NWI Catholic Stories

SISTER MARY ELLEN GOELLER, PHJC
Fasting: Looking at abstinence in a new way
Father Jerry Schweitzer, a senior priest and scripture scholar in the Diocese of Gary, answers a question from the audience during the Women's Lenten Retreat at Holy Spirit in Winfield on Feb. 7. He discussed Women in the New Testament, most specifically Mary the Mother of God, and on the eve of Lent, urged his audience to share the Word of God with others. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Retreat prepares women for Lenten journey of discipleship
St. Michael Pastoral Associate Janice Gatons responds to a question on Feb. 5, during a parish program inspired by a series called Lectio Eucharist found on FORMED that is based on the book, “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist." After watching videos, participants had small and large group discussions in St. Patrick's hall of the parish. (Lynda Hemmerling photo)
Program makes connections, answers questions about the Eucharist
Participants listen to Father David Kime, pastor of Queen of All Saints in Michigan City, lead a discussion during the Feb. 5 class on “Six Great Ideas.” The six-session course is based on the book of the same name by Mortimer J. Adler. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Priest leads QAS group through mental calisthenics
Encouraging almsgiving, St. John Bosco principal Nancy Repay (left) and SJB pastor Father Jeffrey Burton (right) praise students Jennifer Loza and Diego Duron for their efforts during a Catholic Schools Week personal care items drive for the needy on Feb. 2 in Hammond. The principal said the successful endeavor, led by the students with a sense of charity, will help assist the growing number of local residents experiencing financial strain. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Area faithful draw closer to God with Lenten practices
A cozy reading nook is available in the Title I reading resource room added last fall at Aquinas Catholic Community School in Merrillville. Taking advantage of it for some quiet reading on Jan. 31 during Catholic Schools Week are eighth graders (from left) Vanessa Ruiz, Vanessa Huizar, Kayla Douts and Yaritza Favela. "It's calmer here," said Huizar, while Favela said the facility allows students to "be connected" as they learn. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
School thriving with enhanced services offered by new addition
Bishop Robert J. McClory passes by students Queen of Saints students as he randomly picked students to answer questions as part of his homily during the Catholic Schools Week All City Mass in Marquette’s Scholl Center on January 29. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Diocesan students joyfully assemble to reinforce faith
Eddie Limon, Bishop Noll Institute class of 1985, leads a session of the Hammond school’s Freshman Seminar in November. The Texas-based chemical processing company executive was on hand for the get-acquainted initiative to help motivate young students to focus on their education and future opportunities it may create. (Provided photo)
Former quarterback, executive returns to BNI with career advice
"Sometimes I just touch it to make sure it's still here," admitted Heather Williams of the plaque she received last fall as Indiana D.A.R.E. Teacher of the Year. "I'm still shocked," added the fifth-grade teacher at St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
St. Mary’s Williams named DARE Teacher of the Year
Bishop Robert J. McClory preaches at the fourth diocesan Lenten holy hour, at St. Patrick in Chesterton on March 18, 2021. Many area faithful avail themselves of inspirational and sacramental offerings as they continue with prayer, fasting and almsgiving during the 40-day season of Lent which leads to Easter, or Resurrection Sunday. (Northwest Indiana Catholic file photo/Anthony D. Alonzo)
Local faithful ponder ways fruitful Lent leads to joyful Easter
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Spiritual Direction: Nourishing the soul and noticing subtle ways God speaks
Jackie Martinez reacts as her boyfriend, Joey Bowen, proposes to her in Holy Family Parish - St. Peter Church on Oct. 14, 2023. (Photo provided)
LaPorte man proposes to girlfriend in presence of Blessed Sacrament 
National Marriage Week – February 7-14
More than 2,000 pro-life advocates, led by Mater Dei High School of Evansville students holding the official signage for the Indiana March for Life, pass the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument and make their way up Meridian Street in Indianapolis on Jan. 22. More than 50 diocesan faithful joined the events, traveling by a chartered bus to attend Mass presided over by Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis in the Indiana Convention Center, followed by the march, which led to the south lawn of the state
Dozens of diocesan faithful participate in pro-life events in state capital
Bishop Noll Institute students select from pasteries during a National School Choice Week Rally at the Hammond school on Jan. 24. BNI's upperclassmen spent part of their day at a motivational presentation about education opportunities delivered by an area pastor and were then treated to sweets from Munster Donut. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Students urged to use opportunity to make education count
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Catholic Schools Week celebrates thriving vision of diocesan schools
At Bishop Noll Institute, school friends and family gather for a princess brunch coordinated by alumni Dee Dee Buck (seated, left of Santa) and her husband, George Buck (left) in December. During the event to benefit BNI, more than 90 princesses and those they accompanied were part of the storybook meal, an example of recent efforts by BNI graduates to support thier alma mater. (provided photo)
Noll couple celebrities 50 years of Catholic education boosting
