Gaylord, MI 49735 Photo Gallery of Recent Events
Things are always happening in the Diocese of Gaylord. In an effort to share at least a brief glimpse of recent events with visitors to our website, we offer the following photo gallery. If you know of an upcoming or recent event which you would like to have considered for inclusion here, please contact us. You may click on the link below or send photos and information to:
Secretariat for Communications
611 North Street
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
You may submit an event by using our Submit Ideas & Events or send photos and information to:
Rite of Election
On Sunday, February 21, the First Sunday of Lent, Bishop Bernard Hebda presided over the Rite of Election at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. During the ceremony forty-four people from twenty-one parishes across the Diocese were formally welcomed as catechumens.
During the Rite of Election, sponsors and godparents publicly affirmed that the candidates are prepared to be admitted to the sacraments of Christian initiation and the assembly pledged to continue to support them in faith, prayer and example. The catechumens also affirmed their desire to fully enter into the life of the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist. As each catechumen’s name was called, with their sponsor, they joined Bishop Hebda in the sanctuary where the Bishop welcomed them and offered a special blessing. Each name was also recorded in the specific parish’s Book of the Elect which was then signed by Bishop Hebda.
Mass for Homeschoolers
A Eucharistic Liturgy for the Catholic homeschooling families in the Diocese of Gaylord was held on Monday, March 8, 2010 at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord.
Marriage Day 2010
The Third Annual Marriage Enrichment Dinner in celebration of World Marriage Day was held at St. Mary Cathedral on February 13. The celebration followed the 5:00 p.m. Eucharistic liturgy, with more than 60 couples from across the diocese joining in the festivities. The parish hall had been transformed into a beautifully romantic setting with candlelight for the catered dinner.
After dinner and some martrimonial awards, participants gathered in the Cathedral for a reflection on marriage by Fr. James Bearss who offered his reflections on Ephesians 5:21-33.
To conclude the evening, the lights were dimmed as each couple lit a candle and Fr. Bearss led a prayer and then imparted a special blessing for each couple’s marriage, inviting them to seal their love once more with a kiss before departing. The event was planned through the diocesan Secretariat for Marriage Enrichment and St. Mary Cathedral.
Catholic Schools Week 2010
“Catholic Schools - Dividends for Life” was the theme selected for Catholic Schools Week 2010, the annual celebration that focuses attention on the good work done by the nation’s Catholic schools. This year Catholic Schools week was observed Jan. 31 to Feb. 6.
Throughout the week Bishop Bernard Hebda criss-crossed the diocese to join in special events and celebrate Masses with students, staff and parents. At each, he expressed gratitude for those who support Catholic School education and encouraged students to hold onto their faith and maintain their enthusiasm as they show their love of God.
March for Life
For the 37th time our nation’s capitol was the site of the annual March for Life, an event planned each year since 1974. Pilgrims from the Diocese of Gaylord joined some 300,000 individuals and families from across the country in Washington D.C. to pray together and bring awareness to the more than fifty million children who have lost their lives through abortion since the Roe v Wade Supreme Court decision.
At the National Prayer Vigil for Life His Eminence Daniel Cardinal DiNardo, the archbishop of Galveston-Houston who is chairman of the USCCB Committee on Pro-Life Activities, was the principal celebrant and homilist. His Eminence’s homily focused upon the life of St. Agnes, virgin and martyr, whose memorial Mass we celebrated that evening. While highlighting the young saint’s life of virtue and self-sacrifice, the Cardinal addressed the overwhelming number of youth who made up the congregation. The Eucharistic Liturgy was followed by an all night vigil in the crypt of the Basilica.
Okoli Ordination to the Diaconate
Gerald Chigbogu Okoli was ordained a transitional deacon by Bishop Bernard A. Hebda on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at Holy Childhood Church, Harbor Springs. Deacon Gerald was born in Nigeria during a period of civil war in that country prompting his parents to bestow his middle name of "Chigbogu" (which means "May God bring an end to war") reflecting his tribe's prayer for peace. His parents and three of his siblings still live in Nigeria while two other siblings reside in Switzerland and Japan. After years of prayer and discernment, his vocation journey led him to the Diocese of Gaylord. Though far from his homeland, Deacon Gerald said there are similarities between the two areas and he has found in northern Lower Michigan a "serene environment for spiritual growth" and "people sincerely and passionately seeking to serve God." Deacon Gerald is currently completing his formal studies at Sacred Heart School of Theology in Hales Corners, Wisconsin, and is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in June.
