Fifth Sunday of Lent
Throughout the gospels, Jesus uses the image of being “lifted up” to describe his crucifixion. After Jesus was nailed to the cross, he was physically lifted up—a painful, yet exalting moment—for through the cross he brought salvation.
While he understood his impending suffering, Jesus knew its purpose. He promised to “draw everyone” to himself (John 12:32), knowing that the cross would remove the barrier between us and our relationship with the Father.
Reflect upon the cross today. Let it speak of God’s infinite love and thank him for his willingness to suffer and die so that we may live.
March 2024 Synodal Gatherings
As we continue on our journey, initiated by the Holy Father, for a Synodal Church, the Diocese of Gaylord will be hosting follow-up Synodal Gatherings. In 2022, the faithful throughout our diocese gathered to discuss “what” we could do as a Church to be more communal and evangelize the Body of Christ. Now, we gather to discuss the “how.”
Join Bishop Walsh at the final March 2024 Synodal Gathering:
- March 18, All Saints, Alpena, Parish Hall, 6-8 pm
Discussion will focus on two questions:
- How can the structures and organizations of the Church help all the baptized to respond to the call to proclaim the Gospel and to live as a community of love and mercy in Christ?
- Where have I seen or experienced successes – and distresses—within the Church’s structure(s), organization, leadership, life that encourage or hinder the mission?
These discussions will help gather testimonies and good practices that will be shared at the second Vatican session of the Synodal Assembly in October 2024.
Fish Fry
Celebrate Lent with your parish community at a fish fry!
During Lent, we fast and abstain from meat on Fridays. Attend a Fish Fry at one of parishes in the diocese.
Visit dioceseofgaylord.org/fishfry for a listing of all Fish Fries throughout Lent.
National Eucharistic Congress: July 17-21, 2024
Parishes from every corner in our nation will gather at the feet of Jesus, boldly anticipating a new Pentecost at the 10th National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis.
Join Bishop Walsh and other faithful from the diocese. The Diocese of Gaylord is offering a package including a discounted rate for the full Congress pass. For questions and to register, contact Ami Peterson, Director of Faith Formation at 989-705-3539 or apeterson@dioceseofgaylord.org
Rachel's Vineyard Retreats
What: Rachel’s Vineyard is a safe space to renew, rebuild and redeem hearts broken by abortion. Held all over the world, these retreats offer you a supportive, confidential, and non-judgmental environment where woman and men can express, release and reconcile painful post-abortion emotions to begin the process of restoration, renewal and healing. The weekend will help your soul find a voice and transform the pain-of-the-past into hope and love.Cost includes two-night accommodations, meals and retreat materials. Financial help available to those in need.
When: April 26-28, 2024
Where: Augustine Retreat Center, Conway, MI
Cost: $220 (financial aid available)
Contact to register and more information: Jane O’Brien, 231-675-1715, jobrien4611@gmail.com
Kristyn Lent, 231-838-8383, kristyn63@icloud.com
Solidarity Fund for National Eucharistic Congress
The National Eucharistic Congress has recently released information about a Solidarity Fund available for both individuals and groups interested in attending the Congress but who are unable to afford the inherent costs.
For individuals:
The scholarship application is available for anyone interested in applying. The application is self-guided and user-friendly.
For groups:
The scholarship application for groups requires some collaboration with the Diocese of Gaylord, and is meant for youth, school, or parish groups. If you are interested in bringing a group from your parish or school, please reach out to me or Ami Peterson, (989) 705-3539, to learn more about what the process looks like.
For both groups and individuals, the link to apply for the Solidarity Fund is below:
Solidarity Fund for Financial Assistance (eucharisticcongress.org)
Up North Catholic E-Newsletter
The Diocese of Gaylord has recently launched a weekly e-newsletter that will help deepen your understanding and relationship with God. Subscribe now and receive a variety of faith-based content including Bishop Walsh's "Checking In" video via email every Wednesday afternoon. Sign up today: dioceseofgaylord.org/subscribe.
