Diocesan Communicator
December 2025
Publishes monthly on the second Wednesday
CATY MRAZ | THE U.P. CATHOLIC
Celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Friday, Dec. 11, 2025, at St. Peter Cathedral. Mass will be celebrated in Spanish (homily in English) by Bishop John Doerfler at 5:30 p.m. A potluck Mexican-style dinner in the Parish Hall will follow Mass. The Mass will also be live streamed: https://www.dioceseofmarquette.org/livestream
Welcome to the
Diocesan Communicator
The Diocesan Communicator is delivered through Flocknote. You are able to read the information right in your email message!
If you have any thoughts or suggestions to share, please email Sara at sshusta@dioceseofmarquette.org and John at jfee@dioceseofmarquette.org.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions to share, please email Sara at sshusta@dioceseofmarquette.org and John at jfee@dioceseofmarquette.org.
The current Communicator, as well as past issues, are available on the Diocesan website at https://dioceseofmarquette.org/communicator.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Jan. 01, 2026 Michigan Minimum Wage Increase Effective (Administration & Finance)
March 15, 2026 Bibianne Bessette Scholarship Submission Deadline (Administration & Finance)
March 15, 2026 58th UPCSA Parish Payment Deadline (Administration & Finance)
Office of the Bishop
Bishop John F. Doerfler
ACTION ALERTS - SIGN UP TO KEEP INFORMED ON PERTINENT ISSUES
To help keep Catholics informed of pertinent issues on both the State and National level, I encourage Catholics to sign up for notices from the Michigan Catholic Conference and the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. These vehicles issue timely notices and information on issues pertinent to the Catholic Church.
If you have not already signed up for these action alerts, I encourage you to do so. I would also ask you to help me spread the word about these valuable resources that help to keep Catholics informed and enable them to take timely action on important issues.
You may sign up for alerts from the Michigan Catholic Conference by following this link: http://www.micatholic.org/advocacy/catholic-advocacy-network/
If you have not already signed up for these action alerts, I encourage you to do so. I would also ask you to help me spread the word about these valuable resources that help to keep Catholics informed and enable them to take timely action on important issues.
You may sign up for alerts from the Michigan Catholic Conference by following this link: http://www.micatholic.org/advocacy/catholic-advocacy-network/
You may sign up for alerts from the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops by following this link: https://www.votervoice.net/USCCB/home
WALKING WITH MOMS IN NEED
Walking with Moms in Need is a nationwide, parish-based initiative to increase support for pregnant and parenting mothers in need. It works to ensure that any woman who finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, or parenting in difficult circumstances, can turn to her local Catholic Church and be connected with the resources she needs. Volunteers walk with moms throughout the motherhood journey, offering them authentic Christian friendship and ongoing support.
To learn more about Walking with Moms in Need, please visit their website by clicking on the following link: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/
To learn more about Walking with Moms in Need, please visit their website by clicking on the following link: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/
Walking with Moms in Need has also released new videos; to watch, please follow this link: https://www.walkingwithmoms.com/videos
CONCLUSION OF THE 2025 JUBILEE YEAR – PILGRIMS OF HOPE
On Dec. 28, 2025, Bishop John Doerfler will be officially concluding the 2025 Jubilee Year for the Diocese of Marquette. The Jubilee Year concluding Mass will take place at St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette, on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET. Bishop John invites you to attend this Mass and make an announcement in your parish bulletins so that your parish communities can also take part in the concluding Mass. As a reminder, the following churches were designated as pilgrimage churches within the Diocese of Marquette:
- St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette
- St. Paul, Calumet
- Our Lady of Peace, Ironwood
- St. Mary Queen of Peace, Kingsford
- Holy Spirit, Menominee
- All Saints, Gladstone
- St. Mary, Sault Ste. Marie
Information regarding how to receive the Jubilee Indulgences can be found within your parishes.
