Diocesan Communicator

January 2026

Publishes monthly on the second Wednesday

WENDY HILTUNEN | COURTESY PHOTO

Students Anitra Fortin (left) and Amy Holcomb from Sacred Heart Catholic School in L'Anse transform their adopted seminarian James Domitrovich into a human snowman during his visit to the school in December. Domitrovich attends St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. and spent the afternoon visiting with students, reading to them, and playing games.

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.

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 58^th UPCSA Parish Payment Deadline (Administration & Finance)

Office of the Bishop

Bishop John F. Doerfler

CHRISM MASS - THURSDAY, MARCH 26, 2026 AT 3:30 P.M.

This liturgy is scheduled to begin at 3:30 p.m. ET, at St. Peter Cathedral. Each pastor of a parish or group of parishes may invite one delegate to represent their parish or to represent the group of parishes that are attending. All are welcome to attend. Priests, please look to your email for the memorandum in February 2026.

DIOCESAN PRAYER CALENDAR

A diocesan prayer calendar is available for 2026, which contains the names of our priests, deacons, women religious, seminarians, parishes and general intercessions. Join us in praying for our dedicated religious, as well as the parishioners of our parishes. Please refer to Addendum #4 for the Diocesan Prayer Calendar 2026.

MASS STIPENDS AND MASS INTENTIONS

Any parish that has more Mass intentions and Mass stipends than they can satisfy in a year should send the Mass intentions and corresponding Mass stipend check to the diocesan office c/o: Gannon Foley, Office of the Bishop, 1004 Harbor Hills Drive, Marquette, MI 49855. You will receive a letter acknowledging our acceptance of the responsibility to see that the Mass intentions are celebrated. The Mass intentions and stipends will be distributed to senior priests of the diocese who celebrate Masses or may be distributed to parishes who need Mass intentions. (Canon 953 No one is permitted to accept more offerings for Masses to be applied by himself than he can satisfy within a year.)

TEACHING THE FAITH

The Fellowship of Catholic Scholars has a website featuring periodic newsletters to clergy free of charge. Each monthly installment of Teaching the Faith makes use of the scriptural readings for a given Sunday to provide clergy with assistance in preparing homilies on doctrinal topics; difficult and controversial subjects of importance; and themes on Catholic prayer and spirituality. The website may be found here.

REPRODUCTION OF MASS READINGS

Reproducing the daily and Sunday readings in parish aids or bulletins requires licensing from the USCCB. It is encouraged to become a licensee if your parish is not already. To license the readings properly, contact Mary Elizabeth Sperry at msperry@usccb.org.

WEEKLY WEEKEND MASS ATTENDANCE COUNTS

Continue to input weekend Mass attendance counts (for all Vigil and Sunday Masses combined) each week. This offers a baseline for our Mass attendance as we work to increase participation through evangelization efforts discussed in Bishop John’s Pastoral Letter on Evangelization, entitled: “Transforming Fire: A New Pentecost to form Spirit-Filled Evangelizers.” If you have any questions, please contact the Office of the Bishop at (906) 227-9115. Find the link here.

Office of the Chancellor

and Divine Worship

Rev. Daniel Moll

ORDER OF THE ANOINTING OF THE SICK AND THEIR PASTORAL CARE

The latest edition of the Order of the Anointing of the Sick and Their Pastoral Care and the Spanish edition, Ritual de la Uncion de los enfermos y de su atencion pastoral, have been approved by the Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. These new translations may be used on Feb. 11, 2026 (World Day of the Sick and memorial of our Lady of Lourdes); and must be used as of April 5, 2026 (Easter Sunday).

A list of the publishers with the book size and type is reproduced below (see link Publisher Info at the bottom of this section).

