August 12, 2025
Remaining Diaconal Ministry Informational Meetings this week
Central Deanery • Parish: St. Monica’s, Kalamazoo • Location: Community Building • Date: Wednesday, August 13, 2025 • Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Eastern Deanery • Parish: St. Joseph, Battle Creek • Location: Parish Center • Date: Thursday, August 14, 2025 • Time: 6:00–8:00 PM
Additional information including the timelines, standards, requirements and applications can be found on the diocesan website at www.diokzoo.org/deaconformation. Applications are due by September 15.
Upcoming Circle of Friends Meeting - August 27, 2025
This gathering for adults with cognitive/developmental disabilities is a time of fellowship, activities and reflection on the Sunday readings and a simple dinner.
We gather on the 4th Wednesday of the month (exceptions are November and December, which will be the 3rd Wednesday because of holidays) from 6:00 - 7:30 pm in the Fellowship Room in the Stanley Center at St. Catherine of Siena, 1150 W. Centre Street, Portage, MI.
Next meeting dates are: August 27, September 24, October 22, November 19, and December 17, 2025
Contact Veronica Rodriguez by phone 269-349-8714, Ext. 1240, or email for more information, or, to RSVP.
Knights of Columbus Bless New Ultrasound Machine
Last week, Bishop Lohse joined Knights of Columbus from St. Mary of the Lake to dedicate a new ultrasound machine to the Women's Care Center in Niles, MI. This new addition helps support the care center's mission of free and confidential care. Funds for the ultrasound machine were partially raised through pancake breakfasts as part of the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative. View more photos from the dedication ceremony here.
Save the Date: 2025 Celebration and Prayer For Life Rally - October 12, 2025
Pastor Paul Naumann, St. Michael Lutheran Church and School, welcomes all Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus, as contained in the bible, to this ecumenical Celebration of the Sanctity of Life on October 12, 2025. Doors will open at 4:00pm, with the program beginning at 5:00pm. Joining Pastor Naumann will be distinguished guests including keynote speaker Pastor Michael L. Brown and speaker Bishop Emeritus Paul J. Bradley.
Attendees are invited to consider bringing any of the following items to donate at the event:
- wipes
- baby wash/lotion
- diapers (size 3-6)
- 6 month - 2T clothes
- 12-24 month onesies
- adult shampoo & conditioner
This non-political event will take place at Saint Michael Lutheran Church 7211 Oakland Dr. Portage, MI 49024.
In unity, we are seeking God's blessing on all human life, especially the unborn and those at end of life.
Please see the flyer below for additional information.
St. Ann Parish Pancake Breakfast - August 16, 2025
St. Ann Parish, Cassopolis, will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, August 16, 2025 from 9:00-11:00am in their Fellowship Hall (421 N. Broadway, Cassopolis, MI). This breakfast will include pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, fruit, coffee and juice. Free-will donations from this event will go directly to help purchase food for students enrolled in the Backpack Food Program, which helps provide access to food for students on weekends and school holidays.
Thanks to a matching gift, all donations made at the breakfast will be matched up to $1,500, doubling the impact of your support.
Bishop Lohse recently celebrated the Installation Mass for pastor, Father Robert Johansen, at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Edwardsburg. Fr Rob is also pastor of St. Ann Parish, Cassopolis.
Diocesan Jubilee Pilgrimage Day
- Friday, August 15, 2025, 7:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- Location: St. Mary Parish, Marshall, MI 49068
Join for a full day of events to celebrate the Jubilee Year:
•7:30 am Mass
•8:30 am – 11 am Adoration
•10 am – 11 am Confession
•1 pm – 2 pm Adoration/Confession
•2 pm Rosary
•3 pm Divine Mercy Chaplet
•4 pm High Mass with Bishop Lohse
•5:15 pm Dinner (Parish Hall)
Additionally, there will be a classroom setup with items for sale from the Holy Land from 3-6pm. Cash or card accepted.
St. Catherine of Siena invites all young adults (ages 18-35) to join us for dinner and discussion on Sunday, August 17th at 6 p.m. at Red Lobster (6535 S Westnedge Ave, Portage, MI 49002). Everyone covers their own bill. Contact: Michelle Zawadzki at mzawadzki@stcatherinesiena.org.
"BACK TO OUR ROOTS” POLISH FESTIVAL
The 20th Annual St. Stanislaus “Back to our Roots” Polish Festival will be held on Aug 16 & 17, 1865 136th Ave, Dorr, MI. Sat, Aug 16: Serving a Polish dinner from 5-7:30 pm along with the “Bill Gruscinski Band” from 6-10pm. Sun, Aug 17: Polka Mass at 10:30 am followed by more Polish food, including czarnina & dill pickle soups along with Polish pastries. Serving from 11am-3pm.
Polka music with “Pan Franek and Zosia & the Polkatowners” from 1-4pm. Beer tent, kids’ games, basket raffles and huge raffle with over $2,000 in prizes. Dinner Prices: Adults $15, 5–10 years $10, Kids under 5 free. Cover Charge of $5 if you are not eating dinner. Questions? Call the parish office at 269-793-7268 or email at rectory@st-stans.net. All proceeds to benefit St. Stanislaus Catholic Parish & School.
CCDOK Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed for Fresh Food Distribution at Mayor’s Riverfront Park on Friday, August 15th.
If you are interested in helping out at the Ark Shelter there are several volunteer opportunities that have been posted.
Assistance is needed in the donation room – 2 hours every other week – Monday through Friday before 5pm, but no later than 7pm
Flower garden beautification – 2 hours every other week – Monday through Friday before 5pm, but 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. If you are interested in helping at the Ark and our youth, please sign up or email directly to Vicki Matunas or Toni Newell.
Once again, we are asking for your assistance in reviewing old photos/ scrapbooks/articles of the agency for our 50th Anniversary celebration. If this is something you have a passion for and would love to reminisce, please email Jen Dobbins or Vicki Matunas directly.
REMINDER: DL Gallivan will be holding a golf outing this year with part of the proceeds being donated to Catholic Charities. The event will be held at Angels Crossing on Wednesday, September 10. If you would like to participate in this event, registration is now open.
Respect Life Parish Webinar - August 28, 2025
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 8:00pm 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.
Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, August 15
Holy Day of Obligation
Assumption of the Virgin Mary fresco painting in San Petronio Basilica in Bologna, Italy.
What Are Holy Days of Obligation?
In the Catholic Church, holy days of obligation are the most important days in the liturgical year, when the faithful are required to participate in Mass, including Sundays. Because it is the day Jesus rose from the dead and therefore signifies our “new creation” in him, Sunday is “the foremost holy day of obligation in the universal Church” (CCC 2174; 2177). These holy days celebrate key events in salvation history and honor the central mysteries of our faith.
As the Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms, those who deliberately miss Mass on a holy day of obligation—“unless excused for a serious reason (for example, illness, the care of infants) or dispensed by their own pastor”—commit a mortal sin (CCC 2181). These sacred days call us to give our Lord Jesus Christ the worship he is due, “and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit” (CCC 1325; see 1354; 1366; 1408).
PUBLISHING SCHEDULE: The Insider publishes and distributes on Tuesdays. Deadline for information remains the preceding Thursday. Send information for consideration to: Vicki Cessna, vcessna@diokzoo.org.
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