Spanish teacher Caleb Sheets (left) and assistant athletic director Emmery Joseph (right) stand in a stairwell at Marquette Catholic High School on Jan. 11 in Michigan City. Both excited to be at their alma mater, the collaegues each returned four years after their graduations - Sheets in 2022 and Joseph in 2023. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Marquette and Andrean alumni return to campus ready to mentor
Five members of the class of '73, (from left) Karen Neal, Joe Majchrowicz, Dave Talenco, Marian Kritsch and Mike Neal, had such a good time at their 50-year reunion last fall that they came together again at the Bishop Noll Institute Alumni Watch Party on Jan. 20 to cheer on the Warriors over the Whiting Oilers and salute their 1972-73 boys basketball team that won the IHSAA Regional title and advanced to semi-state. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Class of ’73 continues golden reunion at Alumni Watch Party
A Catholic Schools Week message is pictured on the sign at St. John Bosco School in Hammond. Like other diocesan schools, SJB will celebrate CSW from Jan. 28 - Feb. 3 with academic events, prayer and liturgy, charitable endeavors and leisure activities. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Principals draw from experience to host fun, real showcase
Principals draw from experience to host fun, real showcase
Dr. Julie Peller, a chemistry professor and environmental researcher at Valparaiso University, presents a program on "Church Teaching on Our Responsibility to Care For the Environment" at her parish, Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville, on Jan. 16. "I can'r separate out my faith from what I do (as a scientist)," she told her audience. "We are leaving our children and grandchildren a lot of problems, and it's time we start doing something about them." (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Scientist outlines ways to stem environmental degradation
Women prayer warriors at St. Paul in Valparaiso participate in an 11-week Bible study, "Discovering Our Dignity." The faith-filled group always welcomes any women interested to join them. (Angela Hughes photo)
Women’s Bible study invites conversation and personal growth
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ICC brings voice of Church to legislature, calls on Catholics to engage on issues
St. John the Evangelist parishioners T.J. Nee and Matt Rohr accompany Rosa Marian, of St. Patrick, in putting together plasticware settings. The three participated with about 30 other volunteers who prepared food and served about 30 people at the St. Patrick Soup Kitchen on Jan. 6. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
New outreach program provides food, fellowship
"Peace is Flowing Like a River" and "Christ Be Our Light" were hymns sung by attendees at the Prayer Service for Peace held at St. Matthias in Crown Point on Jan. 3. Education Committee members organized the event that drew about 20 people for hymns, prayers, scripture readings, a reflection by diaconal candidate Brad Hendrickson and Eucharistic Adoration. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Year starts with St. Matthias parishioners reflecting on Beatitudes
Visitors tour, and photograph, St. Mary the Immaculate Conception during the Michigan City Sacred Architecture Tour on Nov. 26. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Michigan City churches open their doors for sacred architectural tour
Father Nate Edquist
Support vocations year-round in your parishes and ministries
Father Nate Edquist, vocations director for the Diocese of Gary, spoke at the Dec. 29 Serra Club dinner at St. Bridget, summarizing a discernment retreat attended by 11 young men and hosted by the 12 current seminarians at the Cedar Lake Conference Center on Dec. 27-29. "We used a video series and discussion group (to discuss the priesthood)," said Father Edquist, adding that one discerner is currently applying for the seminary, while several others have expressed an interest. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Serra Club shares Mass and dinner with seminarians, families
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Northwest Indiana will always be in the prayers of Carmelite Sisters
Letter from Sister Maria Giuseppe
Girls residing at the St. Joseph Carmelite Home in East Chicago gather together for a picture in the late 1930s. (Provided photo)
Legacy built on determination of foundress, support of community 
In Thanksgiving for the Carmelite Sisters
Nine-year-old Corrina Torres 'teaches' Sister Bernarda how to hold a baby doll as residents of the St. Joseph Carmelite Home open Christmas presents in 1988 at the East Chicago facility operated for 111 years by the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. (Provided photo)
Carmelite Home alumnae recall ‘always feeling loved’ by sisters
In Thanksgiving for the Carmelite Sisters
April Scott Shoppa
Family urges homeowners to buy CO monitor
Deacon Mike Prendergast
Prisoners trust deacon who opens his heart to them
Members of the Daughters of Isabella circle 1166 of St. Edward parish gather for a Christmas party on Dec. 14 at McVey's Restaurant in Lowell. The women's group, part of an international organization founded 1897 to promote unity, friendship and charity, has seen local membership grow to 33 and includes ladies of different ages, backgrounds and professions. (provided photo)
Catholic women’s group thrives after 55 years at St. Edward
Parents Kyle and Michelle Carlay, of St. John, and (at right) aunt Irene Copak, of Crown Point, watch young Maya Carlay taste broccoli along with some traditional Filipino foods at the Simband Gabi dinner held at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville on Dec. 16. Close to 100 people enjoyed lumpla (egg rolls), picadillo (beef over rice) and pancit (chicken and rice noodles); those looking for traditional American fare munched on pizza and baked chicken. The family was happy to be sharing their culture and
Filipino families mark Christmas traditions with Simbang Gabi Mass
