May 12, 2026
2026 Bishop's Annual Appeal Update
Congratulations to St. Edward Parish, Mendon, for being the first parish to reach its pledge goal and to have it paid in full. Click on the button below to give directly to the appeal.Ordination to the Diaconate - May 16, 2026
Please pray for diocesan seminarian Mr. Hector Albeiro Saldarriaga Cadavid who will be ordained a deacon this Saturday, May 16th at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral. You may watch the live stream of the Mass at diokzoo.org/live.
Memorial Day Mass at Mt. Olivet Cemetery - May 25, 2026
Very Reverend Fabio Garzon, Vicar General, will celebrate a Memorial Day Mass on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 9 a.m. at Mt. Olivet Catholic Cemetery (2003 Mt. Olivet Rd, Kalamazoo, MI, 49004).
Diocesan staff attends multi-diocese summit on Pastoral Care of Immigrant Communities - May 6, 2026
Eleven members of the Diocese of Kalamazoo (including clergy, Diocesan Pastoral Center staff and parish lay leaders) gathered with more than 200 people--from 10 dioceses across Michigan and Ohio--on May 6, 2026, at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit for a day-long conference, “Witness to Hope: Pastoral Care of Immigrant Communities.” The conference was a collaborative effort between the Archdiocese of Detroit, Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, the Hope Border Institute in El Paso, Texas and the Center for Migration Studies of New York, to discuss what the Church can do at the parish and diocesan levels to better assist its immigrant communities. Learn more about topics discussed during the summit in this article from Detroit Catholic.
2027 World Youth Day to be held in Seoul, South Korea
The Diocesan Office of Mission and Ministry, in partnership with Verso Ministries, is organizing a group pilgrimage to the 2027 World Youth Day celebration in Seoul, South Korea, from August 1-7, 2027. This trip is open to adults 18+ (must no longer be in high school). Parish groups are encouraged, but individuals are more than welcome to join the trip as well. If interested, please use the QR Code on the graphic above, or visit this link, to receive additional information on registration.On Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 12:15 p.m., Verso Ministries will premiere a promotional video to help inspire young adults to take the leap and experience the global Church, hear the voice of the Lord, and be transformed through this pilgrimage. The video will be available to watch at this link. May 13, the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima, was chosen as a meaningful nod to the last World Youth Day in Portugal and as a reminder to imitate Mary’s courage to say yes to God’s call.
Additionally, the organizers of the World Youth Day 2027 have named five patron saints whose lives reflect persecution, migration, and social struggle, presenting them as guides for young people preparing for the global gathering and symbolizing the themes of truth, love, and peace. The list includes Pope St. John Paul II, founder of World Youth Day; St. Andrew Kim Taegon and companions, martyrs of the early Korean Church; St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, known for her work with migrants; St. Josephine Bakhita, whose life reflected faith amid suffering; and St. Carlo Acutis, associated with evangelization in the digital age. Read more about these saints here.
Upcoming programming from St. Monica Parish Young Adult Group
See the flyer below for upcoming events during the month of May, hosted by St. Monica Parish, Kalamazoo, and their young adult group Third Place. Additional information can be found on their website here. Scan the QR code or visit this link to sign up for updates on events via text or email.
Migrant Ministry Donations at the Aleman Center start May 18, 2026
The St. Thomas More Parish Office garage will be open to accept donations for the Aleman Center in support of Migrant Ministry beginning Monday, May 18, 2026, through Monday, July 13, 2026.Items may be brought to the Parish Office Garage located at 1333 W. Lovell St. (corner of Lovell & Monroe). The back door of the garage will be open the following hours for drop off Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. If you have questions about drop-off, please call St. Tom’s Office at 269-381-8917 or email sttoms@sttomskazoo.org with Migrant Ministry in the subject line. Please do not simply leave items outside of the parish or garage.
The following items are most needed:
- Food Items: Oatmeal (not instant); Flour; Sugar; Cooking Oil; Tomato Sauce; Canned Corn.
- Misc. Items: Pots; Pans; Dishes
- Toiletries, especially: Toothbrushes; Toothpaste, Soap, Shampoo
- Clothing Items (please only bring the following): Men’s and women’s sweatshirts, hoodies, and jeans. Men’s long sleeve button down shirts
Bilingual bulletin announcements about Aleman Center donations can be found below.
Knights of Columbus Trivia Fundraiser - May 30, 2026
The Knights of Columbus at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Edwardsburg, will host a festive Trivia Knight Fundraiser celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the United States on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. Teams of up to eight participants are encouraged to gather and test their knowledge of American history, culture, and more. The entry fee is $130 per team. The evening will feature a lively atmosphere with a cash bar offering beer and wine, along with friendly competition for the “Best Decorated Table”. Bring your friends, family and favorite snacks for an evening of fellowship, laughter, and spirited competition in support of the Knights of Columbus. For additional details, please visit the Our Lady of the Lake, Edwardsburg websiteor call (269) 699-5870.
Cathletics: Training to be champions for Christ -
June 8-12, 2026
St. Joseph Parish & School, Battle Creek, will host a Kids Camp & Vacation Bible School the week of June 8-12, 2026, for children going into Pre-K -- 6th grade. Students will attend daily Mass, participate in sports-themed activities focusing on the life of Christ, and learn about God's Word on the Commandments, Beatitudes and the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Use the button below to access registration and pricing information. Adults and students (grades 7-12) interested in volunteering for the week may sign up at this link. Please contact Marie for further details.
Catholic Schools Career Opportunities
Visit the Catholic Schools Diocese of Kalamazoo webpage here to view open Administrative/Director and Teaching positions, as well as future openings for the 2026-2027 school year.
