Diocesan Communicator
February 2025
Publishes monthly on the second Wednesday
CATY MRAZ/THE U.P. CATHOLIC
Come one, come all! Fr. Ben Hasse, director of campus ministry and pastor of St. Albert the Great University Parish in Houghton and St. Anne Parish in Chassell, welcomes the faithful to Mass at Our Lady of the Snows ice chapel during Winter Carnival in Houghton on Friday, Feb. 7.
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 05, 2025 Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection (Stewardship & Development)
March 09, 2025 Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection (Stewardship & Development)
March 15, 2025 57th UPCSA Parish Payment Deadline (Administration & Finance)
March 15, 2025 Bibianne Bessette Scholarship Submission Deadline (Administration & Finance)
Office of the Bishop
Bishop John F. Doerfler
This liturgy is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. EDT, at St. Peter Cathedral. A memorandum from the bishop has been sent to the priests of the diocese by email. If you did not receive a copy of the memorandum, please reach out to Mr. Terry Bailey at tbailey@dioceseofmarquette.org. Each pastor of a parish or group of parishes may invite one delegate to represent their parish or to represent the group of parishes that are linked (one delegate per pastor). Please note that this year there will not be the required registration form to submit - all are welcome to attend!
SCAM EMAILS AND TEXTS
There are individuals representing themselves as the bishop or other employees of the Diocese of Marquette using email addresses that are not similar to valid diocesan email addresses. Diocesan email addresses follow a pattern of firstinitiallastname@dioceseofmarquette.org such as Tbailey@dioceseofmarquette.org.
Would you kindly remind your parishioners via a bulletin announcement that the bishop, our priests and employees of the Diocese of Marquette will NEVER request the purchase of gift cards to be sent via text message or email for any type of fundraising project. Regardless of what email address or cell phone number the request comes from, parishioners should NEVER purchase gift cards and send pictures of them via text or email.
Scammers are using any information they can find to initiate these requests including information on our diocesan website, information in our parish bulletins and on parish websites.
2025 CATHOLIC WOMEN’S CONVENTION - APRIL 25-26, 2025/SHERATON GR AIRPORT HOTEL, GRAND RAPIDS, MICH.
Brought to you by the National Council of Catholic Women, Detroit Province, “Rejoicing in Glorious Hope” is the theme for this year’s convention. Deepening your faith, connecting with other catholic women and sharing in the sacraments – this year the convention aims to ignite hope in the hearts of Catholic women from around the state of Michigan. Please see the form below for how to RSVP.
Office of the Chancellor
and Divine Worship
Rev. Daniel Moll
FACULTIES TO CONFIRM
Fr. Dan Moll has provided information regarding the specific faculties priests have in regards to Confirmation and the situations requiring the permission of the bishop to confirm. If you have any questions regarding the information provided in the document, please contact Fr. Dan at: dmoll@dioceseofmarquette.org or call (906) 227-9154. Addendum - Faculties to Confirm.
Fr. Dan Moll has provided information regarding the specific faculties priests have in regards to Confirmation and the situations requiring the permission of the bishop to confirm. If you have any questions regarding the information provided in the document, please contact Fr. Dan at: dmoll@dioceseofmarquette.org or call (906) 227-9154. Addendum - Faculties to Confirm.
TIME OF THE EASTER VIGIL
Please be advised that Bishop Doerfler has determined that the Easter Vigil (April 19, 2025) Mass times this year will begin no earlier than 9 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. CT. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Paul Lochner at plochner@dioceseofmarquette.org.
Please be advised that Bishop Doerfler has determined that the Easter Vigil (April 19, 2025) Mass times this year will begin no earlier than 9 p.m. ET and 8 p.m. CT. If you have any questions, please contact Deacon Paul Lochner at plochner@dioceseofmarquette.org.
