NWI Catholic Stories

Father Ben Ross, pastor at St. Bridget in Hobart, talks with (left) Sister Benita Maria, C.M.C. and Sister Serene Jacob, C.M.C., both members of the Congregation of Mother of Carmel. St. Bridget hosted the annual luncheon hosted by the Serra Club of Northwest Indiana for religious sisters on Oct. 25. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Serra Club thanks religious sisters at annual fall luncheon
For All They Do
Homeowner Bill Greenfield, the 100th recipient of a lifechanging ramp from the St. Michael Wheelchair Ramp Ministry, thanks the three ministry volunteers, (from left) Deacon Tom Kubik, Rick Besich and ministry leader Jim Koeling. “This ramp gives my wife and I freedom, the ability to get out of the house, and offers us safety in case of a fire or other emergency,” said Greenfield. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Wheelchair ramp ministry helps families access their homes
Bishop McClory
Bishop celebrates Mass, makes classroom visits at St. Paul Catholic School
Luxury Bingo
Fundraiser brings together games, prizes and fun for women in need
Luxury Bingo
Maria Janes, an artist, paints the face of three-year-old Ezra Aguilar, son of Joel and Nicole Aguilar, of Crown Point, during the Dia de los Muertos celebration on Oct. 18 at Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake. According to information exhibited at the event in Sacred Heart Hall, “face painting turns the living into joyful symbols of the dead.” Wearing a “calavera” design shows that life and death are forever joined. . (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Parish celebrates Dia de los Muertos with artwork, exhibits and altar
Day of the Dead
Deacon Edward Jule Shultz
Deacon known for unwavering faith and gentle leadership
Deacon Edward Shultz (1947–2025)
Sharon Staley, a member of Miscarriage Mothers & Others, of Crown Point, lights a candle for a friend’s child at the candlelight vigil hosted by the group on Oct. 15 at Calumet Park Funeral Chapel in Merrillville in honor of the World Day of Remembrance for children who died through miscarriage, stillbirth and as infants. The ceremony was repeated at 7 p.m. local time throughout the world as families gathered to mourn their lost members and celebrate their lives. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Candlelight vigil helps families remember children lost too soon
Day of Remembrance
cutting ribbon
St. John the Evangelist named a 2025 Blue Ribbon School 
Blue Print for Excellence
Father Marty
Pastor shares meaning behind liturgical vestments
Theology Uncorked
Working on trailer skirting during their mission trip to Pine Ridge Reservation in southwest South Dakota last summer are One Catholic Family parishioners (from left) Rochelle McNamara, Paul Yankauskas, James Yankauskas and Leon Pawlowski. Photos from the trip were shared during a luncheon for supporters hosted on Sept. 14 at St. Helen in Hebron, which organized the trip. (Provided photo)
Mission trip to South Dakota previews partnership with Lakota people
Pine Ridge Reservation
Father Pat Kalich
Pastor will be remembered for service in education, faith and missionary work
Father Patrick Kalich (1949-2025)
New Volunteer Advocates for Seniors and Incapacitated Adults (VASIA) were sworn in at Lake Superior Court Oct. 15. Pictured are (l-r) Francine Gildon, Blanca Aranda, Christopher Mignogna, Lake Superior Court Probate Commissioner Ben Ballou and Lauree Pondinas. 
Commissioner swears in Franciscan Health’s latest VASIA class
Advocating for the Elderly, Incapacitated
Judges take an oath during Red Mass
Liturgy celebrates the divine gifts of wisdom, justice and compassion
Red Mass
Those behind the planning of the Filipino Mass pose for a picture. (Erin Ciszczon photo)Iszczon
Filipino Mass draws people from around diocese, showcases culture and faith
One Faith, One Lord
Deacon Robert Gromala
We are called to share in the Church’s missionary work
World Mission Sunday
Missionaries from the Diocese of Gary gather in front of the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, where they brought prayer intentions collected from faithful in Northwest Indiana. The group of 40 visited the church in Mexico City during a mission trip Sept. 25-30. (Provided photo)
Missionaries reflect on Mexico mission trip experience
Renewed Spirit
A circle is set up for discussion on pastoral care of immigrants at Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary.
