NWI Catholic Stories

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
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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
During Mass marking his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination, Bishop Robert J. McClory (right) joins other clergymen in applauding then-Deacon Zachary Glick (front, center) on the transitional deacon's final weeks before being ordained to the priesthood, on May 10 at the the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. Glick, a native of Highland and alumnus of Our Lady of Grace school, completed studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
New priest ready to serve Diocese of Gary and U.S. Air Force
Transitional deacon Steven Caraher carries the Book of Gospels during Mass at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary on May 19. Caraher, a native of Munster and St. Thomas More parish, completed seminary studies at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detoit and awaits ordination to the priesthood, set for June 1 at the cathedral. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Varied summer assignments prepared new priest for ministry
Bobby Fredericksen speaks to about 70 people during the first evening of a six-week Young Adult Summer Speaker Series sponsored by the Diocese of Gary. The first event was May 22 at Northwoods Falls in St. John. (Lynda Hemmerling phtoto)
Speaker Series explores topics to deepen Catholic faith and share with others
Participants watch the "Am I Saved?" video during the third week of a seven-week Eucharistic Revival discussion series hosted by St. Thomas More in Munster. The series continues at the Weis Center from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Thursdays through June 13 and from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesdays through June 12. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Discussion series prepares faithful for Eucharistic Revival
Father Michael Yadron selects between two chasubles made and gifted to him by his late mother Helen (Bartkus) Yadron, in the sacristy at St. Thomas More church on May 21. The Munster pastor, who was ordained to the priesthood in 1983, said when he wears the original vestments he is reminded of the love and support his mom gave him. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Chasubles and chalices remind priests of their connection to family
Jack Halton, 92, of Highland, is ready to fill more bags of groceries for food pantry clients at Catholic Charities Diocese of Gary, where he has been a volunteer for five years. Halton was recently named Volunteer of the Year by Catholic Charities USA. (Provided photo)
Senior volunteer tapped for national Catholic Charities award
Alana Jardenil, a Valparaiso resident and a sophomore at the University of Notre Dame, interacts with first graders on May 14 at St. Paul Catholic School. During the visit, Jardenil shared details about the Indianapolis 500 car race and how she came to participate in the 500 Festival Princess Program. (Provided photo)
Graduate returns to share achievement with her alma mater 
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Diocese offers young adults opportunity to connect, grow in faith
Keynote speaker Father Frank DeSiano, a Eucharistic preacher named by the USCCB and the president of the Paulist Fathers, chats with parishioners during fellowship after the fitrst session of a three-day Eucharistic Mission at St. Paul in Valparaiso. Refreshments for the morning and evening programs each day were funded through a $2,500 CSA Excellence Award received by the parish for its oustanding participation in the Catholic Services Appeal last year. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
New Catholic Services Appeal award helps parishes boost evangelization
St. Mary pastor Father Kevin Huber raises the monstrance as he leads benediction in June 2023. Father Huber and the congregation of the Crown Point parish will host "True Presence: A Night of Praise, Worship and Adoration" on Friday, May 31, as part of the Summer of Eucharistic Revival events within the Diocese of Gary. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Diocese kicks off Eucharistic Congress with outdoor evening of praise and worship
One of eight silver roses that are traveling to Mexico this month was on display April 30 in the chapel at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville. It is part of an international Silver Rose Prayer Service honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe and the sanctity of life, dating back to 1960. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
The power of prayer and sanctity of life revealed through a single rose
Our Lady of Sorrows faithful and guests participate in a session of ACTS XXIX's The Rescue Project in Franciscan Hall at the Valparaiso parish in April. More than 60 people attended nine separate presentations over a three-week period, which focused on a Scripture- and catechism-based theology about redemption in today's times through Jesus Christ. (provided photo)
Rescue Project provides resources for parish to build future of faith
Several members of the St. James the Less in Highland bible study group gather after their May 2 meeting. In attendance were (back row) Thomas Taylor, Bill Sonaitis, Georgia Helfen, Alicia Montalvo, Art Zuhl, (front row) Stephen Schwegman, Mirthala Taylor, Cathy Bartczak, and Dorene Albright. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Parishioners of St. James the Less celebrate feast day and grow in relationship
Caption: Social Studies Teacher Clare Majchrowicz dresses up as St. Casimir school principal Matt Chico on May 1 in honor of School Principals' Day. The following week, many diocesan schools held special activities in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10. (Provided photo)
Schools take time to celebrate principals and teachers
Bishop Robert J. McClory presents a candle in remembrance of her child to Chris Petro of Chesterton, a parishioner at St. Patrick, during the Mass for Pregnancy and Infant Loss on May 5 at Queen of All Saints in Michigan City. Petro lost Baby Petro through miscarriage, and joined dozens of other parents at the annual liturgy on Bereaved Mother's Day. (Marlene A. Zloza photo).
