NWI Catholic Stories

Sister Michele Dvorak
Sister Michele Dvorak, PHJC, elected as congregational leader
Paul Jarzembowski, a Dyer native currently working for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, D.C., offers some ways to reduce stress during the hectic holiday season, straight from his new book, "Hope for the Holidays." He spoke to more than 100 people at a dinner program on Nov. 19, 2023 at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville. (Marlene A. Zloza phoio)
Native of Gary diocese to provide understanding of Jubilee Year
Hope Does Not Disappoint
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Priest candidate feels confident, ready to begin his ministry
Deacon Ivan Alatorre
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Ordinand feels blessed by God’s mercy
Deacon Alexander Kouris
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Meet the newest deacon-elect of the Diocese of Gary
William O’Donnell
Listening to prayers for comfort and an end to suffering, mother and daughters (from left) CeCe, Cris and Luna Mundo, of Winfield, participate in a Healing Mass at Holy Spirit in Winfield on May 21. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Healing Mass asks God to provide strength and recovery
Bishop Robert J. McClory (left) and Father Jeffrey Burton distribute Holy Communion to congregants at the Memorial Day Mass hosted by the Diocese of Gary at St. John-St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Hammond on May 26. A sunny but cool day greeted those remembering loved ones and fallen soldiers at the liturgy. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Fallen soldiers and beloved families honored at Memorial Day Mass
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Great speakers form foundation for upcoming Emmaus Conference 
valedictorians and salutatorians
Diocese of Gary salutes this year's top grads
Congratulations Class of 2025!
Father Nathaniel Edquist
New priests ready for ministry, seminarians ready for summer
Vocations Office has reasons to celebrate
Part of the nearly 20 taking part in the rosary/prayer vigil pray the rosary on the eve of the execution of Benjamin Donnie Ritchie at Indiana State Prison. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Diocese offers prayer service as Ritchie is executed at Indiana State Prison
Following Mass celebrating the Solemnity of the Guardian Angels, members of the diocese marked the feast day on Oct. 2, 2022 with a picnic set up between the rectory and school on the grounds of the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. (NWIC file photo/Erin Ciszczon)
Diocesan event to provide meal and friendship for neighbors in Gary
Bishop McClory leads Mass on May 18.
Bishop says long live Pope Leo and long live Christ in the lives of couples
!Viva El Papa!
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Diocesan cemetery receives assistance in caring for the dead ahead of Memorial Day
In this 2019 photo, then-Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory of Washington joins students at St. Mary's School in Landover Hills, Md., in planting a tree in celebration of the school's 65th anniversary. In advance of the 10th anniversary of the late Pope Francis' encyclical "Laudato Si'," the U.S. bishops' conference recognized the impact the climate crisis has on young people and encouraged their strong witness and leadership for a better future. (OSV News photo/Andrew Biraj, Catholic Standard)
US bishops urge young people to 'lead the way' on climate crisis
Dr. Claudia Sadowski, intercultural ministry coordinator for the Diocese of Gary, speaks to young adults at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville during the 2024 Young Adult Summer Speaker Series. This year’s series begins on Wednesday, May 28 at St. John the Evangelist, with Adam Ayers, pastoral associate of Youth and Worship at the St. John parish. (Provided photo)
Young adults offered five faith enrichment sessions to share
Fifty-five years after they were married on May 16, 1970 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, Alejandro and Maria Corazon Manahan returned on May 18 for the annual Anniversary Mass hosted by the Diocese of Gary. As newlyweds, “we lived just across the street from the cathedral,” said the bride, “and worked at St. Mary Hospital down the street,” added the groom. The couple now lives in Schererville and attends St. Michael church. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Couples mark milestone wedding anniversaries at annual Mass
Collaborating on a craft project at the Sacred Heart Family Fellowship session on May 13 at Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake are (from left) Mary Herbert, 7, and Clare Herbert, 12, siblings from Schererville, and Charlotte Maruszczak, 11, from St. John. “I like being able to spend time with my friends and doing crafts,” said Maruszczak of the Tuesday afternoon program held twice a month. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Family Fellowship brings together parents and their homeschooled children
Pope Leo XIV meets with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in the library of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican May 19, 2025. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope Leo meets with US Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio
Bishop Robert J. McClory (right) and Father Rick Holy, director of pro-life activities for the Diocese of Gary, lead a group in the rosary followed by a prayer vigil outside Indiana State Prison, Michigan City prior to the execution of Joseph Corcoran, 49, on Dec. 17, 2024. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Prayer vigil will be visible sign of Church’s pro-life stance
Praying for an end to the death penalty
Father Gregory Bim-Merle distributes Holy Communion to his brother, Michael Bim-Merle, of Michigan City, a member of the Portage Fire Department who attended the Blue Mass hosted by the Diocese of Gary on May 10 at St. James the Less, where Father Bim-Merle serves as administrator. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Diocese hosts Blue Mass to recognize sacrifice of first responders
Father Eduardo Malagon (right), pastor, sprinkles holy water on Taki the turtle as his owner Kevin Hernandez, a St. Casimir eighth-grader, holds the reptile at the pet blessing at the Hammond parish on Oct. 4. Prayers reminded the faithful that God is our creator and blesses us with the Earth and its creatures. "May God, who created the animals of this earth as a help to us, continue to protect and sustain us with the grace His blessing brings, now and forever." (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Unifying Parish Communities: Parish planning offers pathway forward
: Vivian Kelby turned 100 on May 4 and still volunteers weekly in the Franciscan Health Crown Point gift shop. She’s been a volunteer at the hospital for nearly 50 years.