Cathedral gathering provides means of pastoral care for immigrants
Circles of Peace
Deacon Tom Gryzbek (right) leads a group of nearly 50 people in one of the Sorrowful Mysteries outside of the Indiana State Prison Thursday evening prior to the execution of Roy Lee Ward. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Prayer vigil held outside Indiana State Prison prior to execution
'Why Are We Here?'
Father Joseph Pawlowski
Priest remembered for love and commitment to diocese
Father Joseph Pawlowski (1947–2025)
rosary
Diocesan faithful give witness to the power of the Rosary
Come, Pray Together
Pilgrims in Rome
Pilgrims return from visit to Italy during Jubilee Year of Hope
Bishop McClory with Pope Leo XIV
Bishop McClory embraces call to love the poor  
Dilexi te: Apostolic Exhortation of Pope Leo XIV on Love for the Poor
Carrying the bier with St. Francis’ habit to the altar during the Transitus of St. Francis service on Oct. 3 at Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake are (from left) young parishioners Matthew Linas, Anthony Linas, Jonathan Marquez and Melany Marquez. The prayer service was hosted by Franciscans “to remember Francis, the inspiration of their lives,” on the eve of his feast day. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Franciscans gather to celebrate the life and death of their patron
Transitus of St. Francis
Chapko family
Crown Point teen enjoys volunteering at parish, ready for NCYC
Going To NCYC
Franciscan Health Michigan City President and CEO Dean Mazzoni, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Administrative Capt. Derek Allen, LaPorte County Sheriff’s Office Captain Dallas Smythe and Vice President of Mission Integration for Franciscan Health’s Northern Indiana Division Sister M. Petra Nielsen display emergency equipment backpacks donated by the hospital to the Sheriff’s Office.
Franciscan Health Michigan City donates emergency equipment backpacks, CPR gear to LaPorte Co. Sheriff’s Office
Pope Leo and Bishop McClory
Bishop honored to meet Pope Leo XIV during pilgrimage to Rome
Caption: A group of nearly 20 diocesan faithful taking part in the rosary/prayer vigil on the eve of the execution of Benjamin Donnie Ritchie in May 2025 at Indiana State Prison. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Faithful invited to attend prayer vigil for anticipated state execution 
Praying for an End to the Death Penalty
Father Chris Stanish
We are never alone
Feast of the Guardian Angels
Walk for the Poor 2025
Annual SVDP event promotes awareness of ministry in the diocese
Friends of the Poor Walk
Student following along
Franciscan Health, Diocese of Gary partner for Respect Life celebration
Our Sign of Hope
Father Rick Holy, St. Edward, Lowell, pastor, delivers a presentation in the chapel of Our Lady of Mercy on the campus of the Carmelite Fathers Monastery in Munster on Sept. 25. At the St. Thomas More parish Society of the Holy Name meeting, Father Holy quoted Scripture, saints and the recent diocesan Disciple Maker Index data to paint a picture of a Church whose obligation is to evangelize more. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Holy Name group inspired by evangelism talk
What's in a Name?
