April 8, 2025
Chrism Mass next Tuesday, April 15 -
2 p.m.
All are invited to join Bishop Lohse for the annual Chrism Mass at St. Augustine Cathedral on Tuesday, April 15 beginning at 2 p.m. All priests in the Diocese will be concelebrating and picking up the holy oils that are blessed during the Mass. The Mass will be live streamed on diokzoo.org/live and the diocesan Facebook page.
Jubilee Mass for Healthcare workers celebrated April 6th
Bishop Lohse celebrated the Jubilee Mass for Healthcare Workers on Sunday April 6th, 2025. In his homily, Bishop Lohse offered prayers of gratitude and acknowledgement for the years of service and dedication of the Sisters of St. Joseph in bringing healthcare to this area through Borgess Hospital.
National Catholic Youth Conference returns to Indy this November
Get ready for a life-changing experience at 2025 NCYC: I Am | Yo Soy! This three-day event, held November 20-22, 2025, in Indianapolis, is a unique opportunity for Catholic teenagers and their adult chaperones to come together in prayer, community, and empowerment. For more information contact Santiago Banda, sbanda@diokzoo.org.
USCCB Issues Joint Report with Evangelical Partners on the Impact of Mass Deportations on Christian Families
A new report from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and several faith-based organizations examines the impact of mass deportations on Christian families in the U.S. It reveals that roughly one in twelve Christians, including many Catholics, face deportation or live with someone at risk. The report urges policymakers to adopt a compassionate approach to immigration, emphasizing the importance of protecting families and upholding human dignity in immigration policy. Key findings also show that over ten million Christian immigrants and nearly seven million U.S. citizens could be affected by proposed deportation efforts. Read the full report below.
Upcoming Webinar: Pastoral Approaches to Same-Sex Attraction
The National Eucharistic Revival as part of its Year of Mission is hosting an upcoming Walk With One webinar that will focus on offering a pastoral approach to same-sex attraction. This session aims to equip participants with compassionate and authentically Catholic guidance to support individuals navigating life's challenges.
The webinar will be held on April 15th at 8 PM ET . Click the button below to register and save your seat.
The webinar will be held on April 15th at 8 PM ET . Click the button below to register and save your seat.
Catholic Relief Services Local chapters promote Holy Week Action and Fast
CRS local chapters are calling for a week of action and fasting in solidarity with our global family suffering from hunger. Following are links to resources and an informational video.
- Week of Action: April 7-12
- Holy week Fast: Palm Sunday - Good Friday, April 13-19
- Click herefor Pledge Card
- 6 min recap videoof the upcoming action opportunities
Also - learn more about CRS response to the devastating earthquake that hit central Myanmar. CRS has supported people and communities in Myanmar for more than two decades, working with local partners in agriculture, nutrition, education and emergency response initiatives, including a robust response to Cyclone Nargis
in 2008. Download the factsheet below for more information.
in 2008. Download the factsheet below for more information.
Eucharistic pilgrimage to pass through Joliet and Peoria
2025 National Eucharistic Pilgrimage - Drexel Route
As the three-year National Eucharistic Revival in the United States draws to a close on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, all are invited to pray before the Blessed Sacrament along the St. Katharine Drexel Route from Indianapolis to Los Angeles.
The 2025 Drexel Route opens with a Mass of Thanksgiving in Indianapolis on Sunday, May 18th, before spending traveling through the Diocese of Joliet [Joliet, IL] on May 18-19. The team will travel with the Blessed Sacrament through parts of the Midwest before heading to Texas and along the states of the Southwestern United States. This year's pilgrimage route will include numerous opportunities to encounter Jesus, including daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, Eucharistic Processions, witness talks, and fellowship meals with the Perpetual Pilgrims.
Registration and a full listing of event details and locations in each participating diocese can be found here.
Jail Ministry information session this Thursday, April 10th
The Kalamazoo County Jail Ministry Team will present an information session on April 10th from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm in room 17 of the Bennett Building of St. Joseph Catholic Church. The team provides Bible Studies and visits on Fridays from 1:00 pm to about 2:45 pm, with most volunteers going about twice per month. Download the flyer below for more information. If you cannot make this session but want more information, please email jailministry@ccdok.org
Michigan Catholic Conference: Seeing Christ in the Immigrant
The Spring 2025 issue of Focus, Seeing Christ in the Immigrant highlights the challenges faced in the current U.S. immigration system. This edition of Focus aims to share the Church's perspective on immigration, including key principles of immigration compiled by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, and how those ideas relate to teachings of the Church. The fundamental Catholic social doctrine of upholding human dignity and caring for the poor and vulnerable is at the core of this message. The digital version of Focus can be found here in Spanish, and below in English.
St. Charles Borromeo hosts Wednesday soup night
On Wednesday, April 9th St. Charles Borromeo, Coldwater, hosts its Lenten Soup Supper. Soup will be served starting at 6 pm in the hospitality room of the Activities Building. The cost will be a free will donation at the door.
SS Cyril & Methodius, Gun Lake fish fry
Lenten Fish Fry April 11 - 7 p.m. at SS. Cyril & Methodius Hall hosted by The Men’s Club. Cost is $15 a person with children’s pricing available. Menu includes cod, pollock, mac & cheese, fries, green beans,
Council 6980 in Kalamazoo District 406 held an Exemplification Ceremony on Sunday, March 16th 2025 in the Trinity Chapel at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Portage. We are excited to welcome one new Brother Knight, John Greenhoe to St. Augustine Cathedral Council 15439, and Fr. Andrew Schmidt is now a Third Degree Knight, also in St. Augustine Cathedral Council 15439.
REMINDER: Annual Kentucky Derby Dinner & Dance - May 3rd
Saddle up for a night of southern charm and derby-day fun! Join the Knights of Columbus on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, in Marian Hall [St. Catherine of Siena, Portage] for their Annual Kentucky Derby Dinner. Doors open at 5pm, with a delicious catered meal starting at 5:45pm. Tickets are available in the parish office or by calling 269-370-2433.
Shamrock Celebration: A Night at the Cabaret
Step into a night of elegance and entertainment as we come together to celebrate the mission and outstanding students of Hackett Catholic Prep on Friday, April 25, 2025. This year's cabaret-themed event promises an unforgettable evening filled with joy, community and purpose. Your generous support directly enhances the Hackett experience, providing opportunities that shape the lives of our students.
