Kon'nichiwa
I’ve just returned from my honeymoon in Japan and had the incredible opportunity to connect with Fr. Ito in Hiroshima. He graciously gave me a tour of the Assumption of Mary Cathedral, the Diocese of Hiroshima office, and shared with me the rich and moving history of Catholicism in the region.
The Assumption of Mary Cathedral—also known as the Memorial Cathedral for World Peace—was originally built in 1915, but was completely destroyed by the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945. In the 1950s, it was rebuilt on the same site as a memorial to the victims and serves as a symbol of peace and reconciliation.
What struck me most was how the cathedral’s reconstruction became a global effort. While it is a Catholic church, support for its rebuilding came from people of many faiths and backgrounds. Donations poured in from around the world—not only from Catholics, but also from Protestants, Orthodox Christians, and even individuals from non-Christian communities, all united by a shared commitment to peace. Today, the cathedral stands not just as the seat of the Diocese of Hiroshima but as a powerful symbol of resilience, interfaith unity, and the hope that even in the aftermath of unimaginable destruction, peace and compassion can prevail.
Visiting during the Easter season made the experience all the more meaningful. Standing in a church that rose from literal ashes, surrounded by stories of death transformed into life and despair into hope, felt like a living reflection of the Resurrection itself.
I am grateful for my experiences in Japan and glad to be back with you in the Upper Peninsula. I know you join with me in prayer for the repose of Pope Francis and blessings on the selection of our new pope.
Megan O'Connor
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
Diaconate Ordination - May 16
DIACONATE ORDINATION
God-willing, Bishop John Doerfler will ordain Drew Langton, Mark Beukema, and Tyler Rivard to the transitional diaconate on May 16, 2025, at 3:30 pm (EST) at St. Peter Cathedral (Marquette). All are welcome. A light reception will follow in the church hall, with a chance to talk to the newly ordained men. The ordination will also be livestreamed on The UP Catholic's YouTube and Facebook pages.
Please pray for these young men during their final weeks of preparation!
Meet Jim Gray, UPCF Board President
Meet Jim Gray, Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation Board President
Jim has been a member of Our Lady of the Snows Mission (Hessel) since moving to the UP full-time in 2019. He supports the four-parish community in the Eastern UP with his generous gift of time. Being closer to God through the Eucharist motivates Jim to share the Word in a time when the world seems to be in a constant state of chaos and has lost sight of the big picture that Jesus taught us.
Meet Joe Rushlau, UPCF Board Vice President
Meet Joe Rushlau, Vice President of the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation Board
For Joe, living as an active Catholic means integrating his faith into every aspect of his life, always striving to make choices that draw him closer to Christ and fulfill his responsibilities to both God and society.
Interested in becoming a UPCF board member? Click here to learn more.
Good Shepherd Sunday May 10/11
Who inspired you?
ON YOUR LIFE'S JOURNEY, WHO INSPIRED YOU?
Few of us find success and happiness on our own. We rely on the encouragement of others, including family, friends and mentors. Maybe some of these important people even connected you to the ministries you cherish today.
If someone in your life inspired your compassion for others, what better way to honor them than by attaching their name to something that will celebrate their legacy?
How can you start honoring your inspiration? Our free guide, Give From the Heart With a Tribute Gift, shows you how to put your feelings of gratitude into action, providing details on the many gift options available to you. The guide even explains a way you can honor your special person forever.
Request your FREE guide today by sending an email to moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org
Sacred Music Concert - May 9th
JOIN US FOR A SACRED MUSIC CONCERT ON MAY 9
On Friday, May 9, experience a Spring Sacred Music Concert featuring the Cathedral Choir & Youth Schola singing liturgical themes of Lent, Holy Week, Easter at 7 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette.
*Freewill offering (no tickets required)
*Freewill offering (no tickets required)
Reminder:
Catholic Service Award Nominations due May 1
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 a lifetime of 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.
You may respond to this email (either publicly or privately) by pressing the blue Reply below. We love hearing from you!
Megan O'Connor
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