To learn more about Jubilee 2025, please visit the following sites:
The Vatican at https://www.iubilaeum2025.va/en.html
The USCCB at https://www.usccb.org/jubilee2025
Again, the concluding Mass for the 2025 Jubilee Year will take place at St. Peter Cathedral, Marquette, on Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET, celebrated by Bishop John Doerfler. We hope to see you there.
Office of the Chancellor
and Divine Worship
Rev. Daniel Moll
SEEKING OUTDOOR STATUE OF MARY
St. Anthony Parish, Gwinn, is seeking a statue of Mary for use in its garden. If your parish has an extra in storage that you would be willing to provide to them, please contact the parish office (906) 346-5312 or stanthonygwinn@gmail.com. This request was submitted by Nancy Graves of the Garden Club.
Department of Ministry Personnel
Very Rev. Timothy Ekaitis
Deacon Retreat
- March 23-25, 2026
- Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, WI
- Speaker: Fr. Matt Chartier
- Topic: Reflections on the Gospel of St. John
Priest Convocation
- Sept. 21-24, 2026
- Comfort Suites in Green Bay, WI
Deacon Convocation
- Oct. 4-6, 2026
- Comfort Suites in Green Bay, WI
Priest Retreat
- Oct. 26-29, 2026
- Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, WI
- Speaker: Archbishop Alexander K. Sample
Department of Evangelization
and Education
Rev. Ryan Ford
RITE OF ELECTION AND CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION
Catechumens and all categories of candidates are invited to participate in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion at St. Peter Cathedral Sunday, Feb. 22. For more information about OCIA, who is a catechumen and who is a candidate, a chart of rites and ministers of the OCIA process, and a link to register for the Rite of Election, visit dioceseofmarquette.org/ocia.
SPRING STUDY DAY
Monica Ashour, founder of the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team, will present “Teaching the Theology of the Body to Tots, Tweens, and Teens” on Thursday, March 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Chrism Mass begins at 3:30 p.m. Lunch is included. All priests, deacons, religious, parish leaders, catechists, teachers, parents, and lay faithful are invited and encouraged to come to this enriching and educational afternoon. Register at yoopercatholic.org/spring-study-day
SAFE ENVIRONMENT LESSONS
Parish catechetical leaders and Catholic school principals should register catechists and teachers in your online Bridges and Boundaries dashboard so they can access the lesson plan and video(s) for the safe environment lesson to be taught to K-12 students by Jan. 31, 2026. Instructions for registering your catechists/teachers in Bridges and Boundaries are found at: yoopercatholic.org/safe-environment.
OCIA MARRIAGE STATUS
An investigation into the marriage status of OCIA candidates for baptism or reception into full communion should be done as soon as possible. Those in irregular marriages are not to participate in the Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion (Feb. 22, 2026) until they receive a declaration of nullity from previous marriages or commit to abstinence.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
SAVE THE DATES
Jan. 15, 2026 – Principal Meeting
The principal meeting will be held on Zoom from 10 a.m.-12 noon.
Jan. 25 -31, 2026 – Catholic Schools Week
Celebrate Catholic Schools Week with your local Catholic School. If you are a parent or guardian looking for the perfect place to send your child to school, please reach out to your local Catholic School! School Finder - Diocese of Marquette - Marquette, MI
Communication Services
John Fee
RIGHT TO USE GRAPHICS
Heads up. Parishes and other non-profit groups are being charged high costs after the fact for using images on websites, bulletins and such for which they have not paid a licensing fee. These include images found through their favorite search engine that may appear to be free.
The best practice when using graphics is to first use a graphic you create yourself. Knowing that may not always be practical, the second option is to purchase graphics from companies such as Shutterstock https://shutterstock.com or Adobe https://stock.adobe.com/royalty-free/multi-asset/. Yes, these cost money but we have the best assurance that someone will not pop up in the future and claim copyright infringement. Also, it supports the work of artists and musicians who deserve to earn a living.
