August 5, 2025
Bishop Edward M. Lohse has made the following clergy appointments:
APPOINTED
as Pastor:
The Reverend James Adams has been appointed Pastor of St. Mary’s Assumption Parish in Bronson with St. Barbara in Colon and Pastor of St. Charles Borromeo Parish in Coldwater with Our Lady of Fatima in Union City, effective September 1, 2025, and continuing until June 30, 2031.
The Reverend Christopher Derda has been appointed Pastor of St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, Byron Center and St. Stanislaus Parish, Dorr with Sacred Heart in Watson, effective September 1, 2025, and continuing until June 30, 2031
The Reverend Daniel Hyman has been appointed Pastor of St. Monica Parish in Kalamazoo, effective September 1, 2025, and continuing until June 30, 2031.
The Reverend Monsignor Michael Osborn has been appointed Pastor of St. Ann Parish in Augusta, effective September 1, 2025, and continuing until June 30, 2031, and also appointed to part-time duties as Chancellor, effective September 1, 2025, ad nutum episcopi.
The Reverend David Pinto has been appointed Pastor of St. Mary Parish in Paw Paw with St. Jude in Gobles, effective September 1, 2025, and continuing until June 30, 2031.
as Parochial Vicar:
The Reverend Al Jorgensen has been appointed Parochial Vicar of St. Mary’s Visitation Parish, Byron Center and St. Stanislaus Parish in Dorr with residence in Dorr, effective September 1, 2025, until further notice.
The Reverend Thomas McNally has been reappointed Parochial Vicar of St. Monica Parish in Kalamazoo, effective September 1, 2025, continuing until June 30, 2028, with all other assignments remaining the same.
to Diocesan Administration:
The Reverend Robert Creagan has been appointed Diocesan Archivist, effective September 1, 2025, ad nutum episcopi.
Diaconal Ministry meetings begin this week
New location for August 8th meeting
Local pilgrims participate in Jubilee for Young People
A diocean delegation of young adults participated in the Jubilee for Young People as part of a week-long pilgrimage. Bishop Lohse was able to meet up with the group for a time of prayer and fellowship. More reflections from the pilgrims will be shared in the coming weeks. To read Pope Leo's homily and watch a recap video, scroll on to "National News" in this edition.
Trauma Recovery Program begins new session this fall
When children are physically, emotionally, or sexually abused, or experience severe neglect, the injuries are profound. The effects often extend into their adult lives and affect their abilities to live effectively and experience contentment. They are apt to feel isolated in their pain, with no knowledge that their struggles are expectable because of their trauma histories.
The diocesan Trauma Recovery Program will begin this fall, open to any Catholic that is an adult survivor of childhood abuse or neglect. Participants meet for ten sessions in a small group (no more than ten participants), facilitated by licensed mental health professionals. If you are interested in participating in this program or have questions about the Trauma Recovery Program, please contact Fr. Ken Schmidt at 269.381.6290, ext. 9390.
Rosary Rally at Notre Dame - September 7, 2025
A historic Rosary Rally bringing together thousands to pray for hope, healing, and unity in families and the world will take place Sunday, September 7, 2025 at 1:30PM at the University of Notre Dame outside Bond Hall.
This event is inspired by the monumental Rosary Rally held 75 years ago at Notre Dame, led by the legendary "Rosary Priest," Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.
Organized by Holy Cross Family Ministries, the Congregation of Holy Cross, and the University of Notre Dame, participants will include families, students, clergy, and faithful from across the nation.
In a world grappling with division and uncertainty, this rally seeks to revive the powerful tradition of family prayer, echoing Father Peyton’s timeless message: “The family that prays together stays together.”
Click on the button below to visit the Rosary Rally website and to subscribe for updates to the Rally and 25 days of Rosary Reflections
Save the Date: Celebration and Prayer for Life Rally - October 12, 2025
Come join St. Michael Lutheran Church (7211 Oakland Dr., Portage, MI 49024) on Sunday, October 12, 2025 for a celebration of life with music, prayer, and inspiring speakers, like keynote speaker Pastor Michael L. Brown of Kalamazoo Gospel Ministries. We'll be collecting donations for two local Pregnancy Resource Centers: Pregnancy Helpline of Three Rivers and Positive Options - Allegan. Doors will open at 4:00pm, with the program starting at 5:00pm.