CONCERTS AND RECITALS
April 22 (Tuesday) - Music For A Sacred Space Concert at 7:30 p.m. St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette. Northern Michigan University Choirs with Dr. Erin Colwitz
May 9 (Friday) - Spring Sacred Music Concert featuring the Cathedral Choir & Youth Schola singing liturgical themes of Lent, Holy Week, Easter at 7 p.m. St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette
*Freewill offering (no tickets required)
June 17 (Tuesday) - Pipe Organ Recital with David Troiano at (time TBD) St. Joseph’s & St. Patrick’s, Escanaba
*Freewill offering (no tickets required)
June 18 (Wednesday) - Pipe Organ Recital with David Troiano at 7 p.m. St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette
*Freewill offering (no tickets required)
June 19 (Thursday) - Pipe Organ Recital with David Troiano at (time TBD) Holy Name of Mary, Sault Ste. Marie
*Freewill offering (no tickets required)
June 20 (Friday) - Summer Sacred Music Concert featuring Cathedral Choir & Youth Schola singing liturgical themes from the feasts of The Most Holy Trinity, Corpus Christi, Sacred Heart of Jesus, and Ordinary Time at 7 p.m. St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette
*Freewill offering (no tickets required)
SACRED MUSIC COLLOQUIUM
June 23-28 (Monday-Saturday) -- Hosted by CMAA (Church Music Association of America) at University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minn. Extensive training in Gregorian chant, Polyphonic choral music, conducting, organ playing under a world-class faculty, with choices of chant classes for beginners to advanced. Don't miss this opportunity for choir directors, cantors, choir members, pianists/organists, priests, deacons, and seminarians!
SACRED MUSIC SYMPOSIUM
June 23-29 (Monday-Sunday) -- Hosted by Corpus Christi Watershed at Muskegon, Mich. Extensive training in Gregorian chant, Polyphonic choral music, conducting, organ playing under a world-class faculty, with choices of chant classes for beginners to advanced. Don't miss this opportunity for choir directors, cantors, choir members, pianists/organists, priests, deacons, and seminarians!
Department of Ministry Personnel
Very Rev. Timothy Ekaitis
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 schedule attachment below.
JotForm RSVP https://www.jotform.com/form/61715981340961
2025 PRIEST CONVOCATION
- September 15-18, 2025
- Comfort Suites – Green Bay, Wis.
- Speaker: Cardinal Thomas Collins
- Topic: Praying the Psalms of the Liturgy of the Hours
See schedule below.
2025 DEACON CONVOCATION
- October 19-21, 2025
- Landmark Resort in Egg Harbor, Wis.
- Speaker: Deacon Steven DeMartino
See preliminary schedule below.
STAFF CHANGES
Below is an updated Diocesan Directory incorporating recent staff changes.
Department of Evangelization
and Education
Rev. Ryan Ford
RITE OF ELECTION
The Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion will take place Sunday, March 9, 2025 at St. Peter Cathedral at 3:30 p.m. ET. Please inform your catechumens and candidates to save the date and plan to attend. Please fill out the registration form by Friday, Feb. 21 even if your parish will NOT be attending. The registration form is available at:
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 life, and strategies to share the Good News at work and wherever people gather. 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
The Confirmation Mass registration form is now live for Spring 2025 Confirmations. Deadlines for registrations are in April. Visit dioceseofmarquette.org/diocesanconfirmation for updated preparation resources.
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 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.
EASTER MASS TIMES
The U.P. Catholic is planning to publish Easter Mass Times in the April 11 issue of the paper. Please submit Mass times using the form below no later than Friday, March 21.
Financial Services
Timothy Thomas
DELAYED RESPONSES FROM ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE DEPARTMENT EXPECTED IN FEBRUARY
Please be advised that there will be some delays in response times from the Administration & Finance Department in the month of February, as several staff members will be out of the office during this period due to scheduled vacations.
We kindly ask for your patience and understanding during this time. Please be assured that we are making every effort to respond to your inquiries as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Please note the following scheduled wage increases in 2025:
- Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Michigan workers saw an increase in the minimum wage rate from $10.33 to $10.56 per hour.
- Effective Feb. 21, 2025, Michigan workers will see an increase in the minimum wage rate from $10.56 to $12.48 per hour.
Please see Addendum #1 for a poster outlining minimum wage laws in the State of Michigan. These posters can also be found on the Michigan Catholic Conference’s website at http://www.micatholic.org/risk-management/information-and-forms/ and are updated routinely. For more information regarding employment posting requirements, please contact Michigan Catholic Conference’s Risk Management department at (800) 395-5565.
LOOK OUT FOR LETTERS FROM TAX ASSESSORS TO ENSURE PARISH PROPERTY REMAINS TAX EXEMPT
Local property tax assessors will begin contacting parish corporations regarding the tax-exempt status of their properties at the end of February 2025. Parishes can expect to receive letters from assessors listing which land parcels will become taxable in 2025.
If you receive a letter indicating that one of the parcels transferred to your parish corporation is now taxable, it is critical to determine whether the parcel should be exempt. Property can be considered tax-exempt in Michigan if it meets any of the following criteria:
- The property is “owned and occupied by a nonprofit charitable institution” and used by the institution “solely for the purposes for which that nonprofit charitable institution was incorporated.” This includes churches, rectories, and buildings or other facilities owned by the corporation and used predominantly for religious services or for teaching the religious truths and beliefs of the Catholic Church.