Ordination of Bishop Bernard Hebda
On Tuesday, December 1, 2009, St. Mary Cathedral was filled to overflowing with parishioners from the 80 parishes and 17 schools across the 21 counties of the Diocese of Gaylord along with clergy, religious sisters, ecumenical guests, civic leaders, and family and friends of Bishop Hebda from across the
Vespers Service for Bishop Bernard Hebda
On Tuesday, December 1, Bernard A. Hebda was ordained and installed as the Fourth Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord. Pope Benedict XVI named the new bishop on October 7. He succeeds Bishop Patrick R. Cooney, who retired after serving the Diocese for 20 years. On the eve of the Ordination, Bishop Hebda made his Profession of Faith and Oath of Fidelity during a liturgy known as Solemn Vespers. The prayer service, coinciding with the Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle, began with a procession of the Bishops followed by the lighting of the Paschal Candle and candles held by each person in the assembly recalling that the “Light of Christ” will guide and protect us through the darkness of the night to come.
Bishop Cooney Farewell Mass
On Sunday, November 8, Bishop Patrick R. Cooney bid a fond farewell to the faithful of the Diocese of Gaylord as he presided over a special Eucharistic Liturgy at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. The celebration was planned in honor of Bishop Cooney’s 20 years of service as Bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord and 50th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. He turned 75 in March of this year and on October 7, Pope Benedict XVI named Rev. Msgr. Bernard Hebda to succeed him as the Fourth Bishop of Gaylord.
The last liturgy of its kind for the retiring Bishop, the Mass included participation and representation from all areas of the diocese. Over 26 of the priests of the diocese concelebrated and were joined by Fr. Michael Cooney, Bishop Cooney’s brother, who serves in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Nine of the deacons in the area also vested for the service and all of the diocesan seminarians were present to minister as altar servers.
Many dignitaries were on hand for the ceremony and Gladys Solokis, Mayor of the City of Gaylord presented Bishop Cooney with a Proclamation highlighting the thanks of the City for his ministry and involvement in the community which led to a standing ovation.
Call To Continuing Conversion
On Sunday, October 18, Bishop Patrick Cooney celebrated The Call to Continuing Conversion at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord at 4:00 PM. The liturgy was a great way to support and encourage the individuals from northern Michigan who were ready to continue on their faith journey. These candidates had been baptized but are not fully initiated in the Catholic Church. Each will continue with their religious education and when they are ready, will receive the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist. A welcome gathering prior to the event was held from in the Cathedral’s Parish Hall.
DCCW Fall 2009 Workshop
The Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) held their Fall Workshop on Wednesday, October 14, in Gaylord at St. Mary’s Cathedral Parish Hall. The theme this year, “The Year For Our Shepherds” featured speakers Rev. Patrick Maher, Pastor of St. Joseph, West Branch; Holy Family, Klacking Creek; and St. Stephen of Hungary, Skidway Lake in the morning and Dannie Brzezinski, Director of Faith Development for the Diocese of Gaylord in the afternoon session. Mass was presided by Bishop Patrick Cooney and concelebrated by Rev. Francis Murphy and Rev. Duane Wachowiak.
Catechist Day 2009
On Saturday, October 10, the Center for Catholic Studies offered a Catechist and Youth Minister Certification Day at the
Circle of Grace Training
To help prepare parishes and schools to implement the Circle of Grace safe environment training for children and youth in the Diocese of Gaylord, two training sessions were held in October. Seventy-five parish and school leaders gathered at Sacred Heart Parish in Elk Rapids and the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Gaylord to learn about the Circle of Grace concept. Each participant also received materials and lesson plans for use in their local faith community. Mary Beth Hanus, safe environment coordinator for the Archdiocese of Omaha and one of the developers of the program, was the presenter.
Altar Server Appreciation Event
Over 550 altar servers, chaperones and seminarians gathered for the 4th Annual Altar Server Appreciation Day. Sponsored by the Diocese of Gaylord and Knights of Columbus Councils, the event brought altar servers from 42 parishes to Traverse City from throughout the diocese for a picnic followed by attendance at a Traverse City Beach Bums baseball game. Participants came from every corner of the diocese, some travelling more than three hours (one way) to join the celebration.
Altar Server Appreciation Picnic
Bishop Patrick R. Cooney was on hand at the picnic to offer his thanks to the altar servers and encouragement to enjoy the day.“We really are happy you are here and I hope you have a wonderful time,” Bishop Cooney said. “Of course, we also hope that at least 30 of you will one day become priests for our diocese,” he added.
This year’s schedule reprised the inaugural Altar Server Appreciation Day slate of activities which is fondly remembered despite rain delays. However, this year, the sun shone brightly the entire time and the day included a Beach Bums homerun and ultimate game victory.