In addition, the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions is offering a three-part webinar series exploring the new edition. Three webinars will examine various facets of this sacrament – the text itself, theological insights, and pastoral praxis. Each session will air live at 1:30 p.m. (ET) and will be 75 minutes in length. Do you have a conflict in your schedule? Not to worry -- as before, all registered persons will receive a link to the recording for further viewing at a convenient time. You can register at the following link: www.fdlc.org/AnointingSeries2026

Part One: Wednesday, Jan. 28

The Order of the Anointing of the Sick and Their Pastoral Care

Featuring Bishop Michael Woost (Chair of the BCDW) and Father Dustin Dought of the BCDW Secretariat.

All about the new liturgical text. How does it differ from the current USA translation? What is the same?

Part Two: Wednesday, Feb. 11

A Theology of the Care of the Sick

Featuring Father Jan Michael Joncas

With Scriptural and pastoral insights, we will examine the role of the Sick within our parish community and our obligation (and privilege) to care for them.

Part Three: Wednesday, March 4

Pastoral Issues

Featuring Ms. Tish O’Hagan (Diocese of Boise) and Msgr. Rick Hilgartner (Archdiocese of Baltimore)

A look at some practical matters of visiting the sick -- including visiting a sick child, a sick adult, home visits, hospital visits, and nursing homes. Who are the proper ministers of the rites? What can a Deacon do? What can a lay person do? What can only a Priest do?

SACRED MUSIC NEWSLETTERS

Pease see the links below for our current newsletters for sacred music suggestions to help parish musicians and clergy plan for the upcoming liturgical seasons.

Sacred Music Newsletter, Winter 2026

Sacred Music Newsletter, Spring 2026

Publisher Info Jan2026.pdf

Department of Ministry Personnel

Very Rev. Timothy Ekaitis

DEACON RETREAT

March 23-25, 2026
Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wis.
Speaker: Fr. Matt Chartier
Topic: Reflections on the Gospel of St. John

PRIEST CONVOCATION

Sept. 21-24, 2026
Comfort Suites in Green Bay, Wis.
Speaker: Courage Ministry

DEACON CONVOCATION

Oct. 4-6, 2026
Comfort Suites in Green Bay, Wis.
Speaker: Very Rev. Ryan Ford

ONGOING CLERGY WORKSHOP

May 7, 2026
St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette, Mich.
- 9:45-10:15 a.m. Check-in & Breakfast
- 10:15-11:15 a.m. Session #1
- 11:15-11:30 a.m. Break
- 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Session #2
- 12:30-1:15 p.m. Lunch
- 1:15-2:15 p.m. Session #3
- 2:15-2:30 p.m. Break
- 2:30-3:30 p.m. Session #4

Department of Evangelization

and Education

Rev. Ryan Ford

MISSION TRAINING GROUPS

Pastors, do you have a person who could help you form your parishioners for mission? Fr. Ryan Ford will be training parish point people this summer, to equip them with skills and resources to lead mission training groups in September. Fr. Ryan has led mission training groups for parishioners in seven locations so far, with three new locations beginning in January. If he can’t make it to your location in person, he can form one of your parishioners to lead a mission training group. Visit yoopercatholic.org/evangelization to learn more. Fill out the form at the bottom to express your interest.

MARRIAGE PREPARATION

Please check out our new website yoopercatholic.org/marriage designed to support priests, deacons, and marriage prep coordinators with a roadmap for marriage preparation. You’ll find clear instructions about every step to take with couples, templates for communicating and meeting with couples, and links to all materials you’ll need. We’re here to help you with training and support, so please reach out for whatever you need!

FAQ ABOUT OCIA

We also have a new page dioceseofmarquette.org/ocia to answer questions about the OCIA process. You’ll find info about catechumens and candidates, the rites to celebrate with them, how and when to complete their initiation, and the faculty to confirm.

OCIA RITES TO CELEBRATE SOON

Visit dioceseofmarquette.org/ocia to see the rites pastors should celebrate with catechumens and candidates before the Rite of Election & Call to Continuing Conversion on Feb. 22.

For catechumens: the Rite of Entrance, Minor Exorcisms, Blessings, and Anointings.

For candidates: the Rite of Welcoming.

On Sunday, Feb. 22, pastors should celebrate the Rite of Sending with catechumens and candidates at your morning Mass.

