Flocknote

Megan O'Connor-Vander Lugt, Director of Missionary Stewardship for the diocese, volunteering at the St. Vincent de Paul Christmas toy event.

I hope this note finds you all having a joyous Christmas season!

As we approach the new year, I am reflecting on 2024 and looking to the future. With that in mind, I am setting a few resolutions in my job as Director of Missionary Stewardship for the Diocese. I want to share them with you here:

1. Support parishes with UPCSA. Last year, when I started in this new position, I wanted to learn and share more about the Upper Peninsula Catholic Services Appeal (UPCSA). This year, I want to continue to be a source of support for all our parishes in this important program.

2. Share more about The Bishop's Ambassadors program. Another area that you all wanted to learn more about is The Bishop's Ambassadors. I will dedicate some of my time and resources this year to explaining what this program entails. See below for a first brief outline.

3. Take more saunas! I think some of you may be experts in sauna-taking! Please share your tips with me as I take more time to enjoy this beneficial Yooper passion.

May you enjoy many of God's blessings in 2025!

Megan O'Connor-Vander Lugt
Director of Missionary Stewardship
moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org
Direct 906-379-5057
1004 Harbor Hills Dr, Marquette, MI 49855

Giving Tuesday Results

GIVING TUESDAY FUND-A-NEED SUCCESS

Thank you to the many donors who participated in the Diocese's Fund-A-Need program for Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3. 2024. Close to $3,000 was raised during the one-day event. The Priest Health Navigator, Priest Appreciation Dinner, and New Textbooks for Our Catholic Schools funds each received total donations of $500 or more. You can still contribute through the diocese's online giving site, Our Sunday Visitor (OSV) at https://www.osvhub.com/dioceseofmarquette/giving/funds

Legacy of Faith Grant Applications Open Jan. 1

LOF GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS

OPEN JAN. 1, 2025

The Legacy of Faith Advisory Board 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 encounters 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.

You may 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.

Invitation to Join The Bishop's Ambassadors

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 to Pledge: Gifts can be fulfilled through various types of planned giving, 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.

Jubilee Year 2025 - Pilgrims of Hope

JUBILEE YEAR 2025 – PILGRIMS OF HOPE

On Dec. 29, 2024, the Diocese of Marquette entered 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 can be found at The U.P. Catholic newspaper online here.

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

Spring Study Day 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 his faith in the business world to help others do the same.

The cost is $15 and includes refreshments, lunch, and materials. Registration is open at yoopercatholic.org/spring-study-day

March for Life Pilgrimage

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

Bessette Scholarships Available

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.

How to Give to the Church from your IRA

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.

You may respond to this email directly (either publicly or privately) by clicking the blue reply button below. We love hearing from you!

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

Megan O'Connor-Vander Lugt
Director of Missionary Stewardship
moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org
Direct 906-379-5057
1004 Harbor Hills Dr, Marquette, MI 49855