August 18, 2026
Convocation for Catechesis - August 10-11, 2026
The Office of Mission and Ministry hosted a two-day convocation for religious education ministers. The convocation included talks by Bishop Lohse, Deacon Bob Rice (Franciscan University), the Augustine Institute, and Ignatius Press.
Bishop Lohse meets with the Kalamazoo Diocesan Council of Catholic Women - August 12, 2026
Bishop Lohse met with members of the Kalamazoo Diocesan Council of Catholic Women (KDCCW) on Wednesday, August 12th to discuss the diocesan pastoral priorities (see related article in Southwest Michigan Catholic, page 4) and invite feedback from the participants. The KDCCW is one of the leadership groups Bishop Lohse has met with in addition to meetings with clergy, diocesan staff, and parish leadership throughout the deaneries.
Mass with Migrant Farmworker Community -
August 12, 2026
Bishop Lohse, along with priests and deacons from the diocese, celebrated Mass with the migrant farmworker community at an area farm in Hartford. Local parishes provided hospitality as well as donations of clothes and other needed items. The Mass is hosted annually by the Office of Mission and Ministry.
Catholic Schools Professional Development Day -
August 17, 2026
The Office of Schools hosted a Professional Development Day at the Radisson on August 17th. Bishop Lohse opened the day with remarks offering his support and admiration for the important ministry provided by all the Catholic schools’ administrators and teachers. The all-day conference covered topics from compliance to Title IX to building a successful school culture to data analysis.
Diocesan Ad Limina Visit and Pilgrimage -
May 3-11, 2027
Next year's Ad Limina visit for Region VI (Michigan and Ohio) has been scheduled for May 3-7, 2027. The Ad Limina (from the Latin ad limina apostolorum meaning “to the threshold of apostles”) is a visit by all bishops throughout the world to Rome for the primary reason to venerate the tombs of St. Peter and St. Paul and meet with Pope Leo and Vatican officials. It is an ancient practice that illustrates the communion of the Church as it connects the Diocese of Kalamazoo to the Apostolic Tradition (SS. Peter and Paul) and our Holy Father.Additionally, in preparation of the visit, each diocese will prepare a “quinquennial report” which aims to give an update on the activities of the bishop and diocese in several areas including liturgical, sacramental, Catholic education, evangelization, communications, social teachings of the Church and current trends.
There will be a diocesan pilgrimage to Rome & Assisi with Bishop Edward M. Lohse during next year's Ad Limina, May 3-11, 2027. During this pilgrimage you will walk in the footsteps of St. Francis, St. Clare, and Blessed Carlo Acutis in Assisi before continuing to Rome to visit the great basilicas, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and the catacombs of the early Church. Celebrate Mass at sacred sites, pray the Angelus with the Holy Father in St. Peter's Square, and experience the rich traditions of the Catholic faith. Use the button below to register today and see the attached brochure for more information.
Catholic Men's Group - August 29, 2026
Our Lady of the Lake and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parishes host a gathering for Catholic men of all ages on the last Saturday of every month. The meeting place alternates between the two parishes. The next gathering will take place at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, Edwardsburg, on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 7-9 a.m. Come join other Catholic men for faith, fellowship, prayer and meaningful conversation. Build friendships, strengthen your faith and encourage one another to live a Christian life. Please see the attached flyer for more details.
A Taste of Poland Dinner - October 24, 2026
Knights of Columbus Council 6980 will host a dinner featuring authentic Polish foods at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Portage, on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at 5 p.m. Tickets for this dinner will cost $30 for ages 12+ and $15 for ages 5-12 (children under 5 are free). Additionally, there will be a cash bar available for Polish beer and wine, Polish music to enjoy and a 50/50 Raffle. Tickets may be purchased online here, or in-person at the Parish Picnic on Sunday, September 13th, in Marian Hall on Sunday, September 20th, or after all Masses the weekend of October 3rd/4th. Please see the attached flyer for more details about this event.
Parish Festival - September 5, 2026
St. Joseph Parish, Kalamazoo, will host a Parish Festival on Saturday, September 5, 2026, from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. This day-long celebration will feature musical guests Relato Norteno and DJ Robles, as well as food, games, bingo, face painting and more. For more information, please view the attached flyer or contact Sr. Yuliana Rua at 269-539-8829.
Parables: A Time of Reflection - Midwest Tour Dates
Fr. Mike Schmitz's Parables tour will visit three midwestern cities this fall: Milwaukee, WI (October 27); Chicago, IL (October 28); and St. Paul, MN (October 30). For more information, please visit here.
Photographer - Alexis Munera/Anadolu via Getty Images
Catholic Relief Services Provides Aid in Response to Colombian Earthquake
In the photo above, people gather in the streets after a powerful earthquake struck Colombia, killing at least 18 people and causing damage in Pereira, Colombia, on August 10, 2026. The earthquake was felt across much of the country, with authorities continuing to assess the extent of the damage and possible additional casualties.A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread damage across multiple communities. With collapsed buildings, many families are left without shelter. Many families are in urgent need of shelter, clean water, food, medical care and other essential support. CRS is supporting their local Church partner, Caritas Colombia, with its nationwide network across affected areas, to identify immediate needs for urgent relief, including safe shelter, food, clean water and protection. Thanks to Caritas's nationwide diocesan and parish reach, they have access to communities in urgent need.
Please consider helping provide emergency relief to families affected by this disaster with an online gift today. Donate now to bring help and give hope to our sisters and brothers in Colombia.
U.S. Bishops’ Initiative to Inform Communities on the Danger of Abortion Pills Includes Prayer, Education, and Advocacy
The U.S Conference of Catholic Bishops’ (USCCB) Committee on Pro-Life Activities is inviting Catholics to join a focused effort of prayer and action to stop the spread of abortion pills. The initiative will take place August 18 through October 31, which includes the month-long commemoration of Respect Life Month observed each October by the Catholic Church in the United States.In addition to invoking the intercession of St. Joseph, Defender of Life (English/en español), participants can learn about the danger of abortion pills, share what they learn, and send messages to pharmacies, distributors, and pharmaceutical companies. Sign up for additional information below and/or read the full press release here.
A Prayer to St. Joseph, Defender of Life Dearest
St. Joseph, at the word of an angel, you lovingly took Mary into your home.
As God’s humble servant, you guided the Holy Family on the road to Bethlehem, welcomed Jesus as your own son in the shelter of a manger,
and fled far from your homeland for the safety of both Mother and Child.
We praise God that as their faithful protector, you never hesitated to sacrifice
for those entrusted to you.
May your example inspire us also to welcome, cherish, and safeguard
God’s most precious gift of life.
Help us to faithfully commit ourselves to the service and defense of human life — especially where it is vulnerable or threatened.
Obtain for us the grace to do the will of God in all things.
Amen