NWI Catholic Stories

Valparaiso University professor emeritus Richard Stith (left) and his wife artist Rosemarie Stith are seated at the 52nd annual Lake County Right to Life banquet at the Halls of St. George in Schererville on April 4. The not-for-profit organization's event functions as an informational, social and fundraising gathering to support the activism, education and charity of the group that "exists to promote concern for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death." (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Speakers engage pro-life guests in blessings, trials of advocacy
Father Douglas Mayer, pastor of St. Paul, prays in the confessional at the Valparaiso church on April 9. A penitent experiences the "power of the Risen Lord" in the sacrament of reconciliation, according to Father Mayer, who recalled his own journey of sacramental forgiveness. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo) 
Father Mayer shares stories of sacramental forgiveness
Maisie Wragg
Bishop Noll senior shines as lead Jo March in "Little Women"
Twenty-six students represented St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point at the Scholastic Chess of Indiana Team State Championship in Martinsville on March 22, winning many games and grabbing a third, 15th and 16th place finish. (Provided photo)
Wildcats display skills at state chess championship
Altar decorated for Easter
Holy narrative teaches children about sacrificial love, redemption
Photo illustration by Gabe Pierce / Unsplash
Eight Christ-centered, kid-friendly activities to do this Easter season
Father Nathaniel Edquist (top), vocations director and pastor of Holy Family Parish, delivers his homily alternating between English and Spanish to those attending the Mass for migrants at Herr Farms in Lowell in this file photo. The LaPorte priest believes that God draws His people to be reconciled with Him, and a sure may for the sinner to remain in a state of grace is through regular sacramental confession. (NWIC file photo/Anthony D. Alonzo)
Father Edquist says all guilty can be forgiven by Christ
Amanda Alessi is immersed three times - in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - during the East Vigil Mass at St. John the Evangelist in 2024. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Join us for Holy Week! Diocese ready to commemorate the final days of Jesus' life
seven churches visitations
Seven Churches Visitation: Lenten tradition invites faithful to spend time in prayer and adoration
Enjoying fellowship and some delicious soup at the Soup and Bread Social on April 2 at Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake are St. John residents (from left) Denise Webb and her son Alex Webb, parishioners, and Tyler Rybicki and his father, Dave Rybicki, parishioners at St. Thomas More in Munster. The simple meal was followed by the fourth and final parish renewal session on gratitude, which the young men attended as a Generations of Faith confirmation class assignment at Holy Name. (Marlene A. Zloza photo) 
Franciscan offers five ways to express gratitude in daily life
Four Sisters from the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel, (from left) Sister Rose Paul, Sister Alphy Anns, Sister Ruby Therese and Sister Ann Jyothis, formed a choir to sing a song of thanksgiving, "Victorious, Victorious, Our Lady of Carmel" after Holy Communion at the golden jubilee Mass on March 30 at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville. The Mass marked the 50th anniversary of the religious order's arrival in the United States. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Sisters celebrate 1975 arrival in diocese to start U.S. ministry
Father Ciesla with relic
Michigan City parishes to host Lenten devotion on seven last words of Christ
Father Robert Ross, associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel church, views instruments of punishment associated with the passion of Jesus Christ, on March 31 at the Schererville parish. Father Ross and his dad Tom Ross will deliver a presentation about the Shroud of Turin, the linen many believe to be the Lord's burial cloth, at the parish on Easter Monday, April 21. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Presentation to explore observations about Shroud of Turin
Father Paul Quanz, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows, points to details of unidentified artwork set in the nave of the Our Lady of Sorrows church in Valparaiso on March 20. The artwork at the circa 1958 church was created by the late Slovak artist, architect and author Jozef Cincik, who was commissioned by Franciscans who resided at the former Seven Dolors Shrine. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Our Lady of Sorrows church features works of famed artist
"The cardinal virtues of the Catholic Church are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance," outlibned Sean Martin, coordinator of Catechesis and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Gary, at a Catechist Formation Woikshop on March 18 at the Pastoral Center in Merrillville. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Workshop teaches catechists how to live a Life in Christ
Bishop Robert J. McClory (third from right) meets with Thomas Gora, (seated) president, and other members of the St. Mary Men's Club in Griffith, his hosts, and their guests, for cake and coffee after his talk about St. Joseph. The group celebrated the Solemnity of St. Joseph after learning about Jesus' foster father and his role as an intercessor for all. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
St. Joseph heralded as intercessor ‘with a father’s heart’