SYME Event
Once again, the Secretariat for Justice and Peace along with the Justice and Peace Awareness Center (JPAC),
DCCW Annual Conference
“Faith in Action ” was the theme of the 37th annual convention of the Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (DCCW) held May 13. Keynote speaker for the event was Cathryn Torgerson. Bishop Patrick Cooney celebrated the Eucharistic Liturgy at St. Mary Cathedral.During his homily, Bishop Cooney told the women they must always remember that “God loved us first and loves us throughout our whole life.” He explained that what we do is in response to that love. “The works of the DCCW are works of love,” he added.
Bishop Cooney continued, “In this Eucharist today, we are thanking God. As Bishop, my intent it to thank God for you – all of you. You stand on the shoulders of those who came before you. We hope that there will be women who will walk in your footsteps to continue your work which is done as a result of God’s love,” he concluded.
Year of St. Paul Conference
The Conference for the Year of St. Paul, hosted by the Diocese of Gaylord on May 16 at the
Chrism Mass
Bishop Patrick R. Cooney and a packed audience celebrated the Chrism Mass on Tuesday, April 7 at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. In this Liturgy, the faithful of the Church of Gaylord were called to pray together and to be a part of the blessing of the Oil of Catechumen, the Oil for the Anointing of the Sick and for the Consecration of the Sacred Chrism.
Faith Development Resource Day
On March 21 catechetical professionals gathered at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Gaylord for a Faith Development Resource Day. Sponsored by the Secretariat for Faith Development, the event brought together 75 ministers from throughout the diocese for a day of workshops and sharing. The keynote speaker was Patrick M. O’Brien, President and Chief Executive Officer of FAITH Publishing Service, who offered a presentation on “Marketing as a form of Evangelization.”
Rite of Election
On Sunday, March 1, the First Sunday of Lent, fifty-four people from twenty-four parishes were formally welcomed as catechumens at the Rite of Election held at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Due to illness, Bishop Patrick R. Cooney was unable to attend the ceremony and delegated Fr. John McCracken, Rector of St. Mary Cathedral, to preside in his absence.
During the Rite of Election, sponsors and godparents publicly affirmed that the candidates are prepared to be admitted to the sacraments of Christian initiation and the assembly pledged to continue to support them in faith, prayer and example. The catechumens also affirmed their desire to fully enter into the life of the Church through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist.
Diaconate Ordination of James Siler
On Saturday, February 7, 2009, James H. Siler was ordained to the permanent diaconate for the Diocese of Gaylord by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney. Siler is a member of St. Stephen,
Priestly Ordination of San Hoyumpa
On Saturday, January 10, Santiago Hoyumpa was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Gaylord by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Approximately 30 priests concelebrated at the liturgy which was attended by over 300 parishioners. A bus from the
St. Andrew Task Force Retreat
Attendees of the SATF retreat were provided time for prayer, fun, sports and fellowship.
The third annual retreat for the St. Andrew Task Force was held in January at St. Mary Cathedral School in Gaylord. The event was planned to coincide with the priestly ordination of San Hoyumpa and 32 young men gathered from across the diocese to explore the theme “Stop, Look and Listen.” The retreat, which is designed for young men in 7th -12th grade, was led by Fr. Don Geyman, Delegate for Vocations. The weekend provided a variety of prayer experiences including morning and evening prayer, Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction, Sacrament of Reconciliation, as well as attending the Ordination ceremony and Mass.
Diocesan Staff Holiday Party
The Diocesan Staff holiday celebration took place on Dec. 19. This year the theme was, "Time, Talent and Treasures" and the highlight was singing carols to the residents of McReynold's Hall, Otsego Memorial Hospital's skilled nursing facility. Two weeks prior to the event, materials were purchased to make homemade greeting cards, and many of the staff created cards over the next several days. Prior to the celebration, all the staff signed the beautiful greeting cards. These were distributed along with a small token gift to the residents after a blessing by Bishop Cooney and the carols were sung. After the event, the staff all attended a nicely catered lunch at the Bishop's residence.
Call To Continuing Conversion
On Sunday, November 16, thirty-eight candidates, along with their sponsors, parish leadership, family and friends gathered at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord for the “Call to Continuing Conversion.” They represented eight parishes within the Diocese of Gaylord. Bishop Patrick Cooney presided and Deacon John Falicki served as Deacon for the ceremony which was preceded by a welcoming reception with refreshments in the parish hall.
