Celebrate 50 Years of Faith at Our Cathedral
This year marks the 50th Anniversary of St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral — the heart of our Diocese. From ordinations to Chrism Masses to diocesan celebrations, the Cathedral has stood as a visible sign of unity for all Catholics in the Diocese of Gaylord.
To celebrate this Jubilee Year, a Cathedral sanctuary renovation is now underway — designed to reflect the beauty, reverence, and glory worthy of God's house. A new handcrafted altar, a golden-tiled Crucifix alcove and a gleaming tabernacle will uplift every person who gathers there in prayer.
We are all invited to support this sacred renewal. This is our Mother Church — and your gift, no matter the size, helps preserve and beautify this holy place for the next 50 years and beyond.
To learn more and make your gift, visit:
DioceseofGaylord.org/CathedralRenovation
Gregorian Chant Concerts – A Sacred Invitation
Come experience the beauty of Gregorian chant and sacred music with the Diocesan Gregorian Schola, led by Kirsten Trudeau and Rita McIntyre. These free concerts are moments of prayer—lifting hearts to God through timeless music.
Concert Dates:
- Wed, Nov. 19 – 6:30 p.m.
Cross in the Woods, Indian River - Thu, Nov. 20 – 6:30 p.m.
St. Francis of Assisi, Traverse City - Fri, Nov. 21 – 6:30 p.m.
St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord
Special Guest:
Maestro Davide Bucci, organist of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, will join the Schola in presenting works by Palestrina, St. Hildegard von Bingen, St. John Henry Newman, and traditional Gregorian chant.
All are welcome. Come and let your soul find rest.
2025 Art Contest
Submit artwork for Bishop’s Advent Card
The Diocese of Gaylord invites all artists in grades 7-12 to participate in an art contest to create a beautiful depiction of the Holy Family. The winning artwork will grace the cover of Bishop Walsh’s Advent Card, sent to all parishioners. The selected artist will receive recognition on the card, in a special feature in Faith magazine, and on the diocesan online communities and website.
Deadline for submissions is Nov. 5, 2025. For complete contest details, visit DioceseofGaylord.org/2025ArtContest.
Bishop Walsh Creates St. Joseph Measure and Devotional Prayer
While on spiritual retreat at the St. Joseph Chapel in McBain, Mich., a St. Joseph Measure devotion was put on Bishop Walsh’s heart. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, Bishop Walsh wrote a special devotional prayer to Saint Joseph, and designed a St. Joseph Measure to help people say the prayer. “I was praying for a variety of things in the chapel and relying on St. Joseph’s intercession at the time,” explains Bishop Walsh. “St. Joseph came to my rescue. I felt comforted and strengthened by his presence.”
The St. Joseph Measure has a cross with fleurs-de-lis and lilies— both symbols of St. Joseph. The measure includes a series of brown beads and medallions to remind us of each aspect of St. Joseph’s discipleship, allowing us the opportunity to reflect on how we should be living out our discipleship. The final prayer, on the carpenter’s square, or the measure, reminds us of St. Joseph’s virtuous life that was holy, hidden and humble as well as sacred scripture.
If you are interested in purchasing the St. Joseph Measure, prayer card and pouch, visit dioceseofgaylord.org/stjosephmeasure
Jubilee 2025 Events
Jan. 3, 2026, St. Mary
Closing Mass for the Jubilee Year
MI March for Life Bus
Be a witness to a culture of life. Join us for the MI March for Life in Lansing on Thursday, November 6, 2025. It’s critical we use our voices for the voiceless. The Diocese of Gaylord has arranged for a bus for adults to attend this important event for a fee of $10. Reserve your spot today. Questions? Contact Amelia Martin at 989-705-3503.
Image: Color, BW
Attention High School Youth!
NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) is a powerfully unique three-day experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service and empowerment for Catholic teenagers (of high school age) and their adult chaperones.
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
When: November 20-22, 2025
Learn more and register at NCYC.US
Free Large Print Bibles & Missalettes
Since 1900, Xavier Society for the Blind has been providing free braille, audio, and large print materials to Catholics who are blind/visually impaired. Learn more at xaviersocietyfortheblind.org.
If you or anyone you know is interested:
Call 800-637-9193 or 212-473-7800
Email: info@xaviersociety for the blind
Pray Daily with Bishop Walsh
Begin your day in prayer with Bishop Walsh. Each day, the bishop will share a daily prayer and petition, providing an opportunity to reflect before starting your daily routine.
Taken directly from the Liturgy of Hours, the morning prayer intercessions help us in sanctifying the day with prayer, ultimately bringing us closer to God and closer to the universal Church.
Visit our Facebook page facebook.com/diocesegaylord or our YouTube channel youtube.com/@DioceseofGaylordMI to join in the daily Prayers & Intentions.
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.