Bishop Robert J. McClory (left) presents an honorary certificate to American Heritage Girl Explorer Jane Swift (center), 9, as her parents Kathy and Mike Swift (at right) join her after the annual Diocese of Gary Catholic Committee Religious Emblem Mass on March 23 at St. Bridget church in Hobart. In his homily, the bishop praised the feats of faith accomplished by the girls, as well as attending Boy Scouts of America, and encouraged them to persevere in their belief. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Youth scouting groups converge for liturgy, recognition of feats
Parishioners Mary Ellen LaDuke (left) and Jeanne DeLasCasas place their candles in sand while others wait their turn at Holy Spirit in Winfield on March 17, the Feast of St. Patrick. After participating in a Service of Light, the congregation shared a corned beef and cabbage dinner with their One Catholic Family neighbors. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Solemn evening prayer marks Feast of St. Patrick
Deacon Matt Virus addresses Marriage and Family Life ministers at a meeting hosted by the Diocese of Gary on March 13 at the Pastoral Center as he and his wife, Millie Virus (to his left), who works in the diocesan tribunal, talked about problems in marriages and how to strengthen couples. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Building a strong marriage is all about making sacrifices
Manna for Hammond kitchen volunteers including Marge Kovacik (right) pack lunches at the ministry, popularly known St. Joseph Soup Kitchen, on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. Founded 40 years ago, the outreach for the poor at is the longest-running five-day soup kitchen in the diocese. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
St. Joseph Soup Kitchen celebrates 40 years of service in Hammond
As the world continues to pray for the health of Pope Francis, the faithful of Northwest Indiana also joins in those prayers for his continued healing. Some members of the Diocese of Gary have studied the pontiff’s words closely while others have been blessed to be in his presence in recent years.
Diocese continues to pray for Pope Francis’ recovery, reflects on his papacy
Father Stanish in Costa Rica
Vicar general FOCUS-es on Costa Rican mission trip
Deacon Kenneth Klawitter
Deacon full of life and very dedicated to his faith
Deacon Kenneth D. Klawitter (1957-2025)
David Maldonado (left) approaches Father Jayababu Nuthulapati (right), administrator of Sacred Heart parish, who imparts a blessing during the Mass of Healing in Whiting. Many parishioners and guests reported a lifting up of their spirits and more belief in God's healing power on March 15, after participating in the liturgy and receiving individual blessings from their Missionary of Mercy priest. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Dozens feel God’s healing presence at special Mass
Jackie Keenan (left) prays from a program along with her daughter Mary Keenan (right), 10, and are among those gathered at St. Joseph church in Dyer at a Holy Hour featuring silent Eucharistic adoration, hymns, Rosary, litanies, and benediction on March 13. Deacon Gary Blue presided and Jake Keenan, 12, served on the sanctuary. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Four ways to spend time with Christ in the Eucharist
Debbie Martin shares a laugh with Franciscan PACE Activities Coordinator Paula Hedrich while coloring Easter eggs at the Michigan City location.
Franciscan Health PACE program helping seniors maintain independence
Sue Jett
The Domestic Church: Educational method provides insights into a child's developmental needs
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Diocese to celebrate those who serve and protect the community
Blue Mass
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Contributors laud development of the Northwest Indiana Catholic
Monica Yacko (right), an adult formation volunteer at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville, and attendee Justine Garza, review some of the discussion questions during the sixth session of "The Search," a seven-part video series from the Augustine Institute that is being completed at Our Lady of Consolation on Monday, March 17, at 6:30 p.m. in Vamos Hall. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Video series leads to discussions on meaning of life
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Diocese aims to ignite parishes, embolden clergy and forge its future
Raquel Martinez, a catechist at Our Lady of Guadalupe in East Chicago, shares a phone app that helps in her ministry with Michael Barron, a catechist at St. Thomas More in Munster. The duo met at the Diocese of Gary's Catechetical Conference hosted by St. Patrick in Chesterton on March 8. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Catechists urged to proclaim the hope of Christ
Bishop Robert J. McClory (center) converses with members of Sacred Heart, Whiting, as the diocesan shepherd signs the Book of the Elect, following the Rite of Election for Catechumens at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary on March 9. The Whiting faithful were among 94 catechumens and a full cathedral of family and friends ready to support their brothers and sisters in Christ. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Bishop declares 94 as newly elect during Rite of Election
Sisters of St. Francis of Perpetual Adoration members take time to speak with women during Franciscan Health-Michigan City’s Beloved Brunch on March 3. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)  
Brunch allows women opportunity for spiritual growth and a glimpse at religious life