The Call to Continuing Conversion is the rite of the Church celebrated with baptized Catholics who have not received the sacraments of Confirmation and First Eucharist, and other baptized Christians who wish to join the Catholic faith.
Catechist Resource Day
Held on Oct. 4 at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Gaylord, Catechist Resource Day has grown over the years into an important and well-attended event. This certification program is of special interest to Parish Catechetical Leaders (DRE’s), Catechists, Youth Ministers, and anyone pursuing a track in the Center for Catholic Studies. The day offered an examination of the fundamental principles of catechesis and youth ministry, along with additional sessions devoted to special topics of interest and concern.
SATF Mission Trip
Members of the St. Andrew Task Force (SATF) gathered for a picture at Sacred Heart Seminary where they stayed while attending a mission trip to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit. The trip, which took place June 12-15, was led by Fr. Don Geyman, Delegate for Vocations at the Diocese of Gaylord and enlightened the group to the reality of homelessness in our own state.
Four Men Ordained Deacons
On Saturday, June 21, John Falicki, Mathew Lyberg, Glen Painter, and Doug Wigton were ordained Permanent Deacons by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Over 500 friends, family and faithful from around the diocese were in attendance.
Sending Forth Ceremony
During a special Liturgy of the Word and Sending Forth Ceremony at St. Mary Cathedral on June 15, Bishop Patrick Cooney blessed those who have completed a certificate program through the diocesan Center for Catholic Studies.
Those completing the Christian Discipleship Program included: Joan Denemy, St. Joseph Parish, West Branch; Sharon Fritz, St. Joseph Parish, West Branch; and Garry Singel, Cross in the Woods Parish, Indian River. Completing the Parish Catechetical Leader program was Samuel Vicari, St. Augustine Parish in Hillman.
Ordination to the Diaconate - San Hoyumpa
On Saturday, June 7, Santiago Hoyumpa was ordained a transitional deacon for the Diocese of Gaylord by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney during the 4:00 p.m. Eucharistic celebration at St. John the Baptist in Alpena. Reflecting on his call to the priesthood, Hoyumpa said “I am anxious to serve the Lord. I hope to be able to bring more awareness to the people of the Lord and of His love and mercy.” Hoyumpa is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood on January 10, 2009.
Neophyte Mass Celebrated
On May 18, Bishop Patrick Cooney presided at a special Neophyte Mass at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Fifty-six neophytes continued their faith journey as they were presented to Bishop Cooney during the Liturgy. “Neophytes” are those who have recently entered the Catholic Church through the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) either through Baptism, Confirmation and First Eucharist at the Easter Vigil or through completing their initiation sacraments, often during the Easter season.
Diocesan Conference
The Diocese of Gaylord’s Conference on Mental Illness, “Restoring the Spirit, Removing the Stigma” held this month was widely applauded by attendees for providing a platform of spirituality, information, support and hope. Approximately 175 people gathered for the day-long symposium, with the audience made up of participants from across the diocese as well as ecumenical guests and representatives from as far away as
Diocese of Gaylord Parishioners at Papal Mass
Between the two venues,
Chrism Mass
Bishop John Quinn, Auxiliary Bishop from the Archdiocese of Detroit, presided over the Chrism Mass in Gaylord while Bishop Cooney continues his recuperation. St. Mary Cathedral was full for this special liturgy during which the Holy Oils are blessed and consecrated and the priests of the Diocese of Gaylord renew their commitment to service.
Joseph Muszkiewicz ordained to the priesthood
Bishop John Quinn lays hands on Joseph Muszkiewicz to invoke the Spirit of God during the Rite of Ordination to the priesthood on January 6. Bishop Quinn presided over the liturgy due to Bishop Cooney's sudden illness.
Adult Faith Symposium
More than 100 catechetical leaders gathered at the Diocesan Pastoral Center in Gaylord for an adult faith formation symposium on Saturday, September 8. Participants were invited to share insights and concerns during the day. The presenter for the conference was Babara Minczewski, Director of Catechesis and Evangelization for the Diocese of Saginaw.
Deacon Acolyte Ceremony
Three deacon candidates were instituted as acolytes for the Diocese of Gaylord on October 7. Matthew Lyberg, St. Patrick Parish, Traverse City; Glen Painter, Holy Family Parish, Klacking Creek; and Dr. Douglas Wigton, Holy Rosary, Cedar previously were instituted as lectors. An instituted acolyte is one more step on the way to ordination as a permanent deacon and/or as a priest. They are scheduled for ordination to the permanent diaconate June 2008.
