NWI Catholic Stories

Ken Kolodziej, Dan Ditola and Ed Schneider of the St. John the Evangelist Men's Club present the 2024 Sylvester Reising Stewardship Award to Theresa Birlson together with Danny Reising. Reising is the great grandson of Sy Reising for whom the award is named. (Provided photo)
SJE Men’s Club recognizes efforts of parishioner Theresa Birlson
Portraying St. Juan Diego, Alex Muñoz (right) displays a tilma and roses, signs of a Marian apparition, to the character of Bishop Juan de Zumarraga (of Mexico City, New Spain), portrayed by Father Robert Ross, on the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, in Schererville. About 300 faithful gathered to celebrate the "Patroness of the Americas" at St. Michael the Archangel where Mass celebrant Bishop Robert J. McClory lauded the Blessed Mother's intercessory power and desire to bring us closer to her Son.
Hundreds gather in solidarity with Our Lady of Guadalupe
Father Sroka
Priest remembered as a kind, spiritual and welcoming pastor
Alice Earnshaw greets visitors to St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart each Tuesday as a volunteer at the West Entrance reception desk. At 94, she enjoys staying activce and helping people. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Staying active as a volunteer keeps senior in step
Costumed as peasant women, and carrying small candles in their hands, dancers from St. Margaret Mary church closed the Mass on Dec. 8 in honor of the Immaculate Conception and Our Lady of Guadalupe. With a congregation of more than 500 expected, the liturgy celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McClory was held at the Bichop Noll Institute fieldhouse next to the church. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Music, dancing and scripture honor Blessed Mother
Bishop Andrew H. Cozzens of Crookston, Minn., chairman of the board of the National Eucharistic Congress Inc., blesses pilgrims July 17, 2024, during adoration at the opening revival night of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis (OSV News photo/Bob Roller)
National pilgrimage, congress stand out as 2024 highlights for US church
Bishop Robert J. McClory (left) greets discerners including Alexander Brown (right), 15, during the Andrew Dinner on Dec. 3 at St. John the Evangelist in St. John. The event, hosted by the diocesan vocations office team, is a causal gathering designed to support those who may have a calling to the priesthood and is based on the traditional view that Andrew the apostle was first to share the Good News, having located his brother Simon to bring him before Jesus. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Young men hosted at Andrew Dinner to talk priesthood
Christine Shewchuck, of Corporate Travel, talks with Father Nathaniel Edquist prior to a meeting on Nov. 21 about a diocesan pilgrimage to Rome next year. Both Father Edquist and Bishop Robert J. McClory will be participating in the pilgrimage scheduled for Fall 2025. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Diocese finalizes plans to travel to Rome for 2025 Jubilee
state capitol
ICC works to support legislation outlawing death penalty 
Parishioner Bridget Conry leads a guided meditation on the creche at the birth of Christ during an Advent reflection hosted at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillvile on Dec. 5. The guest speaker at the first of a three-part series on preparing for Christmas was Deacon Gary Wolfe (left), who spoke on the topic "Joy to the World: the Mystery of the Incarnation." (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Advent reflection focuses on the mystery of the incarnation
Bishop Noll Institute seniors (left to right) Dusan Knezevic, Gianna Gaal and Anna De La Torre inspect their food sculpture made of donations from fellow Warriors for the Catholic Charities food drive, in Hammond on Dec. 2. Catholic Charities food pantry manager Tina Gunnum praised the efforts of the teens at Bishop Noll and Marquette Catholic High School in Michigan City and said the need remains strong for donations from local faithful to endeavor to fulfill the minstry's charge to feed the hungry. (Antho
Creative students collect food, build structures to promote charity 
St. Stanislaus Kostka in Michigan City recently received two grants totaling $650,000 that will go towards much needed repairs of the structure's bell towers and brickwork. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
St. Stanislaus receives two grants totaling $650,000 for much-needed church repairs
Nathan Finke helps his daughters, Delilah, 3, and Penelope, 6, create a family Advent Wreath at Nativity of Our Savior in Portage on Dec. 1. The trio attended Family Advent Day at their parish, where Penelope Finke said she likes Advent (and searching for Elf on the Shelf) because it leads to Christmas. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Families and friends gather to begin Advent journey