Please ensure you are using the OCIA book updated and published in 2024.

RITE OF ELECTION & CALL TO CONTINUING CONVERSION FEB. 22

Catechumens, candidates, and sponsors are invited to this Rite with Bishop John on Sunday, Feb. 22 at 3:30 p.m. at St. Peter Cathedral.

Visit dioceseofmarquette.org/ocia to register attendees by Feb. 9. We’ll send instructions for preparing attendees soon.

RETREAT FOR MARRIED COUPLES FEB. 28

Married couples are invited to connect with each other and with the Lord Saturday, Feb. 28 at Immaculate Conception parish in Iron Mountain. The retreat will feature brief presentations, discussion, prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, a fun activity, Mass, a catered dinner, and an evening game competition. A block of hotel rooms are available at the Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Inn. There will be a Friday evening social for those who can come the night before. Register at yoopercatholic.org/couples.

UPCOMING TEEN RETREATS

Three opportunities are coming up:

A retreat for 7^th-12^th graders at St. Joseph parish in Ishpeming on Saturday, Feb. 28: ishpemingcatholic.com/teenretreat.

The Youth Encounter weekend for high school students is Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22: yoopercatholic.org/youthencounter.

A NET Team is coming Wednesday, April 1 (Spring Break week) to offer a retreat for 7^th-12^th graders at St. Mary Queen of Peace parish in Kingsford: yoopercatholic.org/net-retreat.

Spread the word to your students and families!

SPRING STUDY DAY MARCH 26

Monica Ashour is an author, international speaker, and founder of the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team. She holds two Masters’ Degrees from the University of Dallas—one in Theological Studies and one in Humanities. She will present "Teaching the Theology of the Body to Tots, Tweens, and Teens” for the Spring Study Day at St. Peter Cathedral: Thursday, March 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Chrism Mass begins at 3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, especially priests, deacons, religious, parish staff, catechists, and parents: yoopercatholic.org/spring-study-day

RETREAT FOR ENGAGED COUPLES

We’re offering two one-day retreats for engaged couples: Saturday, April 11 at Resurrection parish in Hancock, and Saturday, April 25 at St. Anne parish in Escanaba. Married couples will give witness talks about relatable topics, and Fr. Ryan will present on theology and morals. For more info and registration, visit yoopercatholic.org/engaged.

SAFE ENVIRONMENT LESSONS FOR STUDENTS

The mandatory safe environment lesson for K-12 students enrolled in our Catholic schools and parish faith formation programs must be taught by Jan. 31. Visit dioceseofmarquette.org/childrens-safe-environment to access the lessons. The reporting form is also there, which needs to be submitted by Jan. 31.

To reset your Bridges and Boundaries password, click this link: tobet.org/my-account/lost-password.

CATECHETICAL WEBINARS FOR PARISH LEADERS

The Catechetical Institute at Franciscan University is offering the following free one-hour webinars. They’re usually very good. Priests, deacons, and catechetical leaders are invited to register:

Tuesday, Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. – Child Saints: Fostering Holiness in Children by Exploring What Young Saints Have in Common — Dr. William Keimig of the Catechetical Institute. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nm6igEv4Raq9QNgnAIAN1A

Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 2 p.m. – Fathering in the Holy Spirit: Meekness, Manliness, and Spiritual Leadership — Dr. Mark Ginter of the Catechetical Institute. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cBeV7igkTQ66WcR3UCb0Iw

Tuesday, Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. – How to Engage Parishioners in Discipleship after OCIA, Alpha, ChristLife, Parish Missions, and Other Parish Programs – Dr. Bob Rice, PhD, Professor of Catechetics and Kristi Scheerbaum, Discipleship Special Projects Coordinator, Catechetical Institute (CI), Franciscan University of Steubenville. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bN1qxiPzQ5m4XRUQxWaKCQ

Wednesday, Feb. 11 at 3 p.m. — The Nature of Man and Woman: The Theological Vision at the Heart of Christian Anthropology — Dr. Deborah Savage, Professor of Theology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PwfuMpfFR9CylRPmOc6HKw

Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. – Opportunity at the Earliest Moment: Making Infant Baptism Preparation into Active Evangelization — Dr. Petroc Willey, Professor of Catechetics, Franciscan University of Steubenville, OH, Jacqueline and Michael Van Hemert, Catechetical Institute Parrhesia Series Writers, Eau Claire, WI. Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kl7fNyKnTPSoChZdz8FVRA

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

SAVE THE DATES

Thursday, 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

BULLETIN ADVERTISERS TARGETED

Several of our parishes have notified us that a company has been sending invoices to their bulletin advertisers for online listings. While the company states on the invoice that it is not associated with any church bulletin company, there are concerns that some may pay for this thinking it supports their local parish.

You may wish to notify your bulletin company that this is happening so that they can contact your advertisers.

Please note that the diocese does not charge for, or is associated with, any website listing company.

If you have any questions, please contact John Fee, executive director of communications, at jfee@dioceseofmarquette.org or call (906) 227-9129.

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 Drive, Marquette, MI 49855.

THE ANCHOR OF HOPE PODCAST

Need some hope? Join Bishop John Doerfler and Hattie Hanold as they discuss Jesus and living with hope in today’s world on The Anchor of Hope podcast.

Listen to the newest episode and find past episodes of The Anchor of Hope podcast at theanchorofhope.transistor.fm/episodes. The show is available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora and more. Find the show on your favorite podcast app of choice by visiting theanchorofhope.transistor.fm/subscribe. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the podcast feed to be notified of new episode releases. New episodes will be released on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

(See the Bulletin Announcements section for an announcement about the podcast to be included in bulletins. A QR code for the podcast website may be found in Addendum #5.)

Financial Services

Timothy Thomas

2026 PRIEST ACCOUNTABLE REIMBURSEMENT REPORT FORM
The 2026 Priest Accountable Reimbursement Report Form with the mileage
rate of 72.5 cents, effective Jan. 1, 2026, can be found in Addendum #1 of this Communicator. The form is also available on the Diocesan website under Administration/Policy Manuals/Diocesan Policies/Administration and Finance/Forms & Resources.

MICHIGAN MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE
Please note that effective Jan. 1, 2026, Michigan workers saw 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.

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.

ENGAGE WITH SAGE AND LEVEL UP YOUR BOOKKEEPING IN 2026
Start the new year right by sharpening your accounting skills! Join Casey Banks and Karli Lancour on Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. ET for a remote learning session via Zoom. This event will cover essential Sage Intacct reports—including Balance Sheets, Income Statements, Check Registers, and Vendor Reports—and guide you through creating custom reports and custom views to fit your organization’s needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to streamline your financial processes and make 2026 your most efficient year yet! Contact Karli Lancour for more details klancour@dioceseofmarquette.org.

BUILDING PROJECT APPROVAL REMINDERS AND TIPS
With the 2026 building season fast approaching, we remind parishes and schools that construction projects costing $40,000 or more and any project involving the worship space require the Bishop’s approval. To fast track your project, be sure to submit a request on Bishop’s Financial Transactions Approval Request Form and send materials to Irene McCauley at the diocesan office as early in the process as possible. Project materials should include:

Two comparable bids (for the same scope of work).
A copy of plans and specifications which outline the scope of the project and specifics of the construction (these may include drawings, renderings, images/photos, material samples, blueprints, etc.). Minutes from your parish/school finance council meeting (showing a consensus to support the project).
Financial statements (showing how the project will be funded). Contractors' schedules fill up quickly, so be sure to communicate deadlines with diocesan staff as soon as possible to ensure your project is scheduled before the end of the season. If you have any questions about building projects, contact Irene McCauley.

UPDATED USCCB GROUP RULING/TAX EXEMPTION PROOFS AVAILABLE ON THE 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 late last year. 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 #3 of this Communicator.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
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 Awards & Scholarships - Diocese of Marquette - Marquette, MI 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 59th 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!