100-year-old Franciscan Health volunteer still going strong after almost 50 years of service
Vanessa and Ryan Lochow, St. James the Less parishioners, receive a candle from Bishop Robert J. McClory during the Mass of Remembrance for Bereaved Parents. (Mary Wellinski photo)
Mass offers hope and healing for bereaved parents
Diocese of Gary staff watching announcement of Pope Leo XIV
Local bishop, faithful respond to Chicago native named pope
Pictured in this group photo are Griffith Chief of Police Greg Mance (now retired), Pastor Bill Jones of the United Methodist Church, Marlene Starcevich, Father Theodore Mens, Father Greg Bim-Merle, Lt. Paul Sines and Commander Curt Burrow also of the Griffith Police Department.
First responders share how religion has impacted their life 
Sunday morning light illuminates the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a stained-glass window at St. Bridget, Hobart. (Angela Hughes photo)
Seven ways Catholics can honor Mary this May
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Eastern and Western Churches join in celebrating the success of St. Mary’s Byzantine 
Bishop McClory
Diocese begins revealing plans for Catholic schools with support from Big Shoulders Fund
A photo taken in the spring a few years ago shows one of the locations on the churchgrounds of Nativity of Our Savior in Portage that is maintained by the parish's Garden Angels group. (Provided photo)
Parishioners ready to make places of worship beautiful this spring 
Fran Callahan (right), of DeMotte, and Kathy DeGuilio Fox, of Highland, lead the assembly line of Notre Dame Club of Northwest Indiana members and friends filling Ben's Blue Bags with items for autistic and other special needs youth and adults who need calming in a crisis. The service project for the Crown Point nonprofit was part of the 12th annual ND Global Day of Service. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Notre Dame alumni and parents help autism group reach out
Representing the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Sister Donna Liette, C.PP.S. (second from left) and Father David Kelly, C.PP.S., are presented with the Calumet College of St. Joseph Corporate Leadership Award by student Josh Morris (left) and college president Dr. Amy McCormack. The honor was announced at the 60th Annual Board of Trustees' Scholarship Gala on April 11 at the Hard Rock Casino in Gary. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
College honors students, alumni and supporters at scholarship gala
At St. Patrick parish's vigil Mass on Saturday, April 26, youth received a special blessing as part of the Catholic Church's celebration of the Jubilee for Teens. Father Jon Plavcan, pastor, preached on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who he said "did not waste time," but rather loved others as he served the Eucharistic Lord. Those gathered at the Chesterton church had the opportunity to venerate a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. (Anthony D. Alonzo Photo)
Jubilee for Teens Mass-goers hear of Blessed Carlo Acutis’ example
Father Ted Mauch leads a Holy Hour on Divine Mercy Sunday at St. John the Evangelist in St. John.
