As we look forward to the Church’s annual observance of Respect Life Month in October, the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities is pleased to share the 2025 Respect Life materials, which are inspired by the Jubilee Year of Hope. The message, “Life: Our Sign of Hope,” reflects the call to be a sign of hope to all those facing trials and difficulties.

The 2025 poster features an image of an infant receiving the sacrament of Baptism (see photo above). Through the gift of our Baptism, our Lord calls us to be members of his body, thereby demonstrating the invaluable dignity of the human person. This mystery invites us to be witnesses to the hope of the resurrection by promoting and defending the precious gift of life.

A listing of the digital materials available can be found at https://www.respectlife.org/respect-life-month

On Nov. 6, 2025, Yoopers will be walking in Lansing for the Second Michigan March for Life. A bus trip is organized, departing from Ishpeming on the afternoon of November 5. For more information and to reserve your spot, click here: https://ishpemingcatholic.com/march.

With gratitude, 

Executive Director of Stewardship & Development

and U.P. Catholic Foundation

Direct line: (906) 379-5057 

Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org

The Bishop’s Ambassadors is a membership organization currently led by Bishop John Doerfler and perpetually by future bishops of the Diocese of Marquette. The primary objective of the Bishop’s Ambassadors is to hand on to future generations the great, living tradition of faith that has been handed down by past generations.

Each month, Bishop John celebrates a Mass for the living and deceased Bishop’s Ambassadors. Every spring, the Bishop’s Ambassadors gather for a yearly meeting, and each fall, they participate in a special Mass and meal with the bishop.

The Bishop’s Ambassadors are the backbone of the Legacy of Faith initiative, serving as a motivated group of concerned Catholic leaders with whom the bishop consults and speaks regarding key diocesan initiatives to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Bishop's Ambassadors are leadership-level donors who have committed at least $25,000 to any endowed fund of the diocese and share the vision of preserving and fostering the Catholic faith through endowment building and grant-making. 

To learn more about becoming a Bishop’s Ambassador, contact Megan O’Connor at the Office of Stewardship and Development at (906) 379-5057 or moconnordioceseofmarquette.org

Gary & Dee Benjamin 

Patty Besse 

Bob and Sherri Bink 

Richard & Mary Bowerman 

Jerry & Mary Brien 

Mark Canale 

Stanley & Patricia Caruso 

Robert & Kathy DellAngelo 

Most Rev. John F. Doerfler 

Linda Dupras 

Rev. Timothy Ekaitis 

Michael & Nancy Fassbender 

Jack Feira 

Most Rev. James H. Garland 

Rev. Joseph O. Gouin 

William & Mary Lou Gregory 

Rev. Gregory Heikkala 

Dcn. Scott & Claudia Jamieson 

Bruce & Dawn Johnson 

Joel & Karen Johnson 

Iris Katers 

Mary Ann Koerschner 

Harry & Sandy Krebs 

John Kublin 

Bert & Violeta Lara 

Paul & Loretta Lucas 

Bob & Mary Mahaney 

Michael & Kathleen Mayhew 

Myrna Meneses 

Lynne Mestnik 

Very Rev. Allen P. Mott 

Tom & Kathy Nash 

Michael Nidiffer 

Steve Pelto 

Michael & Cathy Prokopowicz 

Karen Reese 

Michael & Joanne Roy 

Most Rev. Alexander K. Sample 

Ken & Tami Seavoy 

Patrick & MaryAnne Shannon 

Robert & Barbara Stebler 

Bart & Laurie Stupak 

Matt & Jane Surrell 

Gregg Sutherland & Sue Ritter 

Tom & Patti Tourville 

Michael & Judy Vonck 

John H. Walter 

Anonymous Ambassadors 

Stephen Dupras (2025), Willard Carne (2024), Ronald Katers (2024), William Gregory (2021), Mary Anne Kublin (2020), Mary Paoli (2020), Donald Stanley (2020), Arlene Carne (2020), Mae Lukenda (2018), Dr. John Beaumier (2017), Bill Ribich (2017), Dr. Lou Lukenda (2017), Earl Bell (2016), Mary Jane Beaumier (2016), Evelyn T. Maki (2013), John Besse (2013), Loraine Washburn (2013), Robert Schmit (2012), Mary Ann Seidl (2012), Rev. Lawrence T. Gauthier (2012), Melissa Besse (2011), Rev. Joseph Gondek (2011), Joyce Larson (2011), Rev. Donald L. Shiroda (2011), Most Rev. Mark F. Schmitt (2011), Duncan Reese (2010), Corbin Roy (2010), Robert Flood (2010), Louis Paoli (2009), Millie Bink (2008), Leone Sanders (2008), Rev. S. Patrick Wisneske (2008), Dorothy Boyer (2008), Harlan Larson (2006), Hon. Eugene Zinn (2006), Sy Barsch (2006), Rev. Joseph Kichak (2004), Rosemary Tourville (2004), Adeline LaChapelle (2004), Marcella Nidiffer (2003), Mildred Menze (2003), Henry Barsch (2002), Anonymous Ambassadors

On Oct. 2, 2025, the first episode of Bishop John Doerfler's new podcast titled "The Anchor of Hope podcast" will be released. Alongside Bishop Doerfler, the podcast is co-hosted by Hattie Hanold, former assistant editor of The U.P. Catholic. The two discuss Jesus and living with hope in today’s world.

New episodes of the podcast will be released on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The show will be hosted on multiple websites and apps, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, and more.
To listen to the podcast, search “The Anchor of Hope” on any app where podcasts are distributed.