“We are involved in the difficult and painful process of leaving places that are dear to us that have helped our mission come alive. As good stewards we are making these heartrending decisions that now must include our leaving the mission of Gary.” – The Provincial Council, Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe of the Order of Friars Minor
GARY – Since being named Bishop of Gary six years ago, Bishop Robert McClory said he has experienced, as many others have, numerous blessings from the Franciscan friars assigned to the Diocese of Gary and the willingness of the Order of Friars Minor to extend themselves beyond south Lake County into new ministries in what has become known in their province as the “Gary Mission.”
Over time, the friars have taken on responsibility for four parishes in Gary: Cathedral of the Holy Angels, Ss. Monica and Luke, St. Joseph the Worker and St. Mary of the Lake.
This year, the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe of the Order of Friars Minor entered an important phase of their integration as a unified province for the United States. With some similarities to diocesan restructuring plans, it has been undertaking an extensive planning process, which has led to reallocation of priestly assignments and places of ministry. It has moved on from mission sites in which it has served for decades due to its own priestly resources and provincial commitments.
As a part of this process, the Franciscan Friars will bring to a conclusion their role in the “Gary Mission” on July 1, 2026. However, they will continue their friary and ministries in south Lake County, including hospital chaplaincies with Franciscan Alliance and serving Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake.
“I am grateful that the Franciscans want to ensure we have a smooth transition in implementing the planning process for Gary and to support the clergy who will follow them,” Bishop McClory said.
The bishop explained that while he had an initial review of pastoral planning recommendations for Gary and other areas within the diocese with the four deans, he is still taking matters under advisement. His goal is to have plans finalized by the end of February, while the Franciscans will continue to serve the Gary Mission until July 1.
Bishop McClory said, “I want to take this time now to begin to thank them for their fine ministry within Gary over these past six years. They have a heart for Gary and a dedication that has been a tremendous blessing.”
Father Mike Surufka, O.F.M., will continue as pastor of the Gary parishes and, along with Father Ed Shea, O.F.M., will minister to these parishes through June 30. Father Aaron Richardson, O.F.M., will move on to a ministry outside of Gary earlier, celebrating his last Mass on Feb. 1. Father Loren Connell, O.F.M., will continue to live in residence and provide assistance as his schedule allows.
“These brothers have all become beloved members of our presbyterate, and on behalf of our clergy and the lay faithful, I thank them and the Franciscans deeply for their ministry and fraternity,” Bishop McClory said.
Father Surufka broke the news to the parishes in Gary about the plans for the Franciscan priests during Masses the weekend of Jan 10-11.
“It was a decision taken by our provincial council,” he explained. “The bishop found out about it the day after I did. And so we've been carrying this in our hearts for about a month until we could make the announcements.”
Father Surufka confirmed that a group of parish liaisons had prepared a recommended plan for the Gary parishes. Those recommendations were delivered to the bishop, who is now reviewing them to decide how best to align the parishes in Gary for a strong future.
"I want you to know that every time I have talked with him about this, he is very committed to a strong Catholic Church in the city of Gary,” he said. “So, that is very much part of his prayers and his thoughts.”
Father Surufka said the goal of the Franciscans has always been to give the bishop a restructured and renewed church in Gary.
On a personal note, Father Surufka shared he doesn't know what his next assignment will be yet. He recalled being asked to come to the Diocese of Gary and admitted that although he didn’t plan on being the pastor of a parish before arriving in Northwest Indiana, he quickly grew to love the role and the city of Gary.
“I've come to love this city and the people in this place,” he said. “And I will always have great hope for all of you. And I’m not gone yet.”
Father Surufka said that although the vow of obedience compels them to go where they are sent, the Franciscan priests move into this time with great confidence and hope. He pointed out that while they might not know at this time exactly what the future looks like, God is always present.
“The church in Gary is really quite strong, and it's getting stronger as the city is getting stronger,” he said. “And so, whatever momentum is growing toward expanding our churches in Gary, don't let it stop over the next five months.”
Father Surufka also encouraged the local faithful to continue building relationships with one another.
“Make sure you welcome people,” he said. “In fact, I would say over the next few months, if there is anybody in this church that you don't know by name, go to them before you go to your friends.”
Eileen Wayte, administrative assistant, said the day church staff got the news that the Gary Franciscans were going to be leaving was indeed a sad day.
“The compassion, patience, humor and, most importantly, their faithfulness will be terribly missed,” she said. “They’ve inspired all of our parishes to not only reach out to themselves and their neighbors, but to all of their brothers and sisters in the other Gary parishes as well.”
Wayte has worked with them for the past five years and said she has learned a lot from them.
“I’ve reaped what they sowed, and I hope I can continue to help in any way that I can with what they started here in Gary,” she said. “Au revoir, chers Pères, jusqu'à ce que nous revoyions.” (Good bye, dear Fathers, until we meet again in French)
