NWI Catholic Stories

Participants of the 37th annual Piesza Polonija Pielgrzymka Maryjna (Polish Marian Walking Pilgrimage) approach Munster's Carmelite Shrine to eat, freshen up and later attend Mass celebrated by Bishop Robert J. McClory on Saturday night, Aug. 11. Overnight pilgrims, who walked from Chicago, then began the trek to Merrillville's Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine in the morning, anticipating arrival for Sunday afternoon Mass. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Polish Marian Pilgrimage is public expression of faith, tradition
Angel Mills, who became a catechist for the first time last year at St. John the Evangelist in St. John, shares some information Aug. 5 with Nathan Puch, a new religious education classroom aide. Parishes throughout the diocese have catechists between the ages of 17 and 82 sharing their wisdom and witness to the Catholic faith. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Catechists of all ages rock the religious education world
Bishop Robert J. McClory (lower left) gives a high-five to Beth White (second from right), trustee of Dean and Barbara White Family Foundation, at the event announcing the 10-year commitment by the philanthropic organization to donate $150 million to Big Shoulders Fund, on June 12 at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake. In early August, officials from the diocese and Big Shoulders said they have been working on legal documents and crafting a long-range plan for the use of the historic gift within the 2
Big Shoulders continues schools partnership with White Family gift
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Father Lou explains the Assumption, reflects on the Blessed Mother
Seminarians and discerners pray the Rosary while enjoying a hike during the Quo Vadis retreat at Camp Lawrence in Porter County on Aug. 5. The three-day sessions named after the Latin phrase meaning "Where are you going?" afforded the opportunity for young men considering a priestly vocation to interact with diocesan seminarians in prayer, catechesis and recreational activities. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Quo Vadis helps young minds explore priestly vocation 
Frances Vasquez, RoseMary Vicari, Monie Wendlinger (chairperson) and Shirley Manning organize school supplies at Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake. Pastoral Associate Mercedes Austgen said its parishioners are very generous in all collections for peace and social justice initiatives. The church also organizes collections that benefit the Humane Society, Mommy's Haven, Women's Care Center, and a Giving Tree for families in need at Christmastime. (Provided photo)
Parishes help students prepare for another school year 
Leprechaun hunters take off from the starting line as the horn is sounded. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Thousands turn out for Sharing Meadows’ 30th annual Leprechaun Hunt
Father Jacob McDaniel talks with (from left) parishioners Greg and Megan Brennecke, of Chesterton, and Sara Ehlers, of Valparaiso, after the second session of a three-part series, "Return," at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso, July 30-Aug. 1. The series focused on how to prepare yourself to evangelize family members, friends and neighbors who have fallen away from the Church, because the faithful must first have a true relationship with God "before you can share it with other peopl
Evangelization begins with boosting your own prayer life
Diocese prepares to put faith into action through special outreach activities
Diocese prepares to put faith into action through special outreach activities 
On the park grass at Monument Circle, Indianapolis, Father Robert Ross reflects on the profound reaches of God’s grace during National Eucharistic Congress mid-July. “He's radiating his grace, and I felt that at the Congress his ‘UV index’ was higher….The Lord is doing something, and He just wants us to witness it, to absorb it and praise Him for it because this is all His work.” (Provided photo)
Priests reflect and share morsels of Eucharistic Revival experience
Members of the Serra Club of Northwest Indiana gather with Diocese of Gary Bishop Robert J. McClory (front row center) and club chaplain Father Dominic Bertino (to the bishop's left) to celebrate the club's 70-year anniversary with a Mass and luncheon on July 28. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Serra Club gaining strength as it celebrates milestone
Church elder Antonio Sparks from Faith United in Dolton, Ill. raises his hand in praise as choir members perform during the Community Hymn & Spiritual Fest at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary on July 28. The fourth annual event, sponsored by the non-profit arts and education organization Americolor Performing Arts Inc., featured dozens of singers and musicians led by music directors from several Gary churches. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Hymn and Spiritual Fest fills cathedral, hearts with praise