Sponsor Angelina Andrade (front, center) places her hand on the shoulder of Christian candidate Jacob Rothchild (front, right), both of St. Mary of the Lake, at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary on Nov. 24. Seekers from throughout the diocese were presented at the liturgy to Bishop Robert J. McClory and will continue in their conversion with the assistance of the faithful, as they anticipate full communion with the Catholic Church. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Rite of Call candidates seek full participation as Catholics
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Students give thanks to God for their many blessings
Father Nate Edquist, pastor of Holy Family Parish and vocations director of the Diocese of Gary, holds a recently released book, Advent Adventures with Father Nate, written by parish members and authors Mia Toschi, Saraidee Reyes-Villa, and Madalyn Jozaitis. (Photo provided)
Lack of resources leads authors on an adventure
Following along in the manual prepared by presenter Sheri Wohlfert, read aloud how to turn hospitality into evangelization as during a parish mission on Nov. 8-9 at St. Helen in Hebron. Wohlfert set out to prepare her audience "for receiving others in the name of Jesus Christ in your parishes and homes while also equipping participants with the skills to share the Gospel with confidence and joy." (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Presenter offers skills to bring “confidence and joy”
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Diocese encourages faithful to join in Advent prayer challenge
Kathy and Jim Clemons, of Valparaiso, chat as they enjoy their meal provided by St. Patrick Catholic Community’s Table of Plenty on Nov. 8. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
All are welcome to the Table of Plenty for a meal and fellowship
Cheryl Tolish (center) observes Marquette Catholic High School students work on a science project during the Big Shoulders visit to the school on Nov. 20. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Lend A Shoulder Day showcases schools to benefactors
Members of St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center led by Nathan Ringelstein (right) process with the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance held by Father Jacob McDaniel, chaplain, near the Chapel of the Resurrection on the campus of Valparaiso University on the evening of Nov. 15. The Eucharistic Procession was coordinated as part of the Inspire program for collegians at the Valparaiso school, and, according to Father McDaniel, the first such prayer journey through the campus of the Lutheran-affiliated col
St. Teresa members bring the Eucharistic Jesus to campus
Members of the Tameka Freeman (top) family pray during Mass, which preceded a fellowship gathering on Nov. 17 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. The event called to mind the designation by the Church of Black History Month, when since 1990, U.S. faithful have joined together in worship, education, charity and entertainment to recognize heritage of Africa and the African Diaspora in the Catholic Church. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Mass, fellowship honor legacy of Catholics of African heritage
Performing a skit to open the Conference '24 training and renewal sessions for liturgical ministers from the Diocese of Gary on Nov. 16 are (from left) Dr. Claudia Sadowski, diocesan coordinator of intercultural ministry, Michelle Alexander, Father Lalo (Ed) Shea, C.F.M., and Adeline Torres. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Catechetical conference offers servants training and renewal
Queen of All Saints Catholic School students show off their family trees that were on display in the school’s cafeteria. Student pictured kneeling in the front row are Natalia Serrano, Matias Pacheco, Simon Arnold, Aaron Arnold, Adelaide Arnold, Christian Arnold, Ellianah Nabatanzi, and Prim Namakula. Back row includes Daniel Serrano, Jared Serrano, Eleanor Hopper, Gregory Hopper, Amelia Arnold, Dylan Nelson, Anna Nelson, Audrey Nelson, Jonathan Galindo, and Maelie Bowling. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
QAS students find more to be thankful for after family tree project
Members of St. Vincent de Paul assist with setting up raised garden beds at Holy Spirit in Winfield. The garden was started in 2021 thanks to a generous donation and the support of the parish community. (Provided photo)
St. Vincent de Paul garden provides additional options for clients
Food pantry volunteer Ruthie Polito helps gather grocery items for clients at the Catholic Charities location in East Chicago during operation hours on the morning of Nov. 8. The pantry has already begun adding special food items to distribution ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Catholic Charities food program goes beyond supplying groceries
Caption: Guatemalan native Christopher Arrué (left), 10, and Portage resident Joaquin Venegas (right), 9, sit on a park bench during recess on Oct. 30 at Nativity of Our Savior school in Portage. Arrué is one of three youths from Guatemala who are being hosted by Nativity families as the students participate in the Jump the World exchange program, which principal Sally Skowronski said is culturally enriching. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Nativity invites Guatemalan students to enrich school experience
Jodi McLawhorn, the new assistant superintendent for the Diocese of Gary Schools.