Worshippers are gathered before the Blessed Sacrament at St. Paul church in Valparaiso during a vespers service in March 2024. The parish's Lent Vespers and Soup Dinner, hosted weekly this Lent promotes prayer and fellowship during the season of repentance leading up to Christ's resurrection on Easter Sunday, and revolves around the simplicity of a basic meal and Eucharistic adoration before the Bread of Life. (Provided photo)
Adoration and meal draw Lenten journeyers
Jennifer Gwiazda, who teaches both art and science classes at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, measures some materials for ceramics class students last month. She will be taking a ceramics retreat in Sicily, Italy in 2026 and also spend a week absorbing the art and culture of Rome thanks to a Lilly Endowment Teacher Creativity Fellowship she recently received. (Provided photo)
Noll teacher to broaden horizons with art fellowship
Bishop Noll Institute alumna and theater teacher Nora Wragg (left) provides tips for the application of makeup on actor Noah Hahn (center) for artist Isabella Garza (right), both juniors, at an after-school session at the Hammond school on Feb. 28. Wragg, BNI Class of 2020, began her full-time teaching career at her alma mater at the time of the passing of a beloved, long-time teacher and has since taught a variety of theater classes and has generally given of her time as a measure of thankfulness to her sc
BNI graduate, theater teacher plays part of thankful mentor
After Sunday Mass, longtime Ss. Monica and Luke parishioners Minnie Durosseaux (front, left), 95, James Henley (front, center), 90, and Anne Thompson (front, right), 95, stand in their pews in Gary on Feb. 23. A combined church since 1982, Ss. Monica and Luke brought together a parish with a long history of being home to many of Gary's black Catholics who not only serve among their fellow parishioners in word and sacrament, but also offer charitable initiatives such as a food pantry and soup kitchen for th
Ss. Monica and Luke elders offer inspiring stories of parish roots
Speaker Father Jerry Schweitzer had the perfect one-liner for a clever listener who asked him, "What is the meaning of life?" during a Pre-Lenten Retreat on Feb. 22 at Holy Spirit in Winfield. His answer likely resulted in a smile from God above. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Pre-Lenten Retreat: Faithful urged to make a personal commitment to reconciliation
St. Thomas More School teacher Brian Olmetti (left) shakes hands with Superintendent of Catholic Schools Collen Brewer (right), who annouced the teacher won the St. Hildegard of Bingen Innovation Award at the Professional Development Day for Catholic educators on Feb. 14 at St. Thomas More parish in Munster. Known as "PD," more than 400 teachers and administrators from 20 diocesan schools participated in the day-long event hosted by the Office of Catholic Schools, which included Mass, fellowship, motivation
Youthful language promoted as way to connect at development day
Father Gregory Bim-Merle, pastor of St. James the Less church, raises a monstrance containing the Blessed Sacrament during a benediction at the weekly Eucharistic Adoration on the evening of Feb. 17 in Highland. At churches and chapels throughout the diocese, opportunities for the worship of the Eucharisitc Lord have been increasing as a response to expressed interest of the faithful and the efforts of local clergymen. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
New Eucharist Adoration opportunities warm the hearts of faithful
Katherine Carlson, a staff member at St. John the Evangelist in St. John on a 2024 mission trip, interacts a young girl who was taken off the streets of Mexico City through the ministry and work of Hope of the Poor. Carlson will return with a group of up to 40 on a Diocese of Gary mission trip in September. (Provided photo)
Diocese to host first mission trip to Mexico City
Kennedi Edgington
Noll senior visits nation’s capital for education in government
Bishop McClory
Bishop tells Hispanic community Jesus offers comfort in times of uncertainty
Father Coriden
Priest remembered as nationally renowned Canonist and author
Deacon Bob Bucheit places ashes on the forehead of Lucille Gardner during on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14 at Settlers Place in LaPorte. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Lent begins with a call for prayer, fasting and almsgiving
Andrean High School sophomores Madeline Linkliter (front, left) and Armani Green (front, right) stand at the head of their theology class at the Merrillville campus on Feb. 18. The 59ers are among the students who participate in not only their academic, athletic and extra-curricular activities, but also engage in the many volunteer charitable opportunities afforded to them through the campus ministry and theology departments. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Andrean students step up to meet charitable opportunities
Bishop Robert J. McClory accepts the offertory gifts at St. Stephen, Martyr's closing Mass on Feb. 15 from two specially chosen parishioners, Isabel Ramirez (left), age 100, who attended the parish's first Mass 57 years ago, and Ann Janda, the first baby baptized in the new church building 55 years ago. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Bishop joins parishioners to celebrate St. Stephen, Martyr
Brian Pillar (center), a teacher at Bishop Noll Institute in Hammond, was nominated for the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award by Business Honor Society vice president Julian Villagomez (left) and president Jonathan Johnson. (Provided photo)
Educator and community leader receives presidential award
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Clergymen recall Jubilee 2000 Holy Doors opening in Rome