A worshipper raises their hands as the Blessed Sacrament is displayed on an altar in a large monstrance at Lucas Oil Stadium during a revival and adoration session of the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis on July 17. Pilgrims at the congress shared memorable moments in communal prayer, private devotion and lively fellowship among expereinces some spoke about as life-changing manifestations of the Holy Spirit. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Attendees share life-changing moments at NEC
Archdiocese of Indianapolis priest Father Jonathan Meyer, a member of the USCCB’s Eucharistic Procession sub-committee, decorates the altar upon which the processional monstrance will be set, in a float parked at Holy Rosary church on July 20. With the help of archdiocesan volunteers, Father Meyer and the crew completed the project that morning for the grand Eucharistic procession where thousands of Catholics walked in downtown Indianapolis to the Indiana World War Memorial Plaza for a benediction and prai
Indy faithful welcome NEC, share blessings
Forty thousand National Eucharistic Congress attendees welcome piligrins "From the Four Corners" of the U.S. into Lucus Oil Stadium in Indiasnapolis for the opening of the NEC on July 17, and after they had all surrounded the alktar, Bishop Andrew Cozzens carried the monstrance in for Eucharistic Adoration. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Pilgrims from throughout U.S. arrive to participate in National Eucharistic Congress
Following the National Eucharist Congress in Indianapolis, Judy Wohadlo, Mary Beth Benson and Pam Mizwicki share pamphlets and information July 22 during their prayer group at a friend's home in Crown Point. They are on fire and desire to continue to be courageous witnesses to the Eucharistic Lord. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Women returning from pilgrimage to National Eucharistic Congress are on fire to share Jesus
135th Jubilee Mass at Sacred Heart
Sacred Heart celebrates 135th jubilee this summer
Flanked by transitional deacons Ivan Alatorre (left) and Alex Kouris (second from right), Bishop Robert J. McClory opens a Diocesan Day Mass at the National Eucharistic Congress by reading from the Order of Holy Mass held by seminarian Will O'Donnell. Five busloads of Catholics from the Diocese of Gary joined hundreds of other Northwest Indiana residents already in attendance for a day at the NEC on July 20. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Five hundred NWI faithful gather to adore Jesus Christ
Nearly 100 pilgrims from across the Gary Diocese gathered at St. Patrick Catholic Church for a Commissioning Mass for the National Eucharistic Congress. Pictured are the faithful as they are blessed by Bishop Robert J. McClory. The Mass was held July 15. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Bishop McClory gives suggested packing list to faithful during Commissioning Mass
Members of the St. Paul Pedallers gets ready to begin their ride in early May. (Photo provided)
Donahue family’s passion for biking changes gears into parish ministry
Dr. Amy McCormack, president of Calumet College of St. Joseph in Hammond, is greeted by Pope Francis as she participates in a private audience with him at the Vatican during a recent visit to Italy with the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime exoerience," said Dr. McCormack, whoconversed with the pointiff about educational issues. (Photo courtesy of Vatican Media)
College president gains perspective through Vatican trip
Totus Tuus missionary Mac Nowalk (center) finds himself covered with various edible toppings, as students from the summer religious education classes continue to pour it on at St. Mary parish in East Chicago on June 21. Since 2016, Sean Martin, of the Diocese of Gary's Office of Office of Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization (Catechesis and Faith Formation), has coordinated the program that offers Totus Tuus sessions at multiple parish locations. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
“Totally” dedicated missionaries teach inquisitive youth
Father Christopher Stanish, vicar general and moderator of the curia, slides into third base ahead of the tag by Seminarian Ryan Pierce as fellow discerner Nicholas Emsing (left) and Deaacon Alexander Kouris (right) look on during the inaugural Collars versus Scholars softball game at Andrean High School's baseball field in Merrillville on July 12. The softball contest between diocesan priests and seminarians, where the Collars prevailed over the Scholars 12-6, was a public event sponsored by the diocesan v
Inaugural softball game promotes vocations and pastime