Bishop Robert J. McClory (center) celebrates the closing parish Mass at St. Stanislaus in East Chicago, although the church will remain open as a chapel for the adjacent school and for special services. With the bishop on Sept. 21 are (from left) Deacon Micky Henry, St. Stanislaus administrator Father Jeff Burton, Father Peter Muha and Father Tim McFarland, C.PP.S. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
St. Stanislaus community celebrates anniversary and closing
Parishioners Mark Milestone
St. Stanislaus Kostka
St. Stanislaus Kostka prepares to celebrate feast days during October
Relics, Prayer and Veneration
Members of the Filipino Ministry Team gathered for a photo on the day it was formed.. Pictured are Crescencio “Boboy” Doma, Maureen Germany, Dr. Claudia Sadowski, Leonora Bujna and Evelyn Banzon. The same day the group was also presented the Filipino Catholic History and Mission to Dr. Claudia Sadowski, and met with the intercultural ministry team afterwards. (Provided photo)
Faithful parishioners prepare to celebrate first Filipino Mass 
New monthly Mass beings this month
Diaconate candidate Bruce Garwood receives the book of Sacred Scripture as his is instituted as lector by Bishop Robert J. McClory with Father Marty Dobrzynski looks on. Four other men were instituted during the Deacon Jubilee Mass and Institution to the Ministry of Lector on Sept. 18 at St. James the Less. (Deacon Bob Wellinski photo)
Liturgy celebrates 14 diaconate jubilee anniversaries, 5 candidates instituted lectors
The Center of Everything is Love
Judge Kirsch
Federal judge is breakfast speaker at annual Red Mass
Legal and Finance Community Welcome
Women religious of the Diocese of Gary greet each other prior to the luncheon in honor of sisters
Liturgy celebrates women religious within the Diocese of Gary
Love the One You Will Become
St. Mary receives new statues
St. Mary the Immaculate Conception welcomes two new statues
A Sign of Hope and Forgiveness
Father Nathaniel Edquist (left) and Bishop Robert J. McClory (right) stand with Guardian Angel Award winner Jack Serletic on stage at the Black Tie White Collar Gala on Sept. 19 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. The dinner benefit to support those called to the priesthood featured introductions of seminarians, silent and live auctions and music. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Faithful attend gala to support those choosing white collar vocations 
Backing Seminarians
Faith Little (front), began her 100-year birthday celebration at a family reunion on July 4, where she was joined by all seven of her children (from left), Bob, Linda Ebert, Terry, Peggy Bushore, Tom, Joe and Jack. The festivities continued through her actual birthday on Aug. 29. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Family celebrates milestone birthday with ‘faith’-filled matriarch
100 Years of Faith
Bishop Robert J. McClory stands in St. Peter’s Square before the beatification Mass for Pope John Paul I on Sept. 4, 2022. (Provided photo)
Bishop McClory to bring your prayers and intentions to Rome
Diocesan Pilgrimage to Italy
Very Rev. Christopher Stanish, vicar general and moderator of the curia for the Diocese of Gary, addresses a crowd of approximately 300 members of the faithful on Sept. 10 in the ballrooms at the Harre Union at Valparaiso University for a general session as part of the pastoral planning process for the Catholic parishes in Porter County.
Faithful invited to be open to the Holy Spirit during pastoral planning
Realigning Resources for Mission
Attendees at Formation Saturday spend time in discussion.
Formation Saturdays open to parish leaders and volunteers 
Strengthening Parishes, Recruiting Volunteers
sean martin
Celebrating the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea  
The Creed Series
Pilgrims stand outside Aurelio's
Day pilgrimage offers insight into the life of pontiff 
Walking in the Footsteps of Pope Leo
Franciscan Health Munster Environmental Services Associate Diane Sandoval, left, pets Mary Hires’ dog, Molly, during a visit from the Pet Therapy Program earlier this year. 
Franciscan Health Foundation’s new Circle of 1875 benefits Pet Therapy Program
St. John Day Chapel
Celebrating 100 Years of the Day Chapel
A Century of Grace
Father Mike Surufka, O.F.M.
What does the life of St. Francis of Assisi teach us about suffering?
800th Anniversary of Canticle of the Creatures
How to be “Joyfully Creative” in ministry was the topic on Sept. 6 as Vicky Hathaway (left) and Lisa Curley of the Missionary Discipleship and Evangelization Team welcomed lay leaders from several parishes to a Conversations in Hospitality program at the Pastoral Center in Merrillville. Hathaway used images from Sister Corita Kent’s artwork to enhance her presentation. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Parish ministry leaders learn how to be “Joyfully Creative”
Coffee and Conversations in Hospitality
First graders in Catherine Rusin’s class open the school day with prayer at St. Michael School in Schererville, which is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year. A gala dinner, expected to reunite firmer students, parents and teachers, is planned for Friday, Sept. 26, at Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
St. Michael School celebrates 125 years of education and community
Family Atmosphere Lauded