Holy Hour (and a Half)
Deepen your relationship with Jesus and be a part of the Eucharistic Revival. Bishop Walsh is hosting Holy Hour (and a Half) consisting of exposition, adoration, benediction, and eucharistic catechesis.
- Feb. 19, 3 p.m. at St. Augustine, Hillman - East Vicariate
- Feb. 26, 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord - Central Vicariate
Visit to St. John Vianney College Seminary
Take a spiritual journey to St. Paul Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul with Father Ben Rexroat.
If you are currently in high school or college (16-22 years old) and have ever considered the priesthood, this is your opportunity to experience a trip of spiritual discovery. Visit the St. John Vianney College Seminary to discover the next steps in a consecrated vocation.
WHEN: February 16 - 18, 2023
WHERE: St. John Vianney College Seminary 2115 Summit Avenue St. Paul, Minnesota
Hear testimonies from current seminarians, attend spiritual conferences with SJV priests, pray with the community, and tour the University of St. Thomas.
Visit: www.dioceseofgaylord.org/sjvvisit for more information
Staying Awake in the Woke Culture – Catholic Men’s Conference
2023 Absolute Catholic Men's Conference with featured speaker Dcn. Harold Burke-Sivers.
Attend the Absolute Catholic Men’s conference Sat. March 4, 2023 from 9:00 AM- 2:20 PM. Located at St. Francis High School Auditorium in Traverse City this event will focus on men’s roles as husbands, fathers, and Catholic men living in and navigating an ever increasing woke culture.
Early Bird Registration (before Feb. 21) - $30 plus free book
Registration: $35
Clergy and Men under 20 – free
Register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/staying-awake-in-the-woke-culture-catholic-mens-conference-tickets-517703604417
For more information go to AbsoluteCatholic.com
Religious Liberty Essay Contest
Religious freedom is a fundamental right. But the truth of religious freedom has needed, and continues to need, witnesses. Share the story of a witness to freedom. Choose one person (or group, such as an organization or community) who is important in the story of freedom. Was there a key moment in the person’s life that bears witness to freedom? Or was it the life as a whole? Did the person articulate important concepts for religious freedom, and if so, what arguments did she or he make? Why is this person a witness to religious freedom? What lessons can we learn from this person’s witness?
First Prize: $2,000 scholarship Second Prize: $1,000 scholarship Third Prize: $500 scholarship.
All three winning essays will be published at usccb.org.
Essays are due March 24, 2023.
Winners will be announced in May.
Submission information is available at www.usccb.org/religious-liberty-essay.
2023 Father Charles Irvin Memorial Writing Scholarship
FAITH Catholic is pleased to sponsor a writing scholarship contest for Catholic high school seniors within the dioceses of FAITH’s publishing partners.
The 2023 essay subject is: Tell us about the person in whom you most see the face of Christ.
Here are the specifics:
- Applicants: Catholic high school seniors who are students at a diocesan Catholic high school and/or who are active participants in their parish’s youth group/religious education program.
- Essay length: 800-1200 words
- Entries due: March 17, 2023
- Scholarship: One $1,500 first prize
- Judges: FAITH and other publications editorial staff
Submissions must be sent by Director of Religious Formation, Catholic Youth Minister, Catholic high-school teacher, or pastor. Direct student submissions will not be considered.
Stewardship by the Book
Stewardship involves more than just the gift we bring to the altar. Today’s readings say clearly that it is fidelity to God’s law that makes our offering acceptable.
Vocation View
Today the choice is yours: fire or water, life or death. Stand up straight, Christian, your God has chosen you to live the better life.
Stewardship Reflections
“For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” MATTHEW 5:20
The scribes and Pharisees lived according to the letter of the law and they used this to elevate themselves above the other people. Jesus is clear – it’s the love that you have in your heart that will get you to heaven. Simply following church rules out of obligation, not love, does not put you on the path to heaven. Attending Mass on Sunday and then gossiping about a fellow parishioner on the parking lot is an example of a modern day Pharisee.
Family Perspective by Bud Ozar
To experience the peace which Christ promises we must shed our grudges, jealousy and feelings of being misunderstood, unappreciated or ignored. Peace and anger don’t mix. Today’s gospel warns, if you want peace in your heart and home, get rid of your anger. Anger is too costly.
Abuse of Minors or Vulnerable Adults by Priests, Deacons or Others
To report allegations of sexual abuse of minors or vulnerable adults within the Diocese of Gaylord by priests, deacons or other employees or volunteers, regardless of when it occurred, individuals should: Contact local law enforcement and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (855-444-3911). The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has also set up a special phone line for people to share information that may be of help in their ongoing investigation of sexual misconduct by Catholic clergy. That number is 844-324-3374. You may also contact the Diocesan Victim Assistance Coordinator, Larry LaCross, at 989-705-9010.
In the State of Michigan many professionals, including clergy, teachers, doctors, counselors and named others are mandated reporters. This means such individuals are REQUIRED to make an oral or online report IMMEDIATELY to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services if they suspect a child is being neglected or abused in any way. Individuals may call the state report line at the number above, which is answered 24 hours a day, or submit a report online at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/0,5885,7-339-73971_7119---00.html.
