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 one of the March 2024 Synodal Gatherings:
- March 4, St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord, Parish Hall, 6-8 pm
- March 11, St. Francis of Assisi, Traverse City, Parish Hall, 6-8 pm
- 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.
Third Sunday of Lent
In the story of the Cleansing of the Temple, Jesus shows both his infinite power and his omniscient wisdom.
During his actions of justice, Jesus promises to rebuild the temple—referring to his body as the temple, calling light to his own impending death and resurrection. After his resurrection “his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they came to believe the scripture and the word Jesus had spoken” (John 2:22).
This same power and wisdom of God are present in our lives today. Through our own discipleship, we embody the revealing power of God!
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.
To Encounter Christ
To Encounter Christ (TEC) is a spiritual movement for high school seniors and college students.
What: A three-day retreat weekend
When: Mar. 15-17, 2024
Where: Camp Daggett, Petoskey
This high energy and spirit-filled retreat includes dynamic reflections, music, sacraments, adoration, small group dialogue and prayer.
For more information about the local TEC community and retreat registration, visit newlifetec.org.
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
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.
