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:
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 Sunday, October 7. Matthew Lyberg, St. Patrick Parish, Traverse City; Geln Painter, Holy Family Parish, Klacking Creek; and Dr. Douglas Wigton, Holy Rosary, Cedar previously were instituted as lectors in a ceremony this past August. An instituted acolyte is one more step on the way to ordination as a permanent deacon and/or as a priest. All three of these men are scheduled to be ordained to the permanent deaconate in 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.