There are also free service options. One concern with these is that there is less assurance that an image has not been stolen. Having said that, these services are pretty safe: Adobe has free options (and likely the most dependable to be free to use) https://stock.adobe.com/free/. There is also https://pixabay.com/, https://www.pexels.com/ and https://unsplash.com/. These last three are in no particular order. They will also include images/graphics/etc. that can be purchased.
Finally, just because Google shows it, or says it is a free graphic, does not guarantee it is a free graphic. Being mindful of your graphic choices could help you avoid an expensive charge per graphic even if it was used years ago.
PILGRIMAGE TO IRELAND: OCT. 12-21, 2026
Join Bishop John Doerfler and hosts Dcn. Steve & Jackie Gretzinger on an amazing journey to the Green Isle! Enjoy traditional Irish food, song and dance, celebrating Mass in breathtaking churches & cathedrals while taking in unrivaled views like the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway. We’ll tour religious sites like Ballintubber Abbey, the Shrine of our Lady of Knock and so many others. For fun, we’ll try to learn to dance the Treble Jig, see how whiskey is made and beer is perfected. We’ll even visit the impressive Titanic Museum and Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College. Price includes breakfast daily, welcome lunch in Belfast, and seven dinners, including a farewell dinner with traditional music and Irish dancers. Our Pilgrimage includes excellent hotel accommodations and awe-inspiring places you’ll never forget. For more details, complete pricing, and registration information, visit: www.petersway.com/1400.html or contact Megan at Peter’s Way Tours (516) 605-1551 ext. 18 / megan@petersway.com
SACRAMENTS AND RCIA PHOTOS
Please send photos of First Communion, Confirmation and OCIA (RCIA) groups for publication in The U.P. Catholic’s annual Sacraments and OCIA (RCIA) issue. Be sure to list names (left to right) front row, second row, third row, back row, etc. Photos may be sent by email to news@dioceseofmarquette.org or mailed to The U.P. Catholic, 1004 Harbor Hills Dr., Marquette, MI 49855.
Financial Services
Timothy Thomas
DIOCESAN OFFICE HOLIDAY HOURS
The Diocesan offices will be closed Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Thursday, Dec. 25, 2025 and on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. Regular office hours will resume on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026.
CHRISTMAS PARISH BONUSES
Just a reminder that all holiday bonuses are considered taxable income per IRS regulations. Any bonuses for parish/school employees must be recorded in Paycor.
UPDATED USCCB GROUP RULING/TAX EXEMPTION PROOFS AVAILABLE ON DIOCESAN WEBSITE
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops released a new IRS determination letter supporting the tax-exempt status of parish, school, and other Catholic entities in the Diocese of Marquette in October. Please find the new proofs of your tax-exempt status (including the determination letter, a memo from USCCB Counsel, and pages from the latest edition of the Official Catholic Directory) on the diocesan website here. This information is also available as Addendum #1 of this Communicator.
REMINDER TO NOTIFY MCC OF PROPERTY ADJUSTMENTS
As a reminder, parishes and schools must notify Michigan Catholic Conference of any new buildings or additions to existing properties using the New or Renovated Building Log to update insurance coverage for these spaces. If your parish or school has recently sold a property or demolished a building, please contact MCC Risk Management and Claims Services Manager, John Greenburg, to remove it from the insurance listing.
$5,000 MAXIMUM FOR PARISH/SCHOOL RAFFLES
The IRS requires tax-exempt organizations to withhold 25% of raffle winnings over $5,000 and report this amount on Form W-2G. Parishes and schools are advised to limit raffle winnings to no more than $5,000 to avoid tax liability. Federal reporting requirements apply to cash winnings and noncash prizes whose value exceeds $5,000. If you are interested in holding a small raffle for your parish or school, please visit the State of Michigan charitable gaming website at www.michigan.gov/cg/ for more information.
