NWI Catholic Stories

Father Mike Surufka
Order of Friars Minor reassigned, preparing to leave Gary in June
‘Missionaries are Meant to Eventually Leave’ 
Chris and Linda Padgett
Diocesan retreat creates time for couples to grow together 
EMBRACE!
Seminarian Gianni DiTola
Seminarians receive Ministry of Lector in Rome
PNAC 2026 Lector Installation
ICC logo
Firing squad as new execution method draws serious concerns
Senate Bill 11
Father Jon Plavcan, pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Community, and Susan Hadenfelt, St. Patrick School principal, pose together with Father Plavcan’s certificate he received after the pair completed Chesterton Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Citizens police academy allows pastor and principal to experience police life  
Walking In Their Shoes
Maria Sanchez (left) and Beatrice Chavez, both from Lake Station, place incense crystals on one of several plates set out at the foot of the altar during Solemn Vespers on Jan. 4 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. Worshippers were invited to incense the monstrance holding the Holy Eucharist as the Diocese of Gary officially closed the Jubilee Year of 2025, as Pope Leo XIV did at the Vatican earlier in the week. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
As jubilee year closes at cathedral, message of hope continues
Pilgrims of Hope
Getty Images/Kara Gebhardt
As new year starts, priests encourage faithful to make spirituality a resolution
Building a Closer Relationship with God
Father Michael Hoffman
St. Paul celebrates life of former associate pastor
Father Michael J. Hoffman (1942-2025)
The leading throng of mainly Catholic youth carry a pro-life banner near Monument Circle during the Indiana March for Life on Jan. 22 in Indianapolis. The state march, in its eighth year, is a localized version of the National March for Life, which, since 1974, has brought together millions of concerned Americans who wish to publicly proclaim the Gospel of Life – to establish legal protections for the unborn from abortion and promote a womb-to-tomb respect for human life. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Faithful to rally for sanctity of all human life at various events throughout January
Praying for an End to Abortion
Adam White of the Music Ministry at St. Maria Goretti in Dyer, leads children on a musical procession to teach them about movement during the Christmas Vacation Bible Day on Dec. 29. They also sang “Go Tel It On The Mountain,” “Silent Night” and “Joy to the World” to celebrate Jesus Christ’s birth. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Children celebrate Jesus’ birthday by learning to shine their light
Christmas Vacation Bible Day
Jacob Robert Patrick Kelly Jr. was born to Mattie Tengdin and Jacob Kelley of Crown Point at 1:29 a.m. at Franciscan Health Crown Point, making him the first baby born at the hospital in 2026.
Franciscan Health welcomes first babies of new year
Happy New Year!
Faithful from across the diocese gather for an indoor procession leading to the baptismal font at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary on Dec. 29 to celebrate the anticipation of the Jubilee Year 2025. The Catholic Church recognizes the 2,025th anniversary of the Incarnation of Our Lord and dioceses around the nation will commence efforts of "great spiritual, ecclesial and social significance in the life of the Church," according to the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. (Anthony D. Alonzo ph
Cathedral will host special solemn vespers to conclude the jubilee year
Hope Continues
Father Ivan Alatorre and Father Jeff Burton filled 500 holy water bottles and then volunteers stuffed Home Blessing Kit bags the week before the Feast of the Epiphany. (Provided photo)
Diocese to celebrate Epiphany with Mass, food and home blessings
The Visit of the Magi
The Serra Club made sure that the two Diocese of Gary seminarians studying in Rome had a presence at its annual Seminarian Christmas Party on Dec. 26 at St. Bridget in Hobart. Before they took their places at their dinner tables, cutouts of Gianni DiTola and Ryan Pierce were “greeted” by Father Ivan Alatorre (left) and Deacon Will O’Donnell. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Serra Club hosts annual Christmas party to support vocations
Dining with Seminarians
Franciscan Father Michael Surufka (center) makes announcements at the conclusion of Mass on Christmas Eve in the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. The Dec. 24 liturgy, among the earliest offered in the diocese to celebrate Nativity of the Lord, was presided over by Bishop Robert J. McClory and attended by believers from across the Region. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
During Christmas Eve Mass bishop implores imitation of Jesus’ vulnerability, faithfulness
Christmas at the Cathedral
Simbang Gabi
Diocese celebrates Simbang Gabi with Filipino community 
'It's Tradition'