Gathered to sing the closing hymn at the Rite of Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders Mass at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville on July 11 are seminarian Collin Van Waardenburg (from right) his parents, Patrick and Candice Van Waardenbyrg, and his grandmother, Henny Van Waardenburg. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Seminarian formally declares his intention to serve the Lord
Richard Stith, a St. Paul Catholic Church parishioner, kneels as the Deacon Ivan Alatorre carries the Blessed Sacrament along Campbell St. enroute to St. Paul Catholic Church as part the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage on July 3 in Valparaiso. Hundreds joined in the Eucharistic procession that began at St. Teresa of Avila Student Center. Richard’s wife, Rosemarie is standing next to him. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Nearly 300 hear Jesus’ calling to ‘follow me’
Day 5 - July 5
A visible display of faith is seen as a Eucharistic procession leads a group of pilgrims to Franciscan Health Michigan City along Frontage Road on July 4. (Angela Hughes photo)
Pilgrims believe that freedom reigns in Eucharistic Lord
Day 4 - July 4
At the Shrine of Christ’s Passion in St. John, seminarians and servers lead the faithful as Bishop Robert J. McClory carries a monstrance holding the Blessed Sacrament near host St. John the Evangelist on July 4. Perpetual pilgrims on the Marian Route of the National Eucharisitc Pilgrimage visited the parish, joining local faithful for Mass, a Eucharisitc procession, praying the Rosary and a patriotic-themed drone and fireworks show. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Eucharistic Pilgrimage participants celebrate, pray in St. John
Day 4 - July 4
Transitional Deacon Ivan Alatorre (right) carries the Eucharist in a monstrance on the last leg of the Eucharistic Procession through Valparaiso on July 3, the third day of the five-day visit in the Diocese of Gary by the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, headed to Indianapolis for the National Eucharistic Congress, July 17-21. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Porter County welcomes Jesus as they become pilgrims for a day
Day 3 - July 3
Father Martin J. Dobrzynski, pastor of St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville, prays with faithful in front of the Blessed Sacrament on July 2 in Redar Memorial Park in Schererville, Ind. Following adoration, pilgrims processed along the Old Savannah Trail, traveling 20 miles to Nativity of Our Savior in Portage, Ind. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Diocese of Gary faithful celebrate Jesus in the Eucharist
Day 2 - July 2
Bishop Robert J. McClory elevates the monstrance during benediction at Lakefront Park in Whiting as worshippers kneel before the Blessed Sacrament along with members of the perpetual pilgrims contingent traveling on the Marian Route of the National Eucharistic pilgrimage on July 1. Hundreds of diocesan faithful and visitors took part in the day's Christ-centered prayer, presentations, procession, benediction and festivities, which began at St. Mary Byzantine Catholic church and concluded at the Lake Michiga
National Eucharistic Pilgrimage’s Marian Route enters diocese
Day 1 - July 1
Claudia Sadowski, Ph.D., new diocesan Intercultural Ministry Coordinator, stands in the Pastoral Center in Merrillville on April 30. Sadowski worked for the Diocese of Lafayette-in-Indiana before joining the Diocese of Gary staff. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
New coordinator blends research and teaching with a strong faith
Bishop Robert J. McClory blesses the faithful during the recessional following the Holy Family Parish’s Mass in the Park at Fox Memorial Park in LaPorte on June 23. (Michael Wellinski photo)
Mass in the park draws hundreds for faith, food, and fun
Visitors gather in St. Peter's Square to pray the Angelus with Pope Francis at the Vatican June 30, 2024. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Pope: Heaven is for 'everyone, everyone, everyone'
Mark Gabrione of St. Joseph parish, Dyer, shakes hands with Bishop Robert J. McClory upon receiving his diploma during the Mass with the Conferral of Certificates of Completion for graduating members of the Lay Ecclesial Ministry Program, on June 20 at the Cathedral of The Holy Angels in Gary. The LEM Class of 2024 marked the first group to utilize instruction in Spanish as well as English. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Twenty-three new lay ministers urged to pray and serve
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Love and kindness marked ministry of deacon and his bride
Bob and Jill Sandilla pray the rosary with a group from of parishioners from Nativity of Our Savior and St. Teresa of Avila Student Center on June 19 outside Brickyard Healthcare - Portage Care Center. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Sandilla family rely on community, prayer, and faith during medical crisis