2026 MICHIGAN MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
Please note that effective Jan. 1, 2026, Michigan workers will see an increase in the minimum wage rate from $12.48 to $13.73 per hour. Please see Addendum #2 for a poster outlining minimum wage laws in the State of Michigan. These posters can also be found on the Michigan Catholic Conference’s website at http://www.micatholic.org/risk-management/information-and-forms/ and are updated routinely. For more information regarding employment posting requirements, please contact Michigan Catholic Conference’s Risk Management department at (800) 395-5565.
LOOKING AHEAD—MAXIMUM 403(B) CONTRIBUTIONS FOR 2026
The maximum contribution for 2026 will increase to $24,500 unless the employee is aged 50 or over. Members over 50 years of age will be allowed an additional "catch-up" contribution of $8,000.
Looking for financial assistance with your college education? Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Bibianne Bessette Scholarship Fund. The scholarships aid graduating high school seniors who are pursuing a college or vocational education at an accredited degree-granting institution. Consideration is based on academic achievement. Applicants must complete the online application found at https://dioceseofmarquette.org/awards-scholarships and either mail an Official Transcript and ACT/SAT scores (via postal mail) to Bessette Scholarship Fund, Diocese of Marquette, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855 or email transcripts to Irene McCauley at imccauley@dioceseofmarquette.org. Applications must be received no later than March 15, 2026.
Department of
Stewardship & Development
Megan O'Connor
LOF GRANT APPLICATIONS FOR FAITH FORMATION PROGRAMS OPEN JAN. 1
Legacy of Faith invites grant applications that foster a deeper understanding of and renewed belief in the Eucharist, as well as proposals that encourage evangelization and growth within the Church. Faith Formation grants will continue to support programs that equip people to share their faith with others, reflecting our bishop’s vision for forming Spirit-filled Evangelizers in three steps: 1. Be a friend of Jesus — Personal encounter and prayer. 2. Make a friend — Building a loving community and creating welcoming parishes. 3. Introduce your friend to Jesus — Sharing the faith and helping others make a personal decision to follow Him.
Submit Legacy of Faith grant applications Jan. 1-April 1, 2026, at upcatholicfoundation.org/grant-information
Please pass this notice on to anyone in your parish who may wish to apply for a grant for Faith Formation.
PARISH UPCSA PAYMENTS DUE
Parish UPCSA payments for the 58th campaign are due to the diocese by March 15, 2026. However, to include parishioner-personalized pledge data for the 58th UPCSA campaign, please submit your information to the diocese by Feb. 1. If received after this date, parishioners will not be reminded of their previous year's contributions in the initial UPCSA kickoff letter. For assistance with scheduling an ACH/EFT or making other payment arrangements, please contact Tim Thomas for further assistance.
PASS ON YOUR FAITH WITH A PLANNED GIFT TO THE CHURCH
Add a link to the Diocesan Planned Giving website on your parish website! New content is updated quarterly. Below is the latest for you to use in your bulletin:
The end of the year is a good time to consider how you will pass on your faith. If you are considering a planned gift to your church, please visit the diocesan planned giving website here: https://dioceseofmarquette.planmygift.org/ and utilize the resources we have made available for you.
JOIN CAMINO – A NEW DATA MANAGEMENT PLATFORM FOR PARISHES!
The Diocese of Marquette is excited to welcome Camino, a Catholic-specific data management system designed for parish life. Camino helps parishes track households, record sacraments, and manage giving, communication, and ministries — all in one secure, easy-to-use platform. Recommended by Bishop John and endorsed as the Diocese’s preferred system, Camino will simplify recordkeeping, reduce duplication, and improve accuracy across parishes and diocesan offices. Even better, the Camino team personally assists each parish through the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition. Learn more and explore pricing: diocesan.com/marquette. If your parish has already joined Camino — thank you for leading the way in this important transition!