Pain stems from love for families gathered at memorial Mass
Bishop Robert J. McClory (center) raises a communion plate as transitional Deacon Zachary Glick raises the chalice during the Eucharistic prayer at Mass in the Cathedral of the Holy Angels where the fifth Bishop of Gary joined invited family and friends and diocesan faithful to mark his 25th anniversary of priestly ordination, on May 10. Growing up in Royal Oak, Mich., Bishop McClory was ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Detroit in 1999, after seminary studies, which followed his brief caree
Bishop gives thanks for his vocation and the love of God
Augustinian Father Tom McCarthy delivers an extended homily based on the day's Scripture readings and his parish mission entitled, "Our Restless Journey," to more than 100 faithful and guests at St. Joseph church in Dyer on April 24. Father McCarthy, who hails from the South Side of Chicago, is vocation director for the Augustinian’s Our Mother of Good Counsel Midwest Province and is the director of St. Rita of Cascia Shrine Chapel in Chicago. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Augustinian leads mission to keep St. Joseph parish on journey with Jesus
Luis Reyes, originally from Bucaramanga, Columbia, stands at Father Robert Ross’s first Mass at St. Stephen the Martyr, in Merrillville, in June of 2023, with Amy O'Donnell and her son, William O'Donnell, who is on the path to ordination for the priesthood in June 2026. Reyes has become like an adopted son and a brother to the O'Donnell family. (Provided photo)
Blessed Virgin Mary, Mothers are role models in helping young men discern for priesthood
International Pilgrim Virgin Statue of Our Lady of Fatima, formerly in the care of Blue Army custodian Eugene O'Brien, is kept holy reverence on display in the DeVault family's home. (Angela Hughes photo)
Catholics honor our Blessed Mother through May Crownings, personal devotion
Then-Monsignor Robert McClory spends a moment at the Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes in France in October 2019. (Photo courtesy of the Archdiocese of Detroit)
Joy of ministry work grew into deeper love for Jesus
Celebrating 25 years
Bishop Robert J. McClory blesses Mary and Jake Neary during a visit to Sacred Heart Church in LaPorte on March 5, 2020. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Shepherd continues to guide faithful as Bishop of Gary
Celebrating 25 Years
The Sacred Heart Major Seminary priestly ordination class of 1999 gathers with Cardinal Adam J. Maida (center) in Detroit. Then-Father Robert McClory stands at bottom, left. (Archdiocese of Detroit photo)
Friends, clergymen confident bishop would build on success
Celebrating 25 Years
Robert J. McClory (center) gathers with his parents Ann and James McClory after passing his bar exam at the Oakland County Circuit Court House in Pontiac, Mich., in 1991. (photo courtesy of Therese Norris)
Youngest brother’s priestly vocation came as no surprise to family
Celebrating 25 Years
Members of the St. Paul Respect Life group are seated at their table during the Lake County Right to Life’s annual fundraiser banquet at Avalon Manor Banquet Center in Merrillville on April 19. The event featured talks by local pro-life leaders and state politicians with the keynote presentation delivered by singer and inspirational speaker Jason Upton, who shared his “Divine Adoption Story.” (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Lake County Right to Life hosts banquet focused on adoption
Happy to return to St. Clare's Kitchen on April 25 after a four-year hiatus from Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake are dinner guests (from left) Carol Comstock, Patty Hegyi, Miriam Serini-Simmel, Frances Holtz and Joe Porter, all Cedar Lake residents who ate almost weekly at the church before the COVID-19 pandemic closed the soup kitchen for more than four years. It has now reopened on the second and fourth Thursday of every month, offering free meals and fellowship from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. in Sacred Heart Hal
St. Clare’s Kitchen back in business offering food and fellowship
Father Frank DeSiano, of Washinton, DC, president of the Paulist Fathers and one of the Eucharist preachers named by the USCCB, holds the Bible for Tina Pysh and Kristin Kantrowski to reverence during the first session of a three-day Eucharistic Mission hosted by St. Paul in Valparaiso on April 23. Morning and evening sessions were held with four speakers, folloiwed by fellowship. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Paulist evangelization leader leads faithful closer to Word of God
Father Rick Holy, director of Pro-Life Activities for the Diocese of Gary and pastor at St. Edward in Lowell, talks at an April 22 meeting about some of the resources available for parishes interested in starting a Walking with Moms in Need Ministry.. Lay leaders from seven parishes in various stages of development attended the semiannual meeting hosted by the diocese to disseminate infirmation and share ideas, including (at left) Dave Brown from St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville. (Marlene A. Zloza
Parish leaders meet to discuss ways to support mothers and babies