Confession, adoration, praise and worship reveal the mercy of Jesus
Bishop Robert J. McClory accepts the offertory gifts from Nataly Garcia of St. Mary in East Chicago and Cinthia Ortiz Lopez of St. Margaret Mary in Hammond, at the annual Mass for People with Disabilities on April 27 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. Not pictured is gift bearer Angela Darrol of Our Lady of Sorrows in Valparaiso. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Diocesan Mass provides opportunity for joyful serving
St. Mary of the Lake young adult group coordinator Albert Alfano (left) and parishioner Naomi Perez Mendez (right) hand out brochures at the Planet Fitness gym in Hobart in April. Leaders at the church in the Miller section of Gary have developed a ministry for young Catholics and continue outreach, including direct marketing, to help grow the initiative. (provided photo)
St. Mary of the Lake leaders focus on growing young adult involvement
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Mass and service reflects pontiff’s love for the poor
Melissa Meyer, director of Hospital Development for Life Line Stem Cell, explained at the Donate Life Remembrance hosted by Franciscan Health Crown Point on April 22 that the program to collect stem blood and stem cords from mothers after birth that began at that very hospital has now expanded to include 32 hospitals that provide that needed tissue to burn victims and others. Seated at her right is Father Tony Janik, O.F.M., director of Spiritual Care Services at the hospital, who offered an opening prayer
Donor remembrance honors the heroes who gave life to others
Sister M. Petra Nielsen, vice president of mission integration for Franciscan Health’s Northern Division, shares a laugh with her younger brother, James Nielsen and the Rev. Tony Janik during a recent reunion in the St. James Chapel at Franciscan Health Crown Point.
Franciscan Health Crown Point priest reunites with preemie he baptized 49 years ago
Zachary Dotson stands near the welcome booth of St. Joseph church in downtown Hammond on April 16. The Elect is set to formally join the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil, April 19, and said his early interest in the faith, then years of agnosticism have opened to his Holy Spirit-filled journey into the Church and a "completely different outlook" to life. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Hammond native fulfilled in the Catholic faith he missed as a youth
Bishop Robert J. McClory stands with the three most faithful altar servers at St. Stephen, Martyr during the parish's closing Mass on Feb. 15, (from left) Zak Campbell of Merrillville, Chris Neff of Crown Point and George Perosky of Merrillville. At right is Deacon Rob Litavecz, who trained the young men. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
People with disabilities display the true meaning of the Mass
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What is Divine Mercy Sunday?
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Diocese has big plans for Emmaus Conference in August
During Easter Sunday Mass on April 20 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels, Bishop Robert J. McClory (left) blesses a young celebrant while Father Michael Surufka, O.F.M., distributes the Holy Eucharist. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Christ’s resurrection brings hope to a world rocked by despair
Caption: Father Steven Caraher greets parishioners at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville following a Blessing of Easter Baskets on April 19. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Father Caraher shares experience of first Holy Week as a priest
Bishop Robert J. McClory celebrated the Mass of the Lord's Supper with parishioners at St. Mary in Crown Point. Also known as the Maundy Thursday service, the special liturgy commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples and highlights the institution of the Eucharist. Foot washing, symbolizing Jesus' humility, is done as an example of Christian service to one another. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Parish celebrates first Holy Week in church following renovation 
After being baptized, Cale Mendenhall (center) uses his sacramental candle to light the votive lamps of family members during the Easter Vigil on April 19, at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso. Seven individuals formally joined in full communion with the Catholic Church before a capacity congregation of worshipers. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
St. Teresa members joyfully initiated into Catholic Church at Easter Vigil
Bishop Robert J. McClory holds a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis following a Mass on Sept. 11 at St. Patrick in Chesterton. After the service, students and parishoners came forward to venerate the relic. The parish will also host a special Mass at 10 a.m. on Oct. 12, the Feast Day of Blessed Carlo Acutis, providing another opporunity for faithful to view the relic. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Mass, prayer and film honor first millennial saint 
Celebrating the life of Blessed Carlo
Bishop Robert J. McClory talks with Justin Abascal, an East Chicago firefighter who will receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and confirmation at St. Mary in Griffith on Holy Saturday, April 19. Baptized Catholic as an infant, Abascal has been studying the faith in preparation to become a full member of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Firefighter feels a pull toward completing Catholic sacraments
Artists (from left) Daniel Garcia and Hugo Salazar were on hand at St. Casimir School in Hammond to explain the visions they portrayed in their paintings displayed at the Hammond school's Visions of Leadership Art Gala on April 10. Garcia painted the things that make him happy, "soccer, school, nature, roller coasters and my house" while Salazar featured the word "JOY" to explain his feelings about being a "servant leader." (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Big Shoulders hosts arts open house to celebrate leadership