Volunteers gather near food pantry manager Tina Gunnum (front, second from right) at the Catholic Charities office in East Chicago, where an Ohio-based ministry prepared breakfast from a skillet for guests on June 7. At the Fir Street location, the visit from the Grace to Griddle team was facilitated through a family connection between a Catholic Charities volunteer and one of the attorneys who founded the mobile meals outreach. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Grace to Griddles ministry cooks for Catholic Charities food pantry 
Altar servers Zach Campbell (front, left) and Chris Neff carry the processional cross and candles during the Mass of Inclusion at St. Thomas More in Munster on June 23. AIM was publicly launched in March 2023 with a focus on engaging those with special needs with the worship and fellowship of the Church. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Ability Inclusion Ministry connects disabled with Church service
Billy Foster plays the keyboard as his wife, Renee’ Miles-Foster, sings during a performance. (Photo provided)
Noted Jazz musicians count their blessings as they weather life’s storms
St. Stanislaus Kostka Catholic School students Mariah Mitchell and Yahlin Serrano make the final adjustments on their paper airplanes May 24. Members of the Civil Air Patrol outreach spent the day at the Michigan City school introducing students to aviation through building paper airplanes. (Bob Wellinski photo)
St. Stan students given the ‘go’ to construct and fly paper airplanes
Bishop Noll Institute new graduates cheer for their classmates as they cross the stage in the gymnasium for the 101st commencement exercises in Hammond on June 6. The class of 2024 earned a record amount of college scholarship offers, according BNI administrators. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Words of appreciation flavor bittersweetness at graduation events
At the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary, Bishop Robert J. McClory (at right) says prayers over 15 men who stand at the sanctuary during the Mass of Ordination to the Diaconate on June 8. In his homily, the bishop said the clergymen should serve, as St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta recommended, with "JOY - for Jesus, Others and Yourself." (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Sixteen deacons ordained to minister with a servant’s heart
Daniel and Elsie Ponce celebrate 50 years of marriage while attending the Wedding Anniversary Mass on June 2 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. The Highland couple met in high school and said they have made their marriage last with love, respect and patient. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Couples renew marriage vows, look to Eucharist for strength
At the Cathedral of the Holy Angels, Bishop Robert J. McClory (right) speaks to transitional deacons Steven Caraher (middle, left) and Zachary Glick (middle, right) during the presentation of the candidates at the Mass of Ordination among the presence of dozens of diocesan clergymen and a full house of faithful in Gary on June 1. Father Caraher, a Munster native and St. Thomas More School alumnus, and Father Glick, a Highland native and Our Lady of Grace School alumnus, began their priestly service in the d
Diocese of Gary welcomes two new priests at Mass of Ordination
Bishop Robert J. McClory (center) incenses the monstrance during the True Presence: Night of Praise, Worship and Adoration on May 31 outside St. Mary church in Crown Point. The Eucharistic liturgical event was the kick-off to a summer of Eucharistic Revival events locally, which are connected this year's national Catholic movement. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Night of praise and adoration centers on Eucharistic Lord
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Young adults bring fun and authentic love of faith to summer youth camp
People walk in a Corpus Christi procession to the Basilica of St. Mary Major after Pope Francis’ Mass for the feast of the Body and Blood of Christ in Rome's Basilica of St. John Lateran June 2, 2024. (CNS photo/Lola Gomez)
Corpus Christi procession is not sign of pride but invitation, pope says
adoration
Diocese offers more ways to experience Jesus through Eucharist
Summer of Eucharistic Revival
Joe, Frankie and Gina Cascone celebrate Frankie's eighth-grade graduation two years ago. The Dyer family is headed to the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis this summer and encouraging other parishioners at St. Joseph to join them for the five-day event. "The nation is coming to Indy ... to bring us more alive in our faith," said Joe Cascone. (Provided photo)
Local Catholics headed to once-in-a-lifetime Eucharistic event
Eucharistic Congress 2024
Pilgrims process in a 12-mile walk from Laporte to Walker, Minn., along the Paul Bunyan State Trail during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage May 20, 2024. (OSV News photo/Courtney Meyer)
Eucharistic Pilgrimage crossing diocese a must-go for some
Eucharistic Pilgrimage 2024