The Diocese of Marquette is excited to welcome Camino, a Catholic-specific data management system designed for parish life. Camino helps parishes track households, record sacraments, and manage giving, communication, and ministries — all in one secure, easy-to-use platform. Recommended by Bishop John and endorsed as the Diocese’s preferred system, Camino will simplify recordkeeping, reduce duplication, and improve accuracy across parishes and diocesan offices. Even better, the Camino team personally assists each parish through the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition. Learn more and explore pricing: diocesan.com/marquette. If your parish has already joined Camino — thank you for leading the way in this important transition!
SHARE YOUR PHOTOS WITH THE STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT!
The Stewardship and Development Department is seeking high-quality photos for use in various publications. If you have photos from your parish that you’d like to share, we’d love to include them in future materials such as UPCSA, annual reports, social media graphics, and more. Please submit your photos here:
https://www.jotform.com/DioceseofMarquette/parish-photo-share
https://www.jotform.com/DioceseofMarquette/parish-photo-share
COLLECTION SCHEDULE
Please see the Diocesan Collection Schedule for 2026 and 2027 here: https://dioceseofmarquette.org/stewardship-development. If you have any questions about the collection schedule, please contact Megan O’Connor at (906) 379-5057 or moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org.
Bishop Baraga Association
Lenora McKeen
NEW BOOKS PUBLISHED AT THE BARAGA EDUCATIONAL CENTER AND MUSEUM
Two new books have been published and will be made available for purchase in mid-December! Copies will be available online at our website at www.bishopbaraga.org or in person at the Baraga Educational Center and Museum. Please check our Facebook page or website for updates on when copies are in stock!
ABOUT THE BOOKS
- Shepherd of the Wilderness
The beloved biography of BIshop Baraga has been reprinted by the Bishop Baraga Association! Shepherd of the Wilderness, authored by Bernard Lambert in 1967, is back in print and details Bishop Baraga's missions and work throughout the Great Lakes Region.
- Bishop Frederic Baraga, a great missionary figure in the history of the American Church, was born in Slovenia, now part of Yugoslavia, on June 29, 1797. After nine years as a priest, he came to the United States in 1830 to devote his life to the Indians of the Upper Great Lakes. He is truly called the Apostle of the Lakelands. Baraga's labors began among the Ottawa in lower Michigan near Little Traverse Bay. Two years later, he moved to the pioneer site of Grand Rapids, where he established another successful mission. The great missionary left there for LaPointe, an island village in Lake Superior, on the coast of northern Wisconsin, in 1835. There he began his monumental labors among the Chippewa tribes. His last major mission was founded in 1843 at L'Anse, on Upper Michigan's Keweenaw Bay, where he remained until his appointment as bishop a decade later. Baraga was consecrated first bishop of Upper Michigan and its adjacent islands on November 1, 1853.
This book will be available in softback and retails for $18 + 6% MI Sales tax
- Frederic I Baraga - Missionary Bishop
Originally written in the Slovenian Language by Dr. Franc Jaklich and published in 1951 by the Slovenian Missionary Branch, Frederic I. Baraga - Missionary Bishop details Bishop Baraga's life from boyhood to becoming Bishop with special emphasis on his homeland, heritage, and connections in the Austrian Empire. This book was translated into English in 2025.
This book will be available in softback and retails for $22 + 6% MI Sales tax
WINTER HOURS AT THE BARAGA EDUCATIONAL CENTER AND MUSEUM
Starting the month of December, our hours at the Baraga Educational Center and Museum have changed. Our museum is open Thursday-Friday noon-5 p.m. and other times by appointment. Our Votive House will remain open daily from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Contact us at (906-) 27-9117 to schedule a group tour today!
SHOP BARAGA INSPIRED GIFTS THIS SEASON
Get your gift shopping done this year by purchasing gifts from the Bishop Baraga Association! Take a look through our Gift Guide, Shop our online store or shop in person at the Baraga Educational Center and Museum. *Please order early to account for shipping times and dates to ensure your gifts arrive on time!