Leadership and opportunity drive new school administrator
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CANCELED: Evening of veneration and prayer will reflect on the life of St. Jude
Bishop Noll Institute students surround Father Jeffrey Burton (center), school chaplain, as he processes with the Blessed Sacrament in a monstrance that was blessed by Pope St. John Paul II, at the Hammond school on Nov. 6. The diocesan Serra Club secured the use of the sacred vessel from Oct. 28-Nov. 8, as part of a special 10-stop initiative to encourage prayer for vocations to the priesthood and religious life. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Serrans enjoy ‘great experience’ caring for JPII monstrance
Longtime friends Sister Barbara Kuper, a Poor Handmaid of Jesus Christ and former director of Nazareth Home, and Loretta Levin, of Munster, enjoy the afternoon together at St. John the Evangelist's Tea Party/Baby Shower on Nov. 3. They were two of the more than 70 women who brought gifts for recipients at the Women's Care Center in Merrillville, dined on chicken tetrazzini and listened to presentations about the importance of life. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Gifts from St. John the Evangelist’s tea party, baby shower benefit moms in need
Gary Bonk (left), vice president of the Catholic Foundation for Northwest Indiana, introduces Elaine Hein (center) of St. Mary, Crown Point, as Father Christopher Stanish (right), vicar general and moderator of the curia, watches at the annual Mercy Fund grants award dinner on Nov. 6 at Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville. Managing $18.5 million in endowed assets, the non-profit, independent organization provides an avenue for faithful to invest in the future of acamedic, charitable and faith-related cau
Mercy Fund grants boost variety of local initiatives
U.S. Navy Cmdr. Andy Rucker, a Lowell native and parishioner at St. Edward while growing up, is assigned to Commander, Naval Information Forces, in Suffolk, Va. (Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Sierra Garcia photo)
Lowell native approaches two decades of service with U.S. Navy
David Herr, who has served in a variety of roles for the Diocese of Gary since graduating from college in 2009, joins cantor Ashley Cairo, of St. John, to lead the music at the diocese's Eucharistic Liturgy in Thanksgiving for Women Religious on Oct. 16 at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville. He was recently appointed sacred music coordinator for the diocesan Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization team, where he will help parishes improve their liturgical music ministry, in addition to continuing
Diocesan sacred music coordinator aims to make parishes sing
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Grieving youth supported by Rainbows initiative
Pat Mroczkowski (right) checks the registration files as members (from left, with back to camera) Trudy Tarpo, Linda Miller and Betty Shahbaz sign in at the Sept. 26 meeting of the Catholic Widows and Widowers group at St. Matthias in Crown Point. The group hosts a social meeting, usually offsite, on the secon Thursday every month, and a business meeting with a snacks and a guest speaker, at 1 p.m. on the fourth Thursday. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Widowhood in common, Catholics come together
Father David Kime, pastor of Queen of All Saints and St. Mary the Immaculate Conception, takes questions following his talk on religious order during QAS’s Tapped In evening at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria on Oct. 9. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Faithful Tapped In(to) their roles as members of religious in Church history
Discerners including Colin Cyzon (center), 17, of Our Lady of Grace parish, participate in Eucharistic Adoration during the Vocasti Me gathering at St. Paul in Valparaiso on July 14, 2023. Diocesan vocations director Father Nate Edquist recently announced a new initiative named Called By Name, which, like the discerners gatherings, promotes vocations to the priesthood, but asks other church-goers to note and nominate young men who they observe may prosper in a priestly calling. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Vocations team rolls out Called By Name initiative
Students at the newly established School of Fine Arts and Traditional Trades of the Fabbrica di San Pietro use a hammer and chisel on a wall at the Vatican March 29, 2023. The six-month program is dedicated to encouraging young people to practice traditional crafts and skills that risk dying out. (CNS photo/courtesy of Fabbrica di San Pietro)