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

Bishop Baraga Association

Lenora McKeen

NEW BOOKS PUBLISHED AT THE BARAGA EDUCATIONAL CENTER AND MUSEUM

Two new books have been published and are available for purchase! Copies are available online on our website at www.bishopbaraga.org or in person at the Baraga Educational Center and Museum.

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. He came to the United States in 1830 to devote his life to the Indians of the Upper Great Lakes. He is 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 Nov. 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

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.

VIRTUAL SNOWSHOE WALK IN HONOR OF THE SNOWSHOE PRIEST

Save the date for our fourth Annual Virtual Snowshoe Walk in honor of Bishop Frederic Baraga. From Jan. 19-30, 2026, we invite you to snowshoe, walk, ski, or hike in honor of our beloved Snowshoe Priest. Log your miles! Keep track of your miles; the adult and youth participant who log the most miles in honor of Baraga will receive a gift from the BBA. Winners will be announced Monday, Feb. 9, 2026! Please email your mileage and a short description of your adventures to lmckeen@bishopbaraga.org. Find more information on our website at www.bishopbaraga.org/snowshoe.

Bulletin Announcements

THE ANCHOR OF HOPE PODCAST

Need some hope? Join Bishop John Doerfler and Hattie Hanold as they discuss Jesus and living with hope in today’s world on The Anchor of Hope podcast.

Listen to the newest episode and find past episodes of The Anchor of Hope podcast at theanchorofhope.transistor.fm/episodes, or scan the QR code to find out more. The show is available on all major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Pandora and more. Find the show on your favorite podcast app of choice by visiting theanchorofhope.transistor.fm/subscribe. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the podcast feed to be notified of new episode releases. New episodes will be released on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

RETREAT FOR MARRIED COUPLES FEB. 28

Married couples are invited to connect with each other and with the Lord Saturday, Feb. 28 at Immaculate Conception parish in Iron Mountain. The retreat will feature brief presentations, prayer and Eucharistic Adoration, a fun activity, Mass, a catered dinner, and an evening game competition. A block of hotel rooms are available at the Holiday Inn Express and Comfort Inn. There will be a Friday night social for those who can come early! Register at yoopercatholic.org/couples.

UPCOMING TEEN RETREATS

Teens from around the U.P. are invited to register for upcoming retreats:

A retreat for 7^th-12^th graders at St. Joseph parish in Ishpeming on Saturday, Feb. 28: ishpemingcatholic.com/teenretreat.

The Youth Encounter Weekend for high school students Friday, March 20 – Sunday, March 22: yoopercatholic.org/youthencounter.

A NET Team is coming Wednesday, April 1 (Spring Break week) to offer a retreat for 7^th-12^th graders at St. Mary Queen of Peace parish in Kingsford: yoopercatholic.org/net-retreat.

SPRING STUDY DAY MARCH 26

Monica Ashour is an author, international speaker, and founder of the Theology of the Body Evangelization Team. She holds two Masters’ Degrees from the University of Dallas—one in Theological Studies and one in Humanities. She will present "Teaching the Theology of the Body to Tots, Tweens, and Teens” for the Spring Study Day at St. Peter Cathedral: Thursday, March 26 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Chrism Mass begins at 3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome, especially priests, deacons, religious, parish staff, catechists, and parents: yoopercatholic.org/spring-study-day

COLLECTION ANNOUNCEMENTS:

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.

Collection Remittance Deadlines

Several diocesan collections are held in the early part of the new year. Please be sure to mark collection remittance deadlines on your calendar to ensure parishioner donations are transferred to individual organizations promptly for maximum impact. Please contact Megan O’Connor at (906) 379-5057 or moconnor@dioceseofmarquette.org with questions regarding parish remittance deadlines.

The Mission Collection was held on Jan. 10-11. Please remit funds to the Diocese by Feb. 28, 2026. We thank you for your generous support of 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.

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. 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

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.

Want future issues sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe at dioceseofmarquette.flocknote.com/Stewardship/notes.
We value your privacy and will never share subscriber emails outside our organization.