Message from Bishop John
July 2025
CATY MRAZ | THE U.P. CATHOLIC
From left, Frs. Brad Sjoquist, Timothy Ferguson and Brandon Oman pose for a photo after the diocesan Chrism Mass held on April 10, 2025 at St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette. The three were ordained to the priesthood together in 2015. Fr. Sjoquist is pastor of St. Joseph and St. Isaac Jogues in Sault Ste. Marie. Fr. Ferguson is pastor of St. Joseph & St. Patrick in Escanaba. Fr. Oman is pastor of St. Mary in Big Bay and St. Peter Cathedral in Marquette.
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
The song "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles was released in 1966. The poignant lyrics seem timeless, though, as they speak to the human conditions of loneliness and despondency. The words of the refrain sung by Paul McCartney describe many people today: "All the lonely people, where do they all come from? All the lonely people, where do they all belong?"
I would like to give a clear answer to the second question that Paul McCartney asks: All the lonely people belong to Jesus. All the lonely people are called to belong to Christ's Body, the Church. If you are one of the lonely people, remember that Jesus longs for you.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to do something to soothe the pain of the loneliness that we ourselves and others around us may experience: genuine love and connectedness. In this digital age, connections are superficial if they are mediated only electronically. We need to spend time with people, in their presence.
As a remedy, take the initiative to invite some people to enjoy a recreational activity with you. Summer is a great time to be outdoors. Invite people to enjoy the beauty of God's creation with you. When was the last time that you extended an invitation to someone that you had not spent time with before? There might be such a person, a neighbor, a coworker, another parishioner at your parish. Extend them the love of Jesus by your presence and invitation.
Where do all the lonely people belong? They belong to Jesus.
Sincerely in Christ,
+Bishop John Doerfler
The U.P. Catholic Flocknote Newsletter
Bishop John's newsletter is published on the second Thursday of the month.
The U.P. Catholic Flocknote newsletter is published once monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month.
The U.P. Catholic Flocknote newsletter is published once monthly on the fourth Thursday of the month.