New students at Vatican's school for artisans include an American
Kathy Emmett, of Crown Point, looks for the candle with her mother's name on it prior to the start of the Mass of Remembrance on Oct. 27 at St. Maria Goretti in Dyer. Her mom, Patricia Ricciardi, passed away in January. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Parishes honor the departed, provide support to grieving families 
reception at Wicker Park
Our Lady of Grace celebrates 75 years of growing in faith
Strong winds and sprinkles didn’t deter a group of faithful from processing in the neighborhood near St. Mary the Immaculate Conception concluding by praying the rosary outside the church. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Sun comes and goes as parishes celebrate The Miracle of the Sun and message of Fatima
Gathered in front of St. Joseph church are part of the volunteer crew (including Deacon Duane Dedelow, bottom, right, and priest-in-residence Father Ted Nordquist, second from right) that participated in the day of service at the downtown Hammond church on Oct. 19. Parish volunteers coordinated the event, which was inspired by the diocesan day of service two months earlier, that drew more than two dozen individuals who assisted with campus maintenance and beautification. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
St. Joseph parishioners clean the Lord’s house
Guest speakers, Nick and Kate Schafer, offer encouraging words to bereaved parents gathered for the Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day service on Oct. 15. Present with them is their eight-year-old daughter Mary as they light a candle for Anne Kateri Schafer, the daughter they lost through miscarriage at 19 weeks. (Angela Hughes photo)
Heavenly children honored by families during candlelight vigil
Four religious sisters celebrating milestone jubilees were honored at the annual Eucharistic Liturgy in Thanksgiving for Women Religious, (from left) Sister M. Christa, m.c.; Sister M. Rochelle, m.c.; Sister Pamela Tholkes, PHJC; and Sister M. Janice Kolesiak, OSF; congratulated by Bishop Robert J. McClory. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Diocese gives thanks for the dedication of religious sisters
Lucy Rutkowski, a junior at Chesterton High School, stands at the entrance to the Walking Rosary Path that she created behind the grotto on the campus of Nativity of Our Savior in Portage, her home parish, on the day it was dedicated last May. She completed the project as part of her requirements to earn the Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouting. (Provided photo)
Nativity students gather at grotto to pray the Rosary
Father Thomas Mischler conducts a baptism during Mass on Sept. 29 at Holy Spirit in Winfield, where he has been pastor since July 1, 2010. He is now also pastor of St. Helen in Hebron and administrator of St. Mary in Kouts, creating One Catholic Family. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Pastor unites three parishes as ‘One Catholic Family’
In Appreciation of Your Ministry: Father Thomas Mischler
Father Kevin McCarthy, pastor of Nativity of Our Savior in Portage, prays with kindergartners from the parish school during an Outdoor All-School Rosary on Oct. 1 to mark the month dedicated to the Rosary. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Pastor’s passions inspire parishioners and schoolchildren
In Appreciation of Your Ministry: Father Kevin McCarthy
Association of the Immaculate Conception Father Julio Bedoya gathers with parishioners after a morning Mass on Oct. 8 at St. Mary church in East Chicago, where he is pastor. Father Bedoya, a native of Columbia, came to a deeper faith as a discerner among a religious order and finds great joy in serving parishioners who he said show much gratitude. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Columbian native found fulfilling answer in priestly service
In Appreciation of Your Ministry: Father Julio Bedoya
Father David Kime shares a laugh with Queen of All Saints parishioners Catherine Garrabrant and Kathy Brill following his Tapped In talk on Oct. 9 at Gelsosomo’s Pizzeria in Michigan City. The seasoned priest said as much as he nourishes the spirituality of his parishioners, he feels fed by their support and love. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Michigan City clergyman feels fed by those he feeds
In Appreciation of Your Ministry: Father David Kime