Diocesan Communicator
April 2026
Publishes monthly on the second Wednesday
COURTESY PHOTO
A statue of the risen Jesus stands in a grotto adorned by Easter lilies and other flowers at St. Joseph's Church in Lake Linden.
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
April 15, 2026 Deadline to Notify Michigan Catholic Conference of July 1, 2026 Benefit Changes
April 25, 2026 St. Joseph Association/Good Shepherd Sunday Collection (Stewardship & Development)
April 26, 2026 St. Joseph Association/Good Shepherd Sunday Collection (Stewardship & Development)
April 30, 2026 Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection Remittance Deadline (Stewardship & Development)
April 25, 2026 St. Joseph Association/Good Shepherd Sunday Collection (Stewardship & Development)
April 26, 2026 St. Joseph Association/Good Shepherd Sunday Collection (Stewardship & Development)
April 30, 2026 Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection Remittance Deadline (Stewardship & Development)
Office of the Bishop
Bishop John F. Doerfler
TEACHING THE FAITH
The Fellowship of Catholic Scholars publishes “Teaching the Faith,” a free resource to clergy. Each publication uses Sunday scriptural readings to aid with homily preparation, doctrinal topics, controversial subjects, and general themes related to prayer and spirituality. The website may be found here: https://catholicscholars.org/teaching-the-faith/
The Fellowship of Catholic Scholars publishes “Teaching the Faith,” a free resource to clergy. Each publication uses Sunday scriptural readings to aid with homily preparation, doctrinal topics, controversial subjects, and general themes related to prayer and spirituality. The website may be found here: https://catholicscholars.org/teaching-the-faith/
https://www.jotform.com/71073842124147
IMMIGRATION AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WEBINAR
All clergy, diocesan employees, parish staff, and Catholic Charities personnel within the Diocese of Marquette are invited to a virtual event on Friday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, focused on immigration. Recognizing the continually changing landscape of immigration policy in our country, the program aims to help attendees better understand the current reality considering historic and unprecedented events. Our hope is to clarify the role of our Church and practical steps we can take as we seek to live as faithful citizens and uphold the dignity of all God's children. Click here to register:
Reach out to Gannon Foley with any further questions.IMMIGRATION AND THE CATHOLIC CHURCH WEBINAR
All clergy, diocesan employees, parish staff, and Catholic Charities personnel within the Diocese of Marquette are invited to a virtual event on Friday, April 24, from 10 a.m. to noon, focused on immigration. Recognizing the continually changing landscape of immigration policy in our country, the program aims to help attendees better understand the current reality considering historic and unprecedented events. Our hope is to clarify the role of our Church and practical steps we can take as we seek to live as faithful citizens and uphold the dignity of all God's children. Click here to register:
Office of the Chancellor
and Divine Worship
Rev. Daniel Moll
Department of Ministry Personnel
Very Rev. Timothy Ekaitis
MINISTRY RETREATS, WORKSHOPS AND CONVOCATIONS
Clergy Workshop, Priest Appreciation Mass & Dinner
Clergy Workshop, Priest Appreciation Mass & Dinner
- May 7, 2026
- See schedule at the end of this section below.
- RSVP link: https://www.jotform.com/form/70885431924159
- Deadline: April 28
- Sept. 21-24, 2026
- Comfort Suites in Green Bay, Wis.
- Speaker: Courage Ministry
- Oct. 4-6, 2026
- Comfort Suites in Green Bay, Wis.
- Speaker: Very Rev. Ryan Ford
- Oct. 26-29, 2026
- Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wis.
- Speaker: Archbishop Alexander Sample
- March 15-17, 2027
- Jesuit Retreat House in Oshkosh, Wis.
Department of Evangelization
and Education
Rev. Ryan Ford
MARRIAGE PREPARATION
Check out yoopercatholic.org/marriage for marriage preparation support. You’ll find instructions, templates, and links to materials. Please reach out for whatever you need!
RETREAT FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
A retreat for engaged couples is coming up: Saturday, April 25 at St. Anne parish in Escanaba. Register: yoopercatholic.org/engaged.
MYSTAGOGY GROUP
Fr. Ryan Ford will lead a mystagogy group online after Easter, for newly-initiated Catholics around the U.P. Six Wednesdays, starting April 15. If you already run a mystagogy group, that's great. If not, this is for the newly initiated to connect, share, and find their place and mission. Promotion materials to give to elect and candidates: Mystagogy promotion. Sign up for the group: yoopercatholic.org/mystagogy
DISCOVERY COURSE
Fr. Ryan Ford will be hosting The Discovery Course online after Easter, a six-week journey through the Gospel message. If people are curious or open to faith/Jesus, this is for them. If someone wants to experience how to use a resource to accompany friends to deepening conversion, this is for them. Six Tuesdays, lunchtime or evenings, starting April 28. Promotion materials to stuff in the bulletins Palm/Easter Sunday: Discovery promotion. Sign up: yoopercatholic.org/discovery
Check out yoopercatholic.org/marriage for marriage preparation support. You’ll find instructions, templates, and links to materials. Please reach out for whatever you need!
