NWI Catholic Stories

Diocese of Gary staff watching announcement of Pope Leo XIV
Local bishop, faithful respond to Chicago native named pope
Pictured in this group photo are Griffith Chief of Police Greg Mance (now retired), Pastor Bill Jones of the United Methodist Church, Marlene Starcevich, Father Theodore Mens, Father Greg Bim-Merle, Lt. Paul Sines and Commander Curt Burrow also of the Griffith Police Department.
First responders share how religion has impacted their life 
Sunday morning light illuminates the Immaculate Heart of Mary, a stained-glass window at St. Bridget, Hobart. (Angela Hughes photo)
Seven ways Catholics can honor Mary this May
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Eastern and Western Churches join in celebrating the success of St. Mary’s Byzantine 
Bishop McClory
Diocese begins revealing plans for Catholic schools with support from Big Shoulders Fund
A photo taken in the spring a few years ago shows one of the locations on the churchgrounds of Nativity of Our Savior in Portage that is maintained by the parish's Garden Angels group. (Provided photo)
Parishioners ready to make places of worship beautiful this spring 
Fran Callahan (right), of DeMotte, and Kathy DeGuilio Fox, of Highland, lead the assembly line of Notre Dame Club of Northwest Indiana members and friends filling Ben's Blue Bags with items for autistic and other special needs youth and adults who need calming in a crisis. The service project for the Crown Point nonprofit was part of the 12th annual ND Global Day of Service. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Notre Dame alumni and parents help autism group reach out
Representing the Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation, Sister Donna Liette, C.PP.S. (second from left) and Father David Kelly, C.PP.S., are presented with the Calumet College of St. Joseph Corporate Leadership Award by student Josh Morris (left) and college president Dr. Amy McCormack. The honor was announced at the 60th Annual Board of Trustees' Scholarship Gala on April 11 at the Hard Rock Casino in Gary. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
College honors students, alumni and supporters at scholarship gala
At St. Patrick parish's vigil Mass on Saturday, April 26, youth received a special blessing as part of the Catholic Church's celebration of the Jubilee for Teens. Father Jon Plavcan, pastor, preached on the life of Blessed Carlo Acutis, who he said "did not waste time," but rather loved others as he served the Eucharistic Lord. Those gathered at the Chesterton church had the opportunity to venerate a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. (Anthony D. Alonzo Photo)
Jubilee for Teens Mass-goers hear of Blessed Carlo Acutis’ example
Father Ted Mauch leads a Holy Hour on Divine Mercy Sunday at St. John the Evangelist in St. John.
Confession, adoration, praise and worship reveal the mercy of Jesus
Bishop Robert J. McClory accepts the offertory gifts from Nataly Garcia of St. Mary in East Chicago and Cinthia Ortiz Lopez of St. Margaret Mary in Hammond, at the annual Mass for People with Disabilities on April 27 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. Not pictured is gift bearer Angela Darrol of Our Lady of Sorrows in Valparaiso. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Diocesan Mass provides opportunity for joyful serving
St. Mary of the Lake young adult group coordinator Albert Alfano (left) and parishioner Naomi Perez Mendez (right) hand out brochures at the Planet Fitness gym in Hobart in April. Leaders at the church in the Miller section of Gary have developed a ministry for young Catholics and continue outreach, including direct marketing, to help grow the initiative. (provided photo)
St. Mary of the Lake leaders focus on growing young adult involvement
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Mass and service reflects pontiff’s love for the poor
Melissa Meyer, director of Hospital Development for Life Line Stem Cell, explained at the Donate Life Remembrance hosted by Franciscan Health Crown Point on April 22 that the program to collect stem blood and stem cords from mothers after birth that began at that very hospital has now expanded to include 32 hospitals that provide that needed tissue to burn victims and others. Seated at her right is Father Tony Janik, O.F.M., director of Spiritual Care Services at the hospital, who offered an opening prayer
Donor remembrance honors the heroes who gave life to others
Sister M. Petra Nielsen, vice president of mission integration for Franciscan Health’s Northern Division, shares a laugh with her younger brother, James Nielsen and the Rev. Tony Janik during a recent reunion in the St. James Chapel at Franciscan Health Crown Point.
Franciscan Health Crown Point priest reunites with preemie he baptized 49 years ago
Zachary Dotson stands near the welcome booth of St. Joseph church in downtown Hammond on April 16. The Elect is set to formally join the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil, April 19, and said his early interest in the faith, then years of agnosticism have opened to his Holy Spirit-filled journey into the Church and a "completely different outlook" to life. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Hammond native fulfilled in the Catholic faith he missed as a youth
Bishop Robert J. McClory stands with the three most faithful altar servers at St. Stephen, Martyr during the parish's closing Mass on Feb. 15, (from left) Zak Campbell of Merrillville, Chris Neff of Crown Point and George Perosky of Merrillville. At right is Deacon Rob Litavecz, who trained the young men. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
People with disabilities display the true meaning of the Mass
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What is Divine Mercy Sunday?