- The property is owned by a nonprofit charitable institution and leased, loaned, or made available to another charitable institution, nonprofit hospital, or nonprofit educational institution.
- The property is owned by a nonprofit charitable institution and leased, loaned, or made available to a government entity.
- Property that is “used exclusively as burial grounds, the rights of burial, and the tombs and monuments in the land.” This includes cemeteries and adjacent land set aside for future cemetery usage.
Parishes should note that property leased for residential purposes is taxable, but if the leased portion sits on the same parcel as the church, only a portion of the property would be designated taxable.
If you receive a letter from your assessor claiming that property belonging to your parish corporation is taxable, please review your property records to determine if the land is being used to further the nonprofit mission of the Church as described above. If you believe the assessor has incorrectly classified one of your parcels as tax exempt, contact Tim Thomas with a copy of the assessor’s letter as soon as possible. Representatives of the Diocese will appear before Tax Boards of Review in the first weeks of March to dispute any property tax errors connected to parcels transferred to parish corporations.
If you have additional questions about your parish corporation’s basis for property tax exemption in the State of Michigan, please see Addendum #2 for excerpts from the current statutes supporting this status. If you have any other property tax exemption questions, please contact Tim Thomas or Irene McCauley. Please note that while diocesan staff members will be out of the office in February due to scheduled vacations, they will prioritize all property tax-related matters upon their return to the office, as disputing taxable designations is time-sensitive.
UPDATES TO STANDARDIZED PERSONNEL POLICIES COMING SOON
The Diocese will be releasing updated Standardized Personnel Policies in early February 2025 to reflect recent changes to Michigan Law. To comply with these changes, all parish corporations will need to update their personnel policies and provide copies to employees by Feb. 21, 2025. More information, including editable copies of the updated Standardized Personnel Policies, have been or will be provided to pastors and bookkeepers this month. If you have any questions following the release of the updated personnel policies, please contact Terry Bailey or Tim Thomas for further assistance.
PLANNING FOR WINTER WEATHER AND EXTREME LOW TEMPERATURES
Please see the memo from Justin Mattson at Michigan Catholic Conference (included as Addendum #3 in this Communicator) containing important reminders about how to avoid property damage in extreme cold and extreme winter conditions. If you experience property damage despite these precautions, please do not hesitate to call Gallagher Bassett Services at (833) MCC-LOSS (622-5677).
PARISH UPCSA PAYMENTS DUE MARCH 15, 2025
As a reminder, parish UPCSA payments for the 57th campaign will be due to the diocese by March 15, 2025. Please plan to remit the balance of your 57th UPCSA goal to the diocesan office on or before March 15 to avoid penalties. If you need to schedule an ACH/EFT or make other payment arrangements, please contact Tim Thomas or Casey Banks for further assistance.
4.5% SPENDING POLICY RECOMMENDATION FOR ENDOWMENT FUNDS FOR THE 2025-2026 FISCAL YEAR
The Diocese of Marquette Spending Committee recommends that endowment funds withdraw up to 4.5% in assets for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. They additionally recommend that endowments use a five-year weighted average of the fund to determine the balance against which the annual spending percentage is applied. Please refer to the Diocese of Marquette Spending Policy for all Endowment Funds in Addendum #4 for more information on spending policy recommendations.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AVAILABLE FOR HIRING ASSISTANCE THROUGH ADMINISTRATION & FINANCE DEPARTMENT
Parishes and schools are encouraged to contact the Administration & Finance department for hiring assistance. The diocese uses Stang Decision Systems to help find the right individuals for open positions. The primary cost of the services are paid by the diocese. Parishes/schools would pay for advertising (beyond free sites) and candidate testing. Stang Decision Systems is a world leader in customized hiring and development processes and helps employers select for targeted skills, aptitude, and cultural fit. Those interested in hiring assistance should contact Tim Thomas at tthomas@dioceseofmarquette.org or (906) 227-9114.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION FORMS
The Standardized Personnel Policy requires parishes and diocesan entities to conduct annual evaluations with all employees. Completed evaluation forms should be saved in each employee’s personnel file and noted in future parish audits. Please find Diocese of Marquette Performance Evaluation forms for supervisors and employees at http://dioceseofmarquette.org/forms. These forms have also been included as Addendum #5 and Addendum #6 of this Communicator.