More information will be forthcoming.
20th Annual Polish Festival - St. Stanislaus, Dorr - August 16-17, 2025
Join St. Stanislaus Parish (1861 136th Ave., Dorr, MI 49323) as they go back to their roots with the 20th Anniversary of their Polish Festival, taking place on Saturday & Sunday, August 16-17, 2025.
This event is cash-only, and includes delicious food, lively music and dancing, games for kids, raffle prizes, and Mass in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa. All proceeds from the festival will benefit St. Stanislaus Catholic Church Parish and School.
This year's menu includes:
- Kielbasa & Sauerkraut
- Pierogi
- Golumpki (stuffed cabbage)
- Polish Potatoes
- Rye Bread & Butter
- Also serving Czarnina Soup, Dill Pickle Soup, and Polish Pastries
Dinner/Lunch is $15/adult, $10/child aged 5-10 (children under age 5 eat free) -- with a family cap of $60
Come enjoy live Polka Music from the Bill Gruscinski Band on Saturday, and Pan Franek, Zosia & the Polkatowners on Sunday!
For a full breakdown of times and events, please check out the flyer below.
We hope to see you there!
2025 Hall of Fame Induction and Service Award Reception
The Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo are proud to host the Hall of Fame Awards on Thursday, September 25 at 5:30pm. It will be a celebration of all the remarkable individuals who have helped shape our school community through faith, service, and leadership.
Please join us in honoring the men and women who have made significant contributions to our schools and our community.
This year's honorees and award winners include:
2025 Hall of fame Honorees
Please join us in honoring the men and women who have made significant contributions to our schools and our community.
This year's honorees and award winners include:
2025 Hall of fame Honorees
Heath Baldwin (2019)
Tom Drake (1974)
Mo-El Mohammed - (1995)
Mikey Olson
2006 Women's Soccer
2018 Men's Track
Service Awards
Tom Drake (1974)
Mo-El Mohammed - (1995)
Mikey Olson
2006 Women's Soccer
2018 Men's Track
Service Awards
Joseph Cekola (1980) - Distinguished Alumni Award
Monsignor Michael Hazard - Bishop's Award
Monsignor Michael Hazard - Bishop's Award
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities - Bread of Life & Ark Shelter for Youth
Bread of Life is in need of drivers for Kalamazoo County deliveries on Wednesday, August 6.
The Ark Shelter is requesting volunteer support in the following areas:
- Assistance in the donation room – 2 hours every other week – M-F begin before 5pm, no later than 7pm
- Flower garden beautification – 2 hours every other week – M-F begin before 5pm, no later than 7pm
- Individuals/groups to assist with teaching various skills such as music, arts/crafts, poetry, cooking, etc. – Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday evenings after 3pm.
These opportunities are now open through CERVIS, or you can directly email Vicki Matunas or Toni Newell if you are interested in helping out!!
Above: Pope Leo XIV delivers homily at Mass for Jubilee of Young People (@Vatican Media)
Over a million young people filled the vast expanse of Tor Vergata to spend an evening with Pope Leo XIV during the Jubilee Vigil for Youth and to take part in the Mass celebrated by the Holy Father on Sunday morning, August 3rd.
Catch a glimpse of Bishop Lohse (10 seconds in) in this highlight reel covering the Jubilee for Young People.
Webinar: How to Celebrate Respect Life Month in Your Parish - August 28
Learn how to help your parish celebrate Respect Life Month in October! Get easy ideas and ready-to-use digital resources during this one-hour webinar on Thursday, August 28, 2025 at 8pm EST.
USCCB staff will walk through this year's new materials, as well as the perennial Respect Life Month action guide. This introductory-level webinar is perfect for parish staff and volunteers, but anyone is welcome to join.
Although developed with parishes in mind, the materials are adaptable to a variety of settings, such as Catholic schools, youth ministry, and more.