RETREAT FOR ENGAGED COUPLES
A retreat for engaged couples is coming up: Saturday, April 25 at St. Anne parish in Escanaba. Register: yoopercatholic.org/engaged.
MYSTAGOGY GROUP
Fr. Ryan Ford will lead a mystagogy group online after Easter, for newly-initiated Catholics around the U.P. Six Wednesdays, starting April 15. If you already run a mystagogy group, that's great. If not, this is for the newly initiated to connect, share, and find their place and mission. Promotion materials to give to elect and candidates: Mystagogy promotion. Sign up for the group: yoopercatholic.org/mystagogy
DISCOVERY COURSE
Fr. Ryan Ford will be hosting The Discovery Course online after Easter, a six-week journey through the Gospel message. If people are curious or open to faith/Jesus, this is for them. If someone wants to experience how to use a resource to accompany friends to deepening conversion, this is for them. Six Tuesdays, lunchtime or evenings, starting April 28. Promotion materials to stuff in the bulletins Palm/Easter Sunday: Discovery promotion. Sign up: yoopercatholic.org/discovery
GIVE, SERVE, LOVE
Our service week for students going into 8th-12th grades is June 15-18 in Negaunee/Marquette. Cost is $30 per student for the four days. Registration is open: yoopercatholic.org/gsl
Our service week for students going into 8th-12th grades is June 15-18 in Negaunee/Marquette. Cost is $30 per student for the four days. Registration is open: yoopercatholic.org/gsl
MISSION TRAINING GROUPS
Fr. Ryan Ford will be training parish point people this summer, to equip them to lead mission training groups in September. If he can’t make it to your location in person to lead a training group, he can form one of your parishioners to lead one. Visit yoopercatholic.org/evangelization to learn more. Fill out the form at the bottom to express your interest.
CATECHETICAL WEBINARS FOR PARISH LEADERS
Franciscan University offers a couple free one-hour webinars each month for clergy and catechetical leaders: franciscanathome.com/resources/webinars
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS
PRINCIPAL MEETING - THURSDAY, APRIL 16
The principal meeting will be held in person at the Diocese office from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Communication Services
John Fee
WEBSITE SCAMS ALERT
If your parish receives a bill concerning renewals or listings of the diocesan website, it’s almost certainly a scam. If you receive a bill concerning your own parish’s domain name from a company you didn’t originally register with, or “your website’s listing,” it’s also very likely a scam. If you are not sure, please either forward the email or scan/photograph the paper bill and send it to John Fee, jfee@dioceseofmarquette.org and he will be happy to check it out for you. These scammers do an excellent job of making these look legitimate. Please don’t hesitate to contact us about these!
SACRAMENTS AND RCIA PHOTOS
Please send photos of First Communion, Confirmation and RCIA groups for publication in The U.P. Catholic’s annual Sacraments and 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.
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 The Anchor of Hope | All 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 The Anchor of Hope | 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.
If your parish receives a bill concerning renewals or listings of the diocesan website, it’s almost certainly a scam. If you receive a bill concerning your own parish’s domain name from a company you didn’t originally register with, or “your website’s listing,” it’s also very likely a scam. If you are not sure, please either forward the email or scan/photograph the paper bill and send it to John Fee, jfee@dioceseofmarquette.org and he will be happy to check it out for you. These scammers do an excellent job of making these look legitimate. Please don’t hesitate to contact us about these!
SACRAMENTS AND RCIA PHOTOS
Please send photos of First Communion, Confirmation and RCIA groups for publication in The U.P. Catholic’s annual Sacraments and 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.
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 The Anchor of Hope | All 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 The Anchor of Hope | 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.
Financial Services
Timothy Thomas
Department of
Stewardship & Development
Megan O'Connor
PARISH UPCSA PAYMENTS OVERDUE
Parish UPCSA payments for the 58th campaign were due to the diocese on March 15, 2026. If you have not yet submitted your payment, please do so as soon as possible. For assistance with scheduling an ACH/EFT or making other payment arrangements, please contact Tim Thomas.Thank you to all of our parishes for submitting donor data on time—we truly appreciate your diligence!
LEGACY OF FAITH NEWS & DEADLINES
MARQUETTE DIOCESAN PRIEST RETIREMENT (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY) COLLECTION
The annual Good Shepherd Collection will be taken up in all parishes on April 26. This collection supports the retired priests of the Diocese of Marquette. A postcard will be sent to registered parishioners to participate in this year’s collection. You can also make a donation online at osvhub.com/dioceseofmarquette/giving/funds. We thank you in advance for your generous support of the retired priests of the Diocese of Marquette!
WORLD CHURCH COMBINED COLLECTION
All parishes in the Diocese of Marquette will take up the World Church Collection on June 14. This collection supports several important outreach ministries, including the Catholic Relief Services Overseas Fund, the Holy Land Fund, National Communications Collection, Peter’s Pence, and the Diocesan Missionary Collection. Parish bookkeepers are asked to divide any unspecified World Church donations evenly among these collections. They may then complete the Combined Collection Transmittal Form and submit it with their payment to the Diocese. Collection resources are available at dioceseofmarquette.org/administration-finance.