TELUS HEALTH/EAP BENEFITS
As a reminder, clergy, religious, and lay employees (and any dependents) scheduled to work 20 or more hours a week can access MCC’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), called TELUS Health. TELUS Health provides resources to eligible staff on a range of well-being issues. Employees can access resources through The TELUS Health website, available from within Employee Self-Serve.
TELUS Health is also able to assist with goal-setting and other aspects of health and wellness. Please see Addendum #7 with helpful tips for overcoming obstacles to enact personal change.
We encourage employees to take advantage of the TELUS Health EAP program; it is a valuable resource for professional and personal well-being. Should you have questions or want additional information, please click here, contact TELUS Health at (888) 456-1324, or reach out to the MCC Benefits Team at (800) 395-5565.
SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
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 dioceseofmarquette.org/awards-scholarships 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
Megan O'Connor
LOF GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS OPEN JAN. 1
- 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.
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, information should have been submitted to the diocese by Feb. 1. 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.
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.
A TAX-SAVING WAY TO HELP THE CATHOLIC DIOCESE OF MARQUETTE
Please include in your bulletins: 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.
Bishop Baraga Association
Lenora McKeen
YEAR OF HOPE WITH BISHOP BARAGA
As we enter into the 2025 Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope, the Bishop Baraga Association would like to invite you to a Year of Hope with Bishop Frederic Baraga, the first Bishop of Marquette!
PILGRIMS OF HOPE
The BBA launched its 2025 Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope- Bishop Baraga Edition Passport in January. IT IS NOT TO LATE TO JOIN US! We created a 2025 guide complete with challenges, adventures and activities to cross off, bringing us all closer to Jesus through Bishop Baraga, deepening our faith and restoring hope. ALL OF THESE ACTIVITIES CAN BE DONE INDEPENDENTLY! Those who complete the entire passport and turn it into the BBA will receive a gift in January 2026.
BISHOP BARAGA PILGRIMAGES
The BBA will be highlighting Bishop Baraga's teachings and will be coordinating multiple pilgrimages this summer. Stay tuned for full details!
The BBA will be highlighting Bishop Baraga's teachings and will be coordinating multiple pilgrimages this summer. Stay tuned for full details!
Novenas, prayer cards and the 2025 Jubilee Pilgrims of Hope- Bishop Baraga Edition Passport are available by contacting the Bishop Baraga Association at (906) 227-9117 or stopping at the Baraga Educational Center and Museum (Thursday & Friday 12-5 p.m.) located at 615 S. Fourth Street, Marquette, MI 49855 or
by visiting our website at www.bishopbaraga.org
Bulletin Announcements
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 Megan O’Connor at (906) 379-5057 or moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org.
NOMINATE A CATHOLIC SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENT
Developed in the spirit of Legacy of Faith to preserve and foster the Catholic faith in the Upper Peninsula, the Catholic Service Award annually recognizes lifetime dedication and service to the Church. Learn more about the prestigious award and nominate someone that you feel deserves this honor and recognition at upcatholicfoundation.org/catholic-service-awards. Nominations due annually by May 1.
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 Megan O’Connor at (906) 379-5057 or moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org or pledge online at upcatholicfoundation.org/bishops-ambassador.
COLLECTION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
COLLECTION FOR DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
The Marquette Diocesan Catholic Schools collection is March 5 (Ash Wednesday) or March 9 (first Sunday of Lent). Funds from this collection support all our Catholic Schools in their mission to teach our Catholic Liberal Arts curriculum, which forms our children both spiritually and academically. Your support provides critical tuition assistance for families who might not otherwise be able to send their children to a Catholic school. An envelope has been provided for registered parishioners to participate in this year’s collection. You can also donate to this collection online by osvhub.com/dioceseofmarquette/giving/funds. We thank you in advance for your generous support of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Marquette!
2026 COLLECTION SCHEDULE
Please see the Diocesan Collection Schedule for 2026 here: dioceseofmarquette.org/administration-finance. If you have any questions about the 2026 Collection Schedule, please contact Megan O’Connor at (906) 379-5057 or moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org.
Addenda
Addendum - Faculties to Confirm
Addendum #1 - WHD 9904 Minimum Wage Poster
Addendum #2 - MCL Sections 11.7-Property Tax Act
Addendum #3 - Anticipation of Extreme Low Winter Temperatures
Addendum #4 - Diocese of Marquette Spending Policy for all Endowment Funds
Addendum #5 - DOM Performance Evaluation Form (completed by Supervisor)
Addendum #6 - DOM Performance Evaluation Form (completed by Employee)
Addendum #7 - TELUS Health Overcoming Barriers to Personal Change