Children in religious education classes at St. Bridget, kindergarten through fifth grade, shake bells as they sing a rousing version of “Jingle Bells” at the Hobart parish’s Christmas party on Dec. 20. Close to 200 parishioners and their guests enjoyed a bountiful potluck dinner and holiday entertainment, including a visit from Santa Claus. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
St. Bridget celebrates Jesus’ birth by helping needy and sharing dinner
Christmas Comes Early
Holy Name of Jesus
Cultural tradition honors the journey of Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem
Las Posadas
Our Lady of Grace
Parish continues its outreach to the elderly this Advent
Christmas Dinner For The Homebound
Father Peter Muha
Communal penance services help faithful reflect on ways to strengthen their spirituality
Preparing Hearts for Jesus
Third Week of Advent
Bishop celebrates Gaudete Sunday with parish community of St. Mary
An Excellent Advent
“Each day, take a moment to repeat Mary’s words, “Let it be done to me as you say,” Deacon Ron Pyle challenged his audience as he offered an Advent reflection on Dec. 10 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton in Valparaiso. His topic for the second of three weekly Evening Prayer Services was faith, the Blessed Mother was his example of having complete faith in God. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Reflection on ‘treasures’ inspire worshippers during Advent journey
Evening Prayer Service
Father David Kime and his sister, Andrea Bojrab, pose in front of Bojrab’s painting, Mary, Queen of All Saints that was unveiled and blessed by Bishop Robert J. McClory on Dec. 8. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
 Pastor’s vision of Mary, Queen of All Saints, becomes reality thanks to sister’s gift
A Very Powerful Painiting
Sean Martin and Judy Holicky
Missionary discipleship office to support parish leaders through new fund 
Supporting Continuing Faith Formation
Halo Ministry
Halo Ladies spread Christmas cheer, prepare for annual bake sale
St. Joseph Women's Ministry
St John the Evangelist Our Lady of Guadlupe
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is vibrant cultural celebration
Faith, Culture and Indigenous Identity
St Patrick in Chesteron
St. Patrick hosts exhibit featuring Saint Nicholas and Nativity scenes
Preparing for Christmas
Father Martin Dobrzynski
Dream a Little Dream
An Advent Reflection
Amber Morris, left, is examined in her home by Franciscan Health Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner Vickie Allison.
Franciscan Health Palliative Care offers hope to patients
Managing Chronic Illness
Bishop Robert J. McClory incenses nativity scene statuary displayed near the sanctuary as Deacon Ivan Alatorre (right) watches at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary during Christmas Vigil Mass on the evening of Dec. 24. Bishop McClory presided at the Mass, which featured beautiful vocal and musical performances, and reminded believers that Bethlehem means "House of Bread," and that from the place of Jesus' birth to the present, Catholics nourish themselves on the Bread of Life. (Anthony D. Alonzo phot
Longing for the Messiah 
Faith logo
Diocese launches new magazine this Advent
Faith Northwest Indiana
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Crown Point parishes invite all to pause and prepare
Advent Retreat
The Holy Spirit Youth Choir participates in the Eucharistic Procession at the Winfield church on the final day of the 40 Hours of Devotion hosted by the One Catholic Family parishes on the weekend of Nov. 21-23. The services began on Friday at St. Helen in Hebron, continued on Saturday at St. Mary in Kouts, and concluded on Sunday at Holy Spirit. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Three parishes host 40 Hours of Devotion to prepare for Advent
Adoring the Eucharist
Andrean High School juniors Bruce Moorhouse (third from left), Brady Quinn (second from right) and Mitchell Myers (right) wave to fans at the conclusion of the Class 2A state football championship game where the 59ers defeated the Braves 7-0 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Nov. 29. Local fans traversed snowy conditions to see the 59ers earn their fourth state championship and first since 2021, thereby getting bumped up from Class 2A to Class 3A for future football scheduling by the Indiana High Scho
Andrean stops top offense, claims fourth state football title 
59ers Earn Crown
Volunteers at St. Maria Goretti in Dyer collect the angel tree information, help make the tags, distribute the tags, and collect and distribute the gifts. (Provided photo)
Parishes continue to help families through holiday project
Angel Tree Tradition
Deacon Bucheit
LaPorte clergyman had passion for serving God’s people 
Deacon Robert Bucheit (1934–2025)
The congregation at St. Joseph the Worker in Gary serenades a historic statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe on Nov. 30, following the annual procession with the statue from Ss. Monica and Luke to kick off the novena leading up to Our Lady’s feast day on Dec. 12. Most Rev. McClory offered his blessing on those gathered and joined in the singing of “La Guadalupana” after the five-mile pilgrimage.