Lector Institution
Three men were Instituted as Lectors by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney. Matt Lyberg, Glen Painter and Doug Wigton are preparing for Ordination to the Permanent Deaconate and the Institution as Lector is one step in the journey. The men have been participating in spirituality sessions and taking classes for several years. The hope is that they will be ordained in June of 2008. Deacon Paul Fifer served as deacon for the Mass.
Altar Server Event at Sportsplex in Gaylord
More than 350 altar servers and chaperones gathered at the Otsego County Sportsplex for an Altar Server Appreciation Day. Sponsored by the Diocese of Gaylord and Knights of Columbus council, the day was a lot of fun for everyone involved. The attendees were able to utilize the Sportsplex amenities - ice rink, two large pools as well as a slide, and an outdoor park area. In addition, a refreshment tent was set up outside and Small Simple Voice, a local band, provided musical entertainment. Fr. Donald Geyman, delegate for vocations welcomed the group before Bishop Patrick R. Cooney offered his thanks to the altar servers and encouraged them to enjoy the day.
45 - 55 Year Anniversary Celebration
More than 600 people gathered at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord for a special anniversary celebration on Sunday, Aug. 26. Sponsored by the Secretariat for Marriage Enrichment, the event recognized couples who had been married for 45-55 years. The afternoon included a presentation followed by a Mass with renewal of marriage vows was presided over by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney with several other area priests concelebrating. The event ended with a reception at the Diocesan Pastoral Center.
Cardinal Szoka Visits Gaylord
Edmund Cardinal Szoka, the first Bishop of the Gaylord Diocese and who most recently served as President of the Governatorate of Vatican City State before his retirement last fall, visited Gaylord in August for the celebration of the Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Exemplification Ceremony.
Knights of Columbus Celebration
District 3 Knights of Columbus held a Fourth Degree Exemplification Ceremony for 53 men recently in Gaylord. The colorful and elaborate festivities also honored Bishop Patrick R. Cooney, the third and current Bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, and Edmund Cardinal Szoka, the first Bishop of the Gaylord Diocese.
Bishop Cooney Goes to Africa
In July, Bishop Patrick Cooney completed another trip to
Catechetical Conference
A conference was offered at the
Christian Leadership Institute
Christian Leadership Institute (CLI), a tradition in the Diocese of Gaylord, was held in June at the Boyne Valley Resort on Walloon Lake. The actual event ran for a week, but the effects will last a lifetime. The program has helped many young people with the transition into college and from college into the work force. A lot of these young people become part of the CLI team and return as staff for this dynamic event. CLI incorporates skills development, small and large group sessions, prayer and worship, and recreation. Each day’s routine consists of workshops, communal activities, shared meals and play.
Robbie Deka Ordination
On Friday, June 8, Robbie Deka was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Gaylord by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney at St. Mary Cathedral in Gaylord. Deka was born in Kafue Gorge, Zambia in South Africa and is one of seven children born to Mathew and Mary Deka. Fr. Deka now serves St. Ignatius in Rogers City, St. Casimer in Posen, and St. Dominic in Metz as Associate Pastor.
Vocation Window Sticker
In conjunction with National Vocations Awareness week, the Diocese of Gaylord sponsored a contest for students with the goal of raising awareness about vocations. The youngest group of students were asked to draw a picture and the next oldest group was asked to submit a phrase. The two winning entries were combined to make a window sticker for use in our diocese.
Rite of Election
On Sunday, February 25, the 2007 Catechumens from the Diocese of Gaylord gathered at St. Mary Cathedral for the Rite of Election celebrated by Bishop Patrick R. Cooney. Despite the inclement weather, many of the 60 people representing 24 parishes who were registered were able to participate. The Rite of Election is a ceremony which marks the beginning of a period of purification and enlightenment for the Elect who will become members of the Body of Christ at the Easter celebration.
In his homily, Bishop Cooney challenged the Catechumens to fully live as disciples of the Lord. He said, “What is expected of you? You are to follow the path of the Lord through whatever vocation you have been called. The Lord will give you the strength and all you need—you just have to choose to do it.”
During the liturgy each Catechumen is called forward, with their sponsor, to receive a special blessing from the Bishop.
Cantor Workshops
Instructor Mary Sellars-Malloy goes over the finer points of leading the assembly in song with Wayne Miller from St. Francis Xavier in Petoskey at the Cantor Workshop that took place in Boyne City on January 25. Several workshops were offered across the diocese and all were well attended.
Jr. High Youth Rally
Nearly 165 youth and chaperones gathered for the annual Junior High Youth Rally held in Gaylord. Musicians Amanda Vernon and Tim Smith entertained and inspired students through their songs, stories and though various activities.