During the recessional procession, Bishop Robert J. McClory (front, right) smiles as he blesses the faithful and is preceeded by Father Michael Surufka (left), O. F. M., rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Angels, and followed by Deacon Martin Brown (center), at the Christmas Eve vigil Mass on Dec. 24 in Gary. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Christmas Eve liturgy filled with song, scripture and salvation
Cathy Scolaro, faith formation coordinator at St. Mary in Crown Point, is excited about the new Holy Moments program that is being incorporated at the parish. Based on a book by Matthew Kelly, the program encourages students to seek their full potential daily. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
St. Mary Faith Formation encourages students to seek their full potential daily
Discipleship
New team focuses on missionary discipleship in parishes
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Christmas made better by generous hearts
Michigan City's Washington Park all lit up with Christmas decorations through Jan. 6, 2024 between the hours of 3-8 p.m. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Festival of Lights provided special memories growing up 
An "Elf on the Shelf" named Conchita by staff and students at St. Stanislaus School in East Chicago shows excitement for the Advent season. (Provided photo)
St. Stanislaus welcomes Conchita – the school’s Elf on the Shelf
Junior nursing major Bryn Benzing (second from left) receives a Mexican sampler plate from volunteer Robert Bollman (right) as she is joined by other Valparaiso University students at the Advent Dinner event hosted at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center on Dec. 10. The annual pre-Christmas gathering staffed by church and ministry members featured snacks from various cultures, music and fellowship to Help support students through their finals. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Pre-Christmas tradition inspires faith and fellowship
Father Patrick Gawrylewski, OFM, reads a prayer while Elsa Cortez and Joel Cortez look on. The invocation was part of a Nov. 26 ceremony to name the Sacred Heart of Jesus Hall at Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake. The name was chosen in recognition of the five-foot-tall Sacred Heart statue that was refurbished about six years ago. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Newly named space at Holy Name of Jesus cements sense of community
Bishop McClory attending panel discussion at Notre Dame
Notre Dame program discusses rising tide of antisemitism 
Faithful among more than 100 pilgrims follow a truck carrying a large statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe as they participate in the third intra-city “Great Guadalupana Walk” in Gary on Dec. 3. Catholics moved on foot or in vehicles as the large statue of the Blessed Mother was transported on a five-mile journey from Ss. Monica and Luke to St. Joseph the Worker where the novena celebration continued in the Glen Park neighborhood. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Annual walk inspires faithful to honor Our Lady, draw closer to God
Queen of All Saints seventh and eighth graders enjoy a turkey dinner by candlelight on Nov. 16. The dinner in a formal setting allowed the students to learn and practice manners and etiquette. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Candlelight dinner gives QAS students opportunity to polish up on their etiquette
Father Nate Edquist (from left), vocations director for the Diocese of Gary and pastor of Holy Family Parish in LaPorte, greets three young men, all from Valparaiso, at the annual Andrew Dinner hosted on Nov. 30 by Queen of All Saints in Michigan City. Hank Calhoun of St. Paul (from left), Juan Carmona from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton and Greg Gillen of St. Paul were invited by their pastors to explore the priesthood at the dinner and Mass with an eye toward discernment. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Young men asked to consider a calling to the priesthood
At Catholic Charities in Gary, Executive Director Terry Seljan (from left) welcomes a donation of winter outerwear for 50 children from St. Matthias Knights of Columbus Council 16945 members Scott May, Mike Havens and Sam Brune of Crown Point on Nov. 15. Council 16945 has participated in the Knights' nationwide Coats for Kids project since it was established five years ago. (Provided photo)
Knights reach milestone with donation of one million coats nationwide
Young St. Patrick parishioners including Stephen Raffin (left), 13, and Cecelia Ruge (center), 6, select ornaments with attached gift requests at the Chesterton church on Nov. 19. Across the diocese, faithful coordinating angel trees, food chains and other charitable efforts have sought to help those in need during Advent and Christmastime. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Faithful gear up for Thanksgiving and Advent with charity
Paul Jarzembowski (right), a Dyer native currently working for the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in Washington, DC, chats with cousins David (left) and Maureen Wozniak, parishioners at St. John the Evangelist in St. John., before sharing some ways to reduce stress during the hectic holiday season as told in his new book, "Hope for the Holidays." Jarzembowski spoke to more than 100 people at a dinner program sponsored by the Diocese of Gary and parishes in Merrillville, Crown Point, Schererville and St
Author offers practical ways to reduce stress and find joy
Rusin siblings Chris (left), 7, and Kinga, 10, display the Advent wreath they decorated at a workshop at Holy Name of Jesus on Nov. 11. The Cedar Lake parish hall played host to the Crafting with a Purpose session, where coordinators reminded participants about the faith-affirming meaning of the festive trim. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Holy Name parishioners ‘craft with a purpose’