Photo: Dcn. Terry Saunders, Barbara Van Ermen, and Fr. Fran DeGroot at St. Anne's (Escanaba).
Barbara Van Ermen’s decades-long dedication to faith and service has made her a beloved and integral part of the Escanaba Catholic community. Since moving to the area in 1972 with her husband, Dale, and family, she has selflessly given of her time and talents to St. Anne Parish, transforming its annual picnic into a major fundraising event that helped eliminate parish debt.
Over the last 30 years, Van Ermen has trained altar servers, not only teaching them to serve at Mass but also instilling in them a deeper understanding of the sacred nature of their role. She has led parish funeral luncheons, served on the parish council, taught religious education, coordinated decorations for liturgical seasons, and continues to lead an offertory counting team.
Her commitment extends into the wider community. Beginning in 1976, Van Ermen and her husband led the first teams for the Cursillo, a worldwide Catholic movement focused on Christian renewal, faith, community, and learning to live a deeper Christian life. Their efforts included group reunions in their home and leading Ultreyas, or faith-based community meetings, for the Escanaba area. After Dale’s passing in 1996, she continued to work in the movement, often encouraging others to leadership in their parishes.
Barbara participated in mission trips to Honduras and has been a team member for college student retreats at St. Albert the Great Parish in Houghton. She has served as the manager of the St. Vincent de Paul food pantry for the past 13 years. Known for her compassion and personal touch, she ensures clients are treated with dignity and often goes beyond expectations—by shopping for and organizing thoughtful seasonal food packages.
Even in her late 80s, Van Ermen remains actively involved in daily Mass, parish activities, and community outreach, and continues to be a source of support to the homebound and those in need. A mother of 10, grandmother of 28, and great-grandmother of six, Van Ermen lives her Catholic values quietly and faithfully, inspiring all who know her.