Last week was one of my favorite moments in ministry, where the miles, the conversations, and the people all came together to tell a much bigger story. We had the joy of welcoming Ken Ong from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops Home Mission Office to the Diocese of Marquette (the man in the background taking the photo of the parish), and for two days, we traversed the Upper Peninsula, talking about the realities, the challenges, and the steady faith that defines our rural parishes.
On the second day, we traveled through the woods and winding backroads to three small parish communities: St. Rose in Channing, St. Joseph in Foster City, and St. Joseph in Northland. Each parish may look tiny on a map—but the moment you walk through their doors, you’re met with a warmth and a faith-filled strength that makes you know you’ve stepped into the heart of something sacred.
At St. Rose, Fr. Daniel Dapaah, Julie Roell, and their Wednesday morning Mass congregation greeted us with such hospitality and vulnerability that it felt like we’d known them for years. In Foster City, Fr. Vinoy Panthilapadam, Peggy Mosher, and members of their parish shared stories of resilience, volunteerism, and what it truly means to keep a parish alive in a small community. And in Northland, Fr. Sebastian Oppong and Angie Doyen welcomed us with what may be the biggest smile in the UP. Thank you so much ...
These parishes may be small and remote, but they are brimming with life, faith, and people who give their whole hearts to sustaining their communities. It’s moments like these that remind me why our work matters—and why the story of the U.P. deserves to be told. A big and heartfelt thank you to everyone above for the generosity you showed us and the time you put into planning our visit—it truly meant a lot.
My favorite moment—though not pictured—was when Ken convinced Fr. Sebastian to try a fried pickle. He loved it. I did not!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Megan O'Connor
Executive Director of Stewardship & Development
Direct line: (906) 379-5057
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org
Giving Tuesday Guide for Catholics
Each year, on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday offers people around the world a chance to turn gratitude into generosity. Many of us will be inundated with requests from countless organizations to give this year on Tuesday, Dec. 2nd.
For Catholics, this day is more than a social media campaign—it’s an invitation to live out the Gospel message of stewardship, charity, and love for one’s neighbor. Giving Tuesday reminds us that all we have is a gift from God, and we are called to use those gifts for the good of others. Here are five guidelines to help Catholics approach Giving Tuesday with faith and intentionality.
Giving Tuesday Guide for Catholics:
A Call to Faithful Generosity
1. Begin with Prayer.
When deciding where to give, take time to pray. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance in discerning how your time, talent, and treasure can best serve God’s kingdom. Scripture passages, such as Matthew 25:35-40, remind us that serving “the least of these” is a way to serve Him.
2. Give to What Aligns with Catholic Values.
The Diocese of Marquette has numerous organizations whose mission reflects Catholic teaching, whether they serve the poor, support education, protect life, or care for creation. Parishes, Catholic schools, seminarians, Catholic Social Services, The Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation, the Bishop Baraga Association, and local Catholic radio stations all offer trustworthy ways to make an impact.
3. Remember That Giving Is Not Just About Money.
If finances are tight, you can still participate meaningfully. Volunteer your time, offer your professional skills, or simply share information about your Catholic faith during this time. Every act of generosity and evangelization, large or small, builds up the Body of Christ.
4. Involve Your Family and Community.
Make Giving Tuesday a shared act of faith. Encourage your children or parish group to choose a charity together and discuss why giving matters. When generosity becomes part of family life, it forms disciples who understand that faith is active.
5. Give with Joy and Gratitude.
Saint Paul reminds us that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). Giving should never feel like an obligation, but rather a joyful response to God’s blessings.
This Giving Tuesday, Catholics can lead by example, transforming gratitude into grace and generosity into hope. If you have questions about gifts to the Diocese, contact Megan O'Connor at moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org.
Bishop Doerfler's Podcast
"THE ANCHOR OF HOPE" PODCAST
Episode 4 of The Anchor of Hope podcast, "Hope and the Problem of Evil," is live!
New episodes of the podcast are released on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The show is hosted on multiple websites and apps, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, and theanchorofhope.transistor.fm.
New episodes of the podcast are released on the first and third Thursdays of each month. The show is hosted on multiple websites and apps, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora, and theanchorofhope.transistor.fm.
You can listen to Episode 4 now by clicking the red arrow above.
Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation
Have You Heard About The Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation (UPCF)?
The UPCF is a foundation, separately incorporated from the Diocese, dedicated to growing and sustaining the Catholic faith across our beautiful peninsula. Through the power of permanent endowments, the Foundation helps ensure the long-term financial stability of our parishes, Catholic schools, and ministries—supporting the Church’s mission today and for generations to come.
We’re proud to share that the UPCF now manages 41 investment funds totaling $41.6 million, all working to strengthen Catholic life throughout the Upper Peninsula.
Take a look at the incredible impact of your generosity in our 2024–2025 Annual Report —here.
Take a look at the incredible impact of your generosity in our 2024–2025 Annual Report —here.
Yes, I Want to
Share My Faith With
Future Generations
LEGACY GIVING ISN'T ABOUT THE AMOUNT - IT'S ABOUT YOUR HEART
If it's been a while since you visited the diocese's planned giving website, now is a good time. There are lots of ways to give, and we can help you lay out the best plan for you and your family. Take a browse here - https://dioceseofmarquette.planmygift.org/
Ready to get started now? Click here and we will send you your FREE planner.
Upcoming Faith-Building Fun
GUADALUPE PILGRIMAGE
Young adults (18-30s) are invited to join our pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe for the feast day, Dec. 11-13. The trip includes carpooling from Iron Mountain, hotel lodging, Mass and prayer, and festivities at the Shrine, fun, and meals. Cost is $100. Visit yoopercatholic.org/guadalupe to register by Dec. 4th!
WISE MEN’S RETREAT
Fr. Ryan Ford will lead this year’s Wise Men’s retreat Dec. 5-7 at Fortune Lake Camp in Crystal Falls. This is perfect for men desiring spiritual growth, connection with other men, and time for rest, reflection, and prayer. Cost is $150. Register online at yoopercatholic.org/retreats.
You can respond to this email directly (either publicly or privately) by clicking the blue reply button below. We love hearing from you!
Megan O'Connor
Megan O'Connor
Executive Director of Stewardship & Development
Direct line: (906) 379-5057
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org
Email: moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org
Billy Mullett
Admin. Asst. to Stewardship & Development