanent funds from which only the income is used, not the principal, and they provide long-term financial stability for vital Church programs. The Foundation helps individuals, parishes, and schools establish or contribute to these funds. A minimum donation of $10,000 can establish a new fund, with distributions beginning once the fund reaches $50,000. Gifts may be made to existing funds at any time. You can give online at tinyurl.com/upcfgiving or through mail. To learn more or start your own endowment, please contact Scott Fenley at (906) 227-9108 or sfenley@dioceseofmarquette.org. See bulletin announcement.
A TAX-SAVING WAY TO HELP THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MARQUETTE
Make a difference today and save on taxes. It is possible when you support the Catholic Diocese of Marquette through your IRA! Check out dioceseofmarquette.planmygift.org/give-from-your-ira for more information.
STEWARDSHIP E-NEWS
Check out the latest issue of the Stewardship E-News here. Don’t forget to invite your parishioners to subscribe using this link: Stewardship E-News Subscription. We respect your privacy and will not share subscriber emails outside our organization.
Check out the latest issue of the Stewardship E-News here. Don’t forget to invite your parishioners to subscribe using this link: Stewardship E-News Subscription. We respect your privacy and will not share subscriber emails outside our organization.
Bishop Baraga Association
Lenora McKeen
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE BISHOP BARAGA ASSOCIATION
We would like to help you with your holiday shopping while providing an opportunity to support the BBA and Bishop Baraga’s Cause for Canonization.
The Baraga Educational Center and Museum will be open late Thursday, Dec. 12 (until 7 p.m.) for your shopping convenience and as always, you can shop online at bishopbaraga.org/store. Shop local and support Bishop Baraga’s cause.
Anyone that shops on Dec. 12 will receive a one-year membership to the Bishop Baraga Association. Lifetime members can gift it to a family member or friend.
Happy Holidays from the Bishop Baraga Association!
WINTER HOURS
Beginning Dec. 1, the Baraga Educational Center and Museum will be open Thursdays and Fridays from noon-5 p.m. until March 30.
We will be open other days/times for tours and shopping by appointment as well.
In the case of inclement weather on those days, please call ahead at (906) 227-9117 to ensure we are open or watch our Facebook page (Bishop Baraga Association) for weather updates.
Happy Holidays from the Bishop Baraga Association!
Bulletin Announcements
BISHOP'S AMBASSADORS
You’re invited to join the Bishop’s Ambassadors, a membership organization led by Bishop John Doerfler which is focused on passing down the living tradition of faith to future generations. Leadership-level donors commit at least $25,000 (as a one-time gift, multi-year pledge, or legacy gift) to any endowment fund within the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation benefiting a parish, school, or diocesan entity. Bishop John will celebrate monthly Mass intentions in his private chapel for the living and deceased Ambassadors, as well as inviting members to an annual Zoom meeting, and a fall Mass and dinner with him. Ambassadors also advise the bishop on key diocesan initiatives.
Gifts can be fulfilled through various types of planned gifts such as cash, securities, pledges, and deferred gifts. Contact Scott Fenley at (906) 227-9108 or sfenley@dioceseofmarquette.org or pledge online at Bishop's Ambassadors - Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation - Marquette, MI.
A TAX-SAVING WAY TO HELP THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MARQUETTE
Make a difference today and save on taxes. It is possible when you support the Catholic Diocese of Marquette through your IRA. Check out dioceseofmarquette.planmygift.org/give-from-your-ira for more information!
CREATE A UPCF ENDOWMENT FUND
The U.P. Catholic Foundation (UPCF) is a permanent endowment organization supporting the Diocese of Marquette by fostering the financial sustainability of parishes, Catholic schools, and other diocesan entities. Endowments are permanent funds from which only the income is used, not the principal, and they provide long-term financial stability for vital Church programs. The Foundation helps individuals, parishes, and schools establish or contribute to these funds. A minimum donation of $10,000 can establish a new fund, and funds cannot be withdrawn until the fund hits $50,000. You can give online at tinyurl.com/upcfgiving or through mail. To learn more or start your own endowment, please contact Scott Fenley at (906) 227-9108 or sfenley@dioceseofmarquette.org.
Addenda
Addendum #1 - 2024 Group Ruling (Tax Exemption), Memo & 2024 OCD Pages
