NWI Catholic Stories

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
Christmas scene
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’
Andrean High School freshmen Mitchell Myers (second from left) and Mitchell Cadwallader (center) discuss a science project with Big Shoulders Fund president and chief executive officer Joshua Hale (right) in a laboratory at the Merrillville school during Lend A Shoulder Day on Nov. 15. At the third annual academic and philanthropic event, three diocesan schools hosted professionals from throughout the Region who then attended a lunch presentation at the Lighthouse Restaurant in Cedar Lake. (Anthony D. Alonz
Benefactors, students, administrators share successes of partnership
Among Christian candidates gathered at the Rite of Call, Jeremiah Martin (front, left), stands near his sponsor and fiancé Leah Taylor (front, right), both of Nativity of Our Savior in Portage, on Nov. 26 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. The seekers, presented at the liturgy to Bishop Robert J. McClory, will continue in their conversion with the assistance of sponsors, as they anticipate full communion with the Catholic Church. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Candidates accept the call from God to fully join Catholic Church
ValLimar Jansen speaks with those gathered at the parish mission of Holy Martyrs Parish and Our Lady of Consolation on Nov. 14. Jansen, a university/college professor, leader of worship and prayer and a workshop presenter at conferences across the United States, led the three-day event entitled, "All Our Welcome, All Belong." (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Parish mission brings together music, prayer and storytelling
choirs
Mass pays tribute to Black Catholics of the early Church
Vicki Huelat poses with Zaki outside the hotel Huelat and her pilgrimage tour group stayed at in Jerusalem. Huelat said Zaki claimed her as his adopted mother-in-law and Huelat considers him as her adopted son-in-law. (Photo provided)
LaPorte woman shares details of her Israel pilgrimage as war breaks out
Members of The Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem of the Diocese of Gary attend Mass in their formal regalia at St. Thomas More church in Munster on Oct. 21. The knights and dames of the only lay institution tasked by the Holy See to support the charitable, educational and evangelization endeavors of the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem met for the liturgy and a conference dinner where discussion about the outbreak of violence around the Holy Land was a prime topic. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo
Knights of the Holy Sepulchre offer life-line to Christians in Israel
At 16, you might expect to find Reagan Klapak playing video games or exchanging social media posts with his friends, but he’ll more likely be found helping with a food drive or fundraising for an organization that matches military veterans with service dogs.      That’s the reason the First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association recently presented him with its National Youth of the Year Award for 2022
Whiting youth devotes his time to helping others
The St. John the Evangelist Men’s Club presented the Sylvester Reising Stewardship Award this year to Jackie Krilich in recognition of her exceptional stewardship. Jackie and her husband of 48 years Deacon Paul Krilich have been members of the St. John parish since they moved to Northwest Indiana in 1986. (Provided photo)
Jackie Krilich receives annual Sylvester Reising Stewardship Award
NCYC logo
Excitement builds as chaperones and youth prepare for National Catholic Youth Conference
Father Anthony Spanley sits in the firehouse of the Hamlet-Davis Township Volunteer Fire Department, where he serves as a chaplain, in Hamlet on Nov. 3. The 81-year-old pastor of Holy Cross and St. Dominic Mission in Koontz Lake was recently presented the Schricker Service Before Self Award by the Starke County Chamber of Commerce for his commitment to volunteerism and concern for his neighbors. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Starke County priest recognized for his altruistic endeavors
Father Matthew Kauth, from the Diocese of Charlotte, North Carolina, signs a book he wrote while Iliana Ortego and Julio Fonseca enjoy the first course of the family-style lunch served during the Diocesan Married Couples Retreat on Nov. 4. In addition to talks by Father Kauth, the day-long event at the Carmelite Shrine in Munster included Mass, adoration and confession. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Diocesan retreat for married couples encourages prayer and sacrifice 
mercy fund grant winners
Foundation’s Mercy Fund grants boost parish ministries
Bishop Robert J. McClory (center) celebrates a Mass of Remembrance for deceased bishops, priests and deacons from the Diocese of Gary on Nov. 7 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. Concelebrating were Father Michael Surufka, O.F.M. (left), rector at the cathedral and pastor of Ss. Monica and Luke, St. Joseph the Worker and St. Mary of the Lake parishes in Gary, and Father Chris Stanish (right), vicar general and moderator of the curia. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Diocese celebrates clergy members as faithful servants
Pope Francis poses for a photo with members of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums during an audience in the Apostolic Palace Nov. 9, 2023. He is seated between Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, president of the commission governing Vatican City State, and Sister Raffaella Petrini, secretary-general of the commission and a member of the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist. (CNS photo/Vatican Media)