COLLECTION REMITTANCE DEADLINES
The Marquette Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection 2026 was held on Feb. 18 (Ash Wednesday) or Feb. 22 (the first Sunday of Lent). Please remit funds to the Diocese by April 30, 2026. 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.
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.
Parish UPCSA payments for the 58th campaign were due to the diocese on March 15, 2026. If you have not yet submitted your payment, please do so as soon as possible. For assistance with scheduling an ACH/EFT or making other payment arrangements, please contact Tim Thomas.Thank you to all of our parishes for submitting donor data on time—we truly appreciate your diligence!
LEGACY OF FAITH NEWS & DEADLINES
- Thanks to all who submitted Faith Formation grant applications by April 1! Grant announcements will be made in June and payments in July.
- Grant Evaluations are due June 30, 2026. If you received a LOF grant in 2025, evaluations must be submitted prior to any new grants being paid. Click here to complete your grant evaluation.
- Catholic Schools Grant Reports are due June 15, 2026. Click here to complete your report.
- Nominate a Catholic Service Award recipient. Nominations are due annually by May 1. The award recognizes lifetime dedication and service to the Catholic Church and provides a $250 LOF grant for parish faith formation. Learn more about the prestigious award and nominate someone who you feel deserves this honor and recognition at upcatholicfoundation.org/catholic-service-awards.
MARQUETTE DIOCESAN PRIEST RETIREMENT (GOOD SHEPHERD SUNDAY) COLLECTION
The annual Good Shepherd Collection will be taken up in all parishes on April 26. This collection supports the retired priests of the Diocese of Marquette. A postcard will be sent to registered parishioners to participate in this year’s collection. You can also make a donation online at osvhub.com/dioceseofmarquette/giving/funds. We thank you in advance for your generous support of the retired priests of the Diocese of Marquette!
WORLD CHURCH COMBINED COLLECTION
All parishes in the Diocese of Marquette will take up the World Church Collection on June 14. This collection supports several important outreach ministries, including the Catholic Relief Services Overseas Fund, the Holy Land Fund, National Communications Collection, Peter’s Pence, and the Diocesan Missionary Collection. Parish bookkeepers are asked to divide any unspecified World Church donations evenly among these collections. They may then complete the Combined Collection Transmittal Form and submit it with their payment to the Diocese. Collection resources are available at dioceseofmarquette.org/administration-finance.
COLLECTION REMITTANCE DEADLINES
The Marquette Diocesan Catholic Schools Collection 2026 was held on Feb. 18 (Ash Wednesday) or Feb. 22 (the first Sunday of Lent). Please remit funds to the Diocese by April 30, 2026. 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.
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.
Bishop Baraga Association
Lenora McKeen
PRAYER INTENTIONS INSPIRED BY BISHOP FREDERIC BARAGA
NEW!!! Each month the Bishop Baraga Association will be launching daily prayer intentions inspired by the life and labors of Bishop Frederic Baraga! Our April prayer intentions are out!
There are several ways to get these monthly prayer intentions:
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.
RETURN TO SEASONAL HOURS AT THE BARAGA EDUCATIONAL CENTER AND MUSEUM
Starting April 1, 2026, our full seasonal hours at the Baraga Educational Center and Museum have returned. Our museum is open Monday-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) 227-9117 to schedule a group tour today!
REPORT A FAVOR
Have you received a favor through Bishop Baraga's intercession? Let us know! Report a favor today by clicking here.
NEW!!! Each month the Bishop Baraga Association will be launching daily prayer intentions inspired by the life and labors of Bishop Frederic Baraga! Our April prayer intentions are out!
There are several ways to get these monthly prayer intentions:
- On our website www.bishopbaraga.org
- Email the Bishop Baraga Association at lmckeen@bishopbaraga.org
- Or Sign up for our FREE monthly email newsletter below!
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.
RETURN TO SEASONAL HOURS AT THE BARAGA EDUCATIONAL CENTER AND MUSEUM
Starting April 1, 2026, our full seasonal hours at the Baraga Educational Center and Museum have returned. Our museum is open Monday-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) 227-9117 to schedule a group tour today!
REPORT A FAVOR
Have you received a favor through Bishop Baraga's intercession? Let us know! Report a favor today by clicking here.
Catholic Social Services
Terry Bailey
ANNUAL REPORT
You can access Catholic Social Services of the U.P.’s (CSSUP) 2025 Annual Report here:
https://cssup.org/annual-reports
You can access Catholic Social Services of the U.P.’s (CSSUP) 2025 Annual Report here:
https://cssup.org/annual-reports
Bulletin Announcements
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 Bishop's Ambassadors - Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation - Marquette, MI .
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.
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, and YouTube. 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.
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 Bishop's Ambassadors - Upper Peninsula Catholic Foundation - Marquette, MI .
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.
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, and YouTube. 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.
Addenda
Addendum #1 - Tax Scams and Fraud
