October 13, 2026
Priests Appointment Announcement
Appointment to the Holy See
At the request of the Holy See and with the consent of the Reverend Jeffrey Hanley, JCL, Bishop Edward M. Lohse has released Father Hanley for a five-year appointment to the Dicastery for the Clergy within the Roman Curia. Effective October 19, 2026, all of Father Hanley’s appointments will cease: as pastor of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Hastings and St Cyril of Jerusalem, Nashville; as Judge of the Marriage Tribunal; as a Member of the Presbyteral Council; and as Vice Chancellor. Father Hanley will depart for Rome on November 11, 2026, at which time he will begin his assignment there for a period of five years lasting until December 31, 2031.
Pastor Appointment
The Reverend Christopher Ankley has been appointed Pastor, St. Rose of Lima Parish, Hastings and St. Cyril of Jerusalem, effective October 31, 2026. Father Ankley concludes his appointment as Pastor of St. Joseph Parish and St. Jerome Parish, both in Battle Creek, on October 30, 2026.
The Diocese of Kalamazoo will provide for temporary assistance to the parishes during this time of transition.
Southwest Michigan Catholic Fall 2026 Magazine available online now
The digital version of the Fall 2026 edition of Southwest Michigan Catholic is now available. Use the button below or click on the cover image above to read it today. Previous editions of the magazine may be accessed here.
REMINDER: Diocesan White Mass - October 18, 2026
The Diocesan White Mass on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral will honor all healthcare professionals, including, but not limited to nurses, doctors, administrators, specialists, dentists, support personnel and caregivers.
100th Anniversary of World Mission Sunday -
October 18, 2026
This year's World Mission Sunday marks the 100th anniversary of its establishment by Pope Pius XI in 1926. This centenary is an opportunity to celebrate with renewed missionary zeal.Last year, Pope Leo XIV made an appeal to us in a personal video for World Mission Sunday. His request echoed around the world: “Please help me help missionaries everywhere.” That’s what World Mission Sunday does: it helps Pope Leo care for the 1,130 missionary dioceses and territories under his supervision through the Dicastery for Evangelization. We are all called to be a part of this missionary work, and we have a singular means to do so: World Mission Sunday.
The second collection we take up this Sunday helps extend the Church’s evangelization work to missionary lands where the Gospel is being proclaimed for the first time, as well as to places where the Church barely exists, or is too young, too persecuted, or too poor to sustain herself. Thank you for responding to Pope Leo’s call to help him help missionaries everywhere.
Learn more about World Mission Sunday in our Fall 2026 edition of Southwest Michigan Catholic (above), or through The Pontifical Mission Societies, and see "From Pope Leo XIV" below to watch this year's video message.
REMINDER: KDCCW Dignity of Life Event - October 24, 2026
Join the Kalamazoo Diocesan Council of Catholic Women on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at St. Augustine Cathedral and the Fr. Crowley Center in Kalamazoo for the Dignity of Life Event. The day will begin with Mass at 8:45 a.m. at the Cathedral, followed by remarks from Bishop Lohse (via video) and dynamic talks given by three engaging speakers: Dr. Robin Pierucci (Prenatal Diagnosis: Mitigating the Trauma of Diagnosis Day); Lisa Gigliotti, Esq. (Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: Safeguarding Against Legalized Assisted Suicide in Michigan); and Rev. Jeffrey Hanley (What Does it Mean to Have a Well-Formed Conscience at the Polls?). The attendance fee is $25 ($18 for students), with lunch provided. For more information, contact KDCCW.REG@gmail.com, and register here by October 16, 2026. See the attached flyer for additional details.
The Presence Kalamazoo 2027 - Registration Open
Registration for the Presence Kalamazoo 2027 Friday, February 26 - Sunday, February 28, 2027, at Camp Geneva is open. The format of this 40-hour retreat for high school students and their adult leaders, which includes the Mass, the Sacrament of Reconciliation, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, prayer, talks, music, and fellowship, provides a means to help young people develop a deep and lasting personal relationship with Jesus Christ, especially in the Eucharist. Space is limited, so please contact your parish today to start the registration process. Learn more here.Mt. Olivet Cemetery Re-Pavement Project
Recently, a major portion of the roads at Mt. Olivet Cemetery have been beautifully repaved (as indicated by the red and yellow sections on the map below); a much appreciated update for all those who visit Mt. Olivet, but there is still work to be done. Anyone interested in making a donation towards this project may contact Tammi Wachterhauser, Chief Financial Officer, Diocese of Kalamazoo, via email or by calling 269-349-8714 ext. 1352.