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Diocese has big plans for Emmaus Conference in August
During Easter Sunday Mass on April 20 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels, Bishop Robert J. McClory (left) blesses a young celebrant while Father Michael Surufka, O.F.M., distributes the Holy Eucharist. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Christ’s resurrection brings hope to a world rocked by despair
Caption: Father Steven Caraher greets parishioners at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville following a Blessing of Easter Baskets on April 19. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Father Caraher shares experience of first Holy Week as a priest
Bishop Robert J. McClory celebrated the Mass of the Lord's Supper with parishioners at St. Mary in Crown Point. Also known as the Maundy Thursday service, the special liturgy commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus with his disciples and highlights the institution of the Eucharist. Foot washing, symbolizing Jesus' humility, is done as an example of Christian service to one another. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Parish celebrates first Holy Week in church following renovation 
After being baptized, Cale Mendenhall (center) uses his sacramental candle to light the votive lamps of family members during the Easter Vigil on April 19, at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center in Valparaiso. Seven individuals formally joined in full communion with the Catholic Church before a capacity congregation of worshipers. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
St. Teresa members joyfully initiated into Catholic Church at Easter Vigil
Bishop Robert J. McClory holds a first-class relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis following a Mass on Sept. 11 at St. Patrick in Chesterton. After the service, students and parishoners came forward to venerate the relic. The parish will also host a special Mass at 10 a.m. on Oct. 12, the Feast Day of Blessed Carlo Acutis, providing another opporunity for faithful to view the relic. (Erin Ciszczon photo)
Mass, prayer and film honor first millennial saint 
Celebrating the life of Blessed Carlo
Bishop Robert J. McClory talks with Justin Abascal, an East Chicago firefighter who will receive the sacraments of Holy Communion and confirmation at St. Mary in Griffith on Holy Saturday, April 19. Baptized Catholic as an infant, Abascal has been studying the faith in preparation to become a full member of the Catholic Church at the Easter Vigil Mass. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Firefighter feels a pull toward completing Catholic sacraments
Artists (from left) Daniel Garcia and Hugo Salazar were on hand at St. Casimir School in Hammond to explain the visions they portrayed in their paintings displayed at the Hammond school's Visions of Leadership Art Gala on April 10. Garcia painted the things that make him happy, "soccer, school, nature, roller coasters and my house" while Salazar featured the word "JOY" to explain his feelings about being a "servant leader." (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Big Shoulders hosts arts open house to celebrate leadership
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Determination plays a key role in catechumen’s journey back to the Church
Caption: Twins Maisie and Salem Gebbink of La Porte, Ind.
Franciscan Health newborns get into the Easter spirit
Valparaiso University professor emeritus Richard Stith (left) and his wife artist Rosemarie Stith are seated at the 52nd annual Lake County Right to Life banquet at the Halls of St. George in Schererville on April 4. The not-for-profit organization's event functions as an informational, social and fundraising gathering to support the activism, education and charity of the group that "exists to promote concern for the sanctity of human life from conception to natural death." (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Speakers engage pro-life guests in blessings, trials of advocacy
Father Douglas Mayer, pastor of St. Paul, prays in the confessional at the Valparaiso church on April 9. A penitent experiences the "power of the Risen Lord" in the sacrament of reconciliation, according to Father Mayer, who recalled his own journey of sacramental forgiveness. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo) 
Father Mayer shares stories of sacramental forgiveness
Maisie Wragg
Bishop Noll senior shines as lead Jo March in "Little Women"
Twenty-six students represented St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point at the Scholastic Chess of Indiana Team State Championship in Martinsville on March 22, winning many games and grabbing a third, 15th and 16th place finish. (Provided photo)
Wildcats display skills at state chess championship
Altar decorated for Easter
Holy narrative teaches children about sacrificial love, redemption
Photo illustration by Gabe Pierce / Unsplash
Eight Christ-centered, kid-friendly activities to do this Easter season
Father Nathaniel Edquist (top), vocations director and pastor of Holy Family Parish, delivers his homily alternating between English and Spanish to those attending the Mass for migrants at Herr Farms in Lowell in this file photo. The LaPorte priest believes that God draws His people to be reconciled with Him, and a sure may for the sinner to remain in a state of grace is through regular sacramental confession. (NWIC file photo/Anthony D. Alonzo)
Father Edquist says all guilty can be forgiven by Christ
