Hi! It's me!
I am thrilled to announce that I have been promoted to Executive Director of the Diocese of Marquette's Office of Stewardship and Development!
I celebrated by attending Mass at Our Lady of the Snows (pictured above) at Michigan Tech University. The students at St. Al's once again built a beautiful Ice Chapel in conjunction with MTU's Winterfest. The Ice Chapel received statewide media attention, and I have included a beautiful video that was shared on MLive below.
I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people this past year as Director of Missionary Stewardship. I look forward to expanding my ministry in my new role. We have so much happening right now, including:
- Accepting Catholic Service Awards Nominations
- Accepting Legacy of Faith Grant Applications from Parishes
- Educating About Bishop's Ambassadors
- Encouraging Permanent Endowments
...and so much more!!!
Please feel free to reach out to me!
Megan O'Connor
Executive Director
Department of Stewardship & Development
Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org | Phone: (906) 379-5057
Department of Stewardship & Development
Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org | Phone: (906) 379-5057
Ice Chapel Celebrates 10 Years!
ICE CHAPEL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS!
The Chapel is built each year by college students and community members in the Keweenaw peninsula town of Houghton, Michigan, USA. A mountain of snow; plywood forms held together with 2x4’s; and a workforce of students, shoveling, bucketing, and stomping snow, brings the chapel to life. Each year more students get involved in the build, and offer new creative dimensions. The chapel’s wintery centerpiece, the altar, is built using thick slabs of ice, hand cut from Lake Superior (it’s quite an ordeal to get it in place). Built into the snowy walls, one can find a raised pulpit, a Marian grotto, a hand-carved confessional, corridors along the sides, and beautiful ‘stained ice’ windows.
The Chapel is built each year by college students and community members in the Keweenaw peninsula town of Houghton, Michigan, USA. A mountain of snow; plywood forms held together with 2x4’s; and a workforce of students, shoveling, bucketing, and stomping snow, brings the chapel to life. Each year more students get involved in the build, and offer new creative dimensions. The chapel’s wintery centerpiece, the altar, is built using thick slabs of ice, hand cut from Lake Superior (it’s quite an ordeal to get it in place). Built into the snowy walls, one can find a raised pulpit, a Marian grotto, a hand-carved confessional, corridors along the sides, and beautiful ‘stained ice’ windows.
Enjoy the above video of this year's chapel.
Women's Conference
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. Click here for more information and to RSVP.
60 Years of Priesthood!
YOOPERS FOR SEMINARIANS CELEBRATES MSGR. JOSEPH GOUIN
Msgr. Joseph Goiun, pastor of American Martyrs in Kingsford for the past 34 years, was ordained a priest in June 1965. That makes this his 60th year of priesthood! Msgr. Joe has offered a gnerous matchiing challenge for Yoopers for Seminarians for the past 6 years. Thank you, Msgr. Joe, for your support of vocations for all these years! You can read more about Msgr. Joe is the latest edition of Path to the Priesthood.
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.
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.
Diocesan Catholic School Collection
Students at St. Francis de Sales School enjoy sledding during Catholic Schools Week.
DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOL COLLECTION
The Diocesan Catholic Schools collection is on March 5 (Ash Wednesday) or March 9 (the 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.
The Diocesan Catholic Schools collection is on March 5 (Ash Wednesday) or March 9 (the 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 here. We thank you in advance for your generous support of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Marquette!
Legacy of Faith Grants Available
LEGACY OF FAITH GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR PARISH FAITH FORMATION
- 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 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.
- Submit Legacy of Faith grant applications by April 1, 2025, at upcatholicfoundation.org/grant-information
- Please pass this notice on to anyone in your parish who may be interested in applying for a grant for Faith Formation.
Nominate Someone for a Catholic Service Award
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 are due by May 1.
A Special 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 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-ambassadors.
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-ambassadors.
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Megan O'Connor
Executive Director
Department of Stewardship & Development
Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org | Phone: (906) 379-5057
Department of Stewardship & Development
Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org | Phone: (906) 379-5057