Art can touch people's souls and bring them together, pope says
Marquette Catholic High School upper-level English instructor Stacey Cassady discusses an assignment with students on October 20. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Poems by Marquette teacher, Cassady, secured in state’s poetry archive for future generations
Father David Kime, pastor of Queen of All Saints, talks about Our Lady of Fatima during the QAS Tapped-In series on October 18. The four week series featured talks on the Blessed Mother. The event was held at Gelsossomo's Pizzaria. (Bob Wellinski photo)
QAS Tapped-In series taps into the mysteries of the Blessed Mother
Connie Salas, owner of Whiting Flower shop, is seen here after Mass on Oct. 8 at St Michael the Archangel in Schererville where she serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. The 77-year-old mother of two and grandmother of two hopes to sell her business to an ideal candidate who loves flowers and serving others. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Faithful Catholic flower shop owner is retiring and hopes to sell her business
Bishop Robert J. McClory (center) stands with jubilarian religious (left to right) Sister Maria Jyoti, M.C., Sister Angela Mellady, O.S.F., Sister Julie Marie Oxley, O.S.F., Sister M. Rachel Dinet, O.S.F., Sister Angeline Benz, S.F.C.C., and Sister Gloria Jean Kozlowski, S.S.J.-T.O.S.F. as nuns working in the diocese are gathered at the Eucharistic Liturgy in Thanksgiving for Women Religious on Oct. 25 at St. Matthias parish. Sisters celebrating milestone anniversaries of religious life were presented with
Liturgy gives thanks for service of women religious
Jarzembowski
Dyer native comments on new book, finding peace amid Christmas season
Music Ministry members (front row from left) Arlene Biocic, Lorna Nietzel, Mary Cusic and Jan Koble, all from St. Edward in Lowell, pair up to "share their story and their goals for their music ministry during their specific Liturgical Conference '23 session on Oct. 28 at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville. "We want to share our witness when we sing," explained co-presentor Allson Powell, director of music at St. John the Evangelist in St. John. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Liturgical ministers train and renew mission to celebrate the Eucharist
Father Greg Bim-Merle, guest speaker at the Annual Day of Reflection held by the Seniors of STM on Oct. 18 at St. Thomas More in Munster, plays a piece of classical music to close out his talk on Music in the Ministry. An accomplished musician and singer, Father Bim Merle was ordained to the priesthood six years ago and is administrator at St. James the Less in Highland. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Seniors sing and share with talented musician and priest
Dia de los Muertos table
Diocese, parishes remember the deceased throughout the month of November
Terminal cancer didn't stop mom (Pat Wellinski) from continuing to do her job as a bookkeeper from a hospital bed a month prior to her passing. Her son, Greg, sits in a chair beside her. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Son shares final two month of mom’s journey from diagnosis to death
Deacon Chris McIntire, a physician on the staff of Hospice of the Calumet Area, admires photos of organizational events, in Munster on Oct. 25. Known for his gentle but realisitc consultations with patients and their loved ones, the Gary-based deacon said his work and prayer life is inspired by the compassionate charity of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
End-of-life caregivers inspire and are inspired in journey
Father Nate Edquist, pastor of Holy Family Parish blesses a mural painted by Felix Maldonado, of East Chicago. during an unveiling/blessing on Sept. 10. The mural wasn't completed for the unveiling due to rain and heat. It was completed the following week. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Graffiti artist creates mural focusing on LaPorte community’s new identity
Father Nathaniel Edquist (right), diocesan vocations director, speaks of the commitment to serving the Church exhibited by the seminarians on stage (along with assistant vocations directors) at the Black Tie White Collar gala on Oct. 20 at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville. The dinner benefit attended by 335 people featured introductions of seminarians, silent and live auctions and music. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Large crowd gathers for seventh annual gala for priestly vocations 
Pam Matambanadzo, national vice president of Friendship and Community for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, delivers remarks about making charity personal at the diocesan SVDP conference Voice of the Poor seminar on Oct. 21 in the gymnasium at St. Bridget school in Hobart. Presentations, including interactive role-playing of charitable delivery scenarios, were part of the event’s theme of ‘Going Beyond Charity As We See the Face of Jesus in Our Neighbors.’ (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Vincentians participate in seminar to make charity personal
Father Walter Ciesla has shared his musical talent through the years, including leading St. Stanislaus Kostka School students on a Christmas carolling visit to a Michigan City McDonald's restaurant. Folk music is his favorite genre, and he once performed for a bishops retreat, prompting then-Bishop Andrew G. Grutka of the Diocese of Gary to exclaim, "That's my boy!" (Provided photo)
Priest settles in Gary diocese to continue life of service