TURN IN YOUR COMPLETED 2025 PILGRIMAGE OF HOPE BARAGA CHALLENGES
Thank you to all who have been participating in the 2025 Pilgrimage of Hope Baraga Challenge! Please remember to mail in your completed passports to the Bishop Baraga Association located at 615 S. Fourth Street, Marquette, MI 49855. Those who have completed this challenge will receive a gift from the Bishop Baraga Association.
JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SNOWSHOE PRIEST EMAIL NEWSLETTER
This newsletter will be delivered by email and is completely FREE, no spam ever! If you’re interested in learning more about the beloved Snowshoe Priest and getting more information on historical happenings and updates from us then this one is for you! Sign up by clicking here.
Bulletin Announcements
PILGRIMAGE TO IRELAND: 10/12/26 - 10/21/26
Join Bishop John Doerfler and hosts Dcn. Steve & Jackie Gretzinger on an amazing journey to the Green Isle! Enjoy traditional Irish food, song and dance, celebrating Mass in breathtaking churches & cathedrals while taking in unrivaled views like the Cliffs of Moher and Giant’s Causeway. We’ll tour religious sites like Ballintubber Abbey, the Shrine of our Lady of Knock & so many others. For fun, we’ll try to learn to dance the Treble Jig, see how whiskey is made and beer is perfected. We’ll even visit the impressive Titanic Museum and Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College. Price includes breakfast daily, welcome lunch in Belfast, and seven dinners, including a farewell dinner with traditional music and Irish dancers. Our Pilgrimage includes excellent hotel accommodations and awe-inspiring places you’ll never forget. For more details, complete pricing, and registration information, visit: www.petersway.com/1400.html or contact Megan at Peter’s Way Tours 516-605-1551 ext. 18 / megan@petersway.com
COLLECTION ANNOUNCEMENTS:
MISSION COMBINED COLLECTION
Support the Mission Collection on Jan. 10-11, 2026. This collection benefits several outreach ministries of the Universal Church, including the Black & Indian Missions, Catholic Home Missions, the Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa, and the Propagation of the Faith Mission.
See below for a description of each mission:
Black & Indian Missions
The Black and Indian Mission Collection exists to help local African American and Native American diocesan communities throughout the United States spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and respond to real and pressing needs. This collection advances causes important to native and African American Catholics. To learn more, visit blackandindianmission.org.
Catholic Home Missions
"Home Missions” is the name for dioceses and parishes in the United States, including its territories and former territories, which cannot provide basic pastoral services to Catholics without outside help. Basic pastoral services include Mass and sacraments, religious education, and ministry training for priests, deacons, religious sisters, and lay people. For more information, visit usccb.org/committees/catholic-home-missions.
Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa
While the Church in Africa is growing, many still lack access to basic resources and pastoral care. Many suffer due to high rates of poverty and unemployment, illiteracy, and poor education. The Solidarity Fund for the Church in Africa supports pastoral projects that foster lasting peace and reconciliation in a continent often marked by division and tension. To learn more about this ministry, visit usccb.org/committees/church-africa.
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith
The Society for the Propagation of the Faith is vital to the missionaries serving in 1,111 dioceses throughout Asia, Africa, parts of Latin America and Europe, and on the Islands of the Pacific. Your generosity makes it possible for local priests, religious, and catechists to reach out to communities, families, and children in desperate need, bringing the light of Christ to the darkest of circumstances covering more than half the globe. For more information, visit onefamilyinmission.org.
COLLECTION FOR THE U.P. CATHOLIC NEWSPAPER
Support your parish by supporting The U.P. Catholic Newspaper collection on Feb. 14-15. Your donation goes to your parish to help pay its portion of the subscription cost for the diocesan newspaper, which is mailed to all registered Catholic households. If your parish does not take up this collection, you can still contribute by placing your donation in an envelope marked “The U.P. Catholic Newspaper” and dropping it in your parish collection basket or at your parish office. You can also donate to this collection online by visiting osvhub.com/dioceseofmarquette/giving/funds.