Winter procession through Gary honors Our Lady of Guadalupe
Parishioners from St. John the Evangelist and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs proportion meals for delivery Nov. 26. (Provided photo)
St. John the Evangelist and Our Lady Queen of Martyrs partner for Thanksgiving meal deliveries
New Joint Ministry
Marquette Catholic High School performing arts students Chris Lawhorn (Oberon) and Ella Crane (Titania) exchange lines during a scene of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Nov. 13. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
A broken leg doesn’t stop the show from going on  
'It was Pretty Intense'
Bishop Noll students with Bishop McClory after the Diocesan Mass
Teens hear Pope Leo XIV on Faith, AI, and the present Church
NCYC 2025
A group of candidates and their sponsors from Holy Family Parish in LaPorte and other parishes in the Diocese of Gary participate in the Rite of Call to Continuing Conversion at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels on Nov. 23. Deacon Dennis Guernsey announced each candidate’s name as Bishop Robert J. McClory recognized and accepted their intent to fully join the Catholic Church. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Rite of Call candidates welcomed into the Kingdom of God
Continuing their Journey
Father Jaime Perea
Saint was a pioneer in spreading the Gospel in Asia
Celebrating the Feast of St. Francis Xavier
Thanksgiving meal prep boxes for families
Franciscan Health provides Thanksgiving meal prep boxes for families facing food insecurity
In Giving, We Recieve
“People came up the Missouri River Valley as a conduit from Missouri and Kentucky … and through Indiana in a separate move headed to Detroit,” Dr. Larry McClellan, the lead project historian of the Midwest Underground Railroad Network, told Boomers and Beyond members and their guests at St. John the Evangelist in St. John on Nov. 19. He made a plea for local residents interested in history to assist the project research. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Northwest Indiana residents helped Freedom Seekers escape slavery
People Helping People
Father Mike Yadron (center), pastor of St. Thomas More, raises a host during the Eucharistic Prayer at Mass in the Munster Church on Nov. 16. Parish leaders opted to gather for an 80th anniversary celebration of the church’s founding with the recent Mass and brunch, waiting five years after pandemic protocols would have affected a diamond anniversary event. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Long-awaited anniversary celebrates life of St. Thomas More parish
Diamond Anniversary Plus Five
Hallow logo
Diocese of Gary to expand partnership with Hallow
Simple Daily Prayers For Advent And Beyond
Mass for Black Catholic History Month
Diocese remembers heroes of faith, saints of the past, in special liturgy
Black Catholic History Month
Conference '25
Liturgical ministers receive message of hope during diocesan two-day event
Conference '25
During an intermission between his two presentations on Nov. 8, Catholic ethicist Father Tad Pacholczyk, Ph.D., talks with attendee Jeffery Wozniak, a member of Parishioners for Life at St. Patrick in Chesterton and sexton of the parish cemetery. “Sacred Decisions on Life and Death,” was sponsored by the Diocese of Gary at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs South Campus in Merrillville. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Ethicist shares Catholic positions on infertility and end-of-life issues
Sacred Decisions On Life And Death
Veterans Day Program at St. Thomas More
Diocesan parishes and schools show appreciation for veterans
Honoring Those Who Served