Amanda Alessi is immersed three times - in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit - during the East Vigil Mass at St. John the Evangelist in 2024. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
Join us for Holy Week! Diocese ready to commemorate the final days of Jesus' life
seven churches visitations
Seven Churches Visitation: Lenten tradition invites faithful to spend time in prayer and adoration
Enjoying fellowship and some delicious soup at the Soup and Bread Social on April 2 at Holy Name of Jesus in Cedar Lake are St. John residents (from left) Denise Webb and her son Alex Webb, parishioners, and Tyler Rybicki and his father, Dave Rybicki, parishioners at St. Thomas More in Munster. The simple meal was followed by the fourth and final parish renewal session on gratitude, which the young men attended as a Generations of Faith confirmation class assignment at Holy Name. (Marlene A. Zloza photo) 
Franciscan offers five ways to express gratitude in daily life
Four Sisters from the Congregation of the Mother of Carmel, (from left) Sister Rose Paul, Sister Alphy Anns, Sister Ruby Therese and Sister Ann Jyothis, formed a choir to sing a song of thanksgiving, "Victorious, Victorious, Our Lady of Carmel" after Holy Communion at the golden jubilee Mass on March 30 at St. Michael the Archangel in Schererville. The Mass marked the 50th anniversary of the religious order's arrival in the United States. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Sisters celebrate 1975 arrival in diocese to start U.S. ministry
Father Ciesla with relic
Michigan City parishes to host Lenten devotion on seven last words of Christ
Father Robert Ross, associate pastor of St. Michael the Archangel church, views instruments of punishment associated with the passion of Jesus Christ, on March 31 at the Schererville parish. Father Ross and his dad Tom Ross will deliver a presentation about the Shroud of Turin, the linen many believe to be the Lord's burial cloth, at the parish on Easter Monday, April 21. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Presentation to explore observations about Shroud of Turin
Father Paul Quanz, pastor of Our Lady of Sorrows, points to details of unidentified artwork set in the nave of the Our Lady of Sorrows church in Valparaiso on March 20. The artwork at the circa 1958 church was created by the late Slovak artist, architect and author Jozef Cincik, who was commissioned by Franciscans who resided at the former Seven Dolors Shrine. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Our Lady of Sorrows church features works of famed artist
"The cardinal virtues of the Catholic Church are prudence, justice, fortitude and temperance," outlibned Sean Martin, coordinator of Catechesis and Faith Formation for the Diocese of Gary, at a Catechist Formation Woikshop on March 18 at the Pastoral Center in Merrillville. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Workshop teaches catechists how to live a Life in Christ
Bishop Robert J. McClory (third from right) meets with Thomas Gora, (seated) president, and other members of the St. Mary Men's Club in Griffith, his hosts, and their guests, for cake and coffee after his talk about St. Joseph. The group celebrated the Solemnity of St. Joseph after learning about Jesus' foster father and his role as an intercessor for all. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
St. Joseph heralded as intercessor ‘with a father’s heart’
Bishop Robert J. McClory (left) presents an honorary certificate to American Heritage Girl Explorer Jane Swift (center), 9, as her parents Kathy and Mike Swift (at right) join her after the annual Diocese of Gary Catholic Committee Religious Emblem Mass on March 23 at St. Bridget church in Hobart. In his homily, the bishop praised the feats of faith accomplished by the girls, as well as attending Boy Scouts of America, and encouraged them to persevere in their belief. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Youth scouting groups converge for liturgy, recognition of feats
Parishioners Mary Ellen LaDuke (left) and Jeanne DeLasCasas place their candles in sand while others wait their turn at Holy Spirit in Winfield on March 17, the Feast of St. Patrick. After participating in a Service of Light, the congregation shared a corned beef and cabbage dinner with their One Catholic Family neighbors. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Solemn evening prayer marks Feast of St. Patrick
Deacon Matt Virus addresses Marriage and Family Life ministers at a meeting hosted by the Diocese of Gary on March 13 at the Pastoral Center as he and his wife, Millie Virus (to his left), who works in the diocesan tribunal, talked about problems in marriages and how to strengthen couples. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Building a strong marriage is all about making sacrifices
Manna for Hammond kitchen volunteers including Marge Kovacik (right) pack lunches at the ministry, popularly known St. Joseph Soup Kitchen, on St. Patrick's Day, March 17. Founded 40 years ago, the outreach for the poor at is the longest-running five-day soup kitchen in the diocese. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
St. Joseph Soup Kitchen celebrates 40 years of service in Hammond
As the world continues to pray for the health of Pope Francis, the faithful of Northwest Indiana also joins in those prayers for his continued healing. Some members of the Diocese of Gary have studied the pontiff’s words closely while others have been blessed to be in his presence in recent years.
Diocese continues to pray for Pope Francis’ recovery, reflects on his papacy
Father Stanish in Costa Rica
Vicar general FOCUS-es on Costa Rican mission trip