COLLECTION FOR DIOCESAN CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
The Marquette Diocesan Catholic Schools collection is on Feb. 18 (Ash Wednesday) or Feb. 21-22 (first Sunday of Lent). Funds from this collection support all our Catholic Schools in their mission to teach our Catholic Liberal Arts curriculum, which forms our children both spiritually and academically. Your support provides critical tuition assistance for families who might not otherwise be able to send their children to a Catholic school. An envelope has been provided for registered parishioners to participate in this year’s collection. You can also donate to this collection online by osvhub.com/dioceseofmarquette/giving/funds. We thank you in advance for your generous support of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Marquette!
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 lifetime 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 due annually by May 1.
A SPECIAL INVITATION TO JOIN THE BISHOP’S AMBASSADORS
A SPECIAL INVITATION TO JOIN THE BISHOP’S AMBASSADORS
You’re invited to join the Bishop’s Ambassadors, a membership organization led by Bishop John Doerfler which is focused on passing down the living tradition of faith to future generations. Leadership-level donors commit at least $25,000 (as a one-time gift, multi-year pledge, or legacy gift) to any endowment fund within the Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation benefiting a parish, school, or diocesan entity. Bishop John will celebrate monthly Mass intentions in his private chapel for the living and deceased Ambassadors, as well as inviting members to an annual Zoom meeting, and a fall Mass and dinner with him. Ambassadors also advise the bishop on key diocesan initiatives.
Gifts can be fulfilled through various types of planned gifts such as cash, securities, pledges, and deferred gifts. To learn more, please contact Megan O’Connor at (906) 379-5057 or moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org or pledge online at upcatholicfoundation.org/bishops-ambassador.
INTERESTED IN CREATING A UPCF ENDOWMENT FUND?
The U.P. Catholic Foundation (UPCF) is a permanent endowment organization supporting the Diocese of Marquette by fostering the financial sustainability of parishes, Catholic schools, and other diocesan entities. Its mission is to unite Catholics in faith, invest endowed funds responsibly, and offer a means to create and manage endowed funds in accordance with donor wishes.
Endowments are permanent funds from which only the income is used, not the principal, and they provide long-term financial stability for vital Church programs. The Foundation helps individuals, parishes, and schools establish or contribute to these funds. A minimum donation of $25,000 can establish a new fund, with distributions beginning once the fund reaches $50,000. Gifts may be made to existing funds at any time. You can give online at tinyurl.com/upcfgiving or through mail. To learn more or start your own endowment, please contact Megan O’Connor at (906) 379-5057 or moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org.
A TAX-SAVING WAY TO SUPPORT THE DIOCESE—AND PASS ON YOUR FAITH
As the year comes to a close, it’s a wonderful time to consider how you can make a lasting impact in the Church while also maximizing your tax benefits. One meaningful option is to support the Catholic Diocese of Marquette through your IRA. Making a qualified charitable distribution can help you make a difference today while potentially reducing your tax burden. Learn more at: dioceseofmarquette.planmygift.org/give-from-your-ira
You can also pass on your faith for generations to come by considering a planned gift to your parish or the Diocese. If you’re discerning a legacy gift, please explore the helpful tools and resources also available at: dioceseofmarquette.planmygift.org
STAY CONNECTED WITH STEWARDSHIP E-NEWS!
Explore the latest stories, updates, and inspiration from around the diocese in the current issue of Stewardship E-News! Read it anytime at dioceseofmarquette.org/social-media.
Explore the latest stories, updates, and inspiration from around the diocese in the current issue of Stewardship E-News! Read it anytime at dioceseofmarquette.org/social-media.
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Addenda
Addendum #1 - 2025 Group Ruling (Tax Exemption), Memo-2025OCDPages
Addendum #2 - WHD 9904 Minimum Wage Poster