Young Adult Apostle Dinner - October 17, 2026
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Portage, will host an Apostle Dinner for all young adults (18-35) on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 6 p.m. in the Stanley Centre Youth Room. Come together in faith and fellowship and explore how the apostles kept the early Christian faith flowing throughout the generations. Please contact Charley Truitt with questions via email or through the Maranatha GroupMe.The Rescue Project - October 18-November 15, 2026
St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Portage, will host a 5-week spiritual event with guest speaker Fr. John Riccardo, Archdiocese of Detroit, Sundays, October 18 - November 15, 2026. Fr. John will present the Gospel message in an engaging, compelling and life-changing way. Whether you've heard the Gospel your whole life or are looking to rekindle your faith, this experience is for you. These gatherings will take place from 3-6 p.m. (with dinner provided) at the Stanley Centre. Use this link to learn more about The Rescue Project and watch a short trailer. Please contact Mike Kraft at (743) 355-6598 to register. See the attached file for more information.
Halloween Carnival - October 31, 2026
St. Margaret Parish, Otsego, will hold its Halloween Carnival on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 12 - 4 p.m. There will be a Trick or Treat Village, costume contest, games, food and more. Please see the attached flyer for ticketing information.
Parish Mission: Go to Joseph! - November 16 - 19, 2026
St. Joseph Parish, Battle Creek, will host Father Ricardo Pineda, CPM, for a Parish Mission Monday, November 16 - Thursday, November 19, 2026. The evenings will consist of Confession starting at 6 p.m., followed by Adoration and the Mission Conference at 7 p.m. Topics for the conferences will include:- The Vocation and Dignity of St. Joseph
- The Sorrows and Joy of St. Joseph
- The Virtues of St. Joseph
- True Devotion to St. Joseph
Liturgical Living - Feast Days: October 14 - 20
- Wednesday, October 14 - Saint Callistus I
- Pope and Martyr; Patron Saint of cemetery workers
- Thursday, October 15 - Saint Teresa of Jesus
- Also known as Teresa of Ávila; Virgin and Doctor of the Church; Patron Saint of Spain, people in religious orders, chess and lacemakers
- Friday, October 16 - Sts. Hedwig and Margaret Mary Alacoque
- St. Hedwig of Silesia, Religious, is the Patron Saint of orphans, Silesia, Poland, Archdiocese of Berlin and Andechs Abbey
- St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Virgin, is the Patron Saint of polio, devotees of Sacred Heart and the loss of parents
- Saturday, October 17 - Saint Ignatius of Antioch
- Bishop and Martyr; Patron Saint of the Church in eastern Mediterranean & North Africa
- Monday, October 19 - Sts. John de Brébeuf & Isaac Jogues and companions
- Priests and Martyrs; Patron Saints of North America
- Tuesday, October 20 - Saint Paul of the Cross
- Priest; Patron Saint of Hungary
Pray for Our Clergy - October 12 - 16, 2026
This week, please join our Catholic school students and staff in praying for Reverends Kevin Covert, Patrick Craig and Robert Creagan, and Deacon Matthew Derby.
Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our Clergy.
Through them, we experience your strong presence in the sacraments.
Help our Clergy to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.
Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need
to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.
Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.
Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.
Amen.
Ignatius Catholic Study Bible Sale
Ignatius Press is currently offering a special sale for parishes in the Diocese of Kalamazoo to save 40% on orders of the Ignatius Catholic Study Bible. Those who order by October 15th will be able to pick up their Bibles at the Connecting with Our Parishes Conference on October 27, 2026. Please see the attached flyer for more information.
Catholic Charities Diocese of Kalamazoo - Volunteer Opportunities
Bread of Life- Friday, October 16: Growlers Fresh Food Distribution | 6 volunteers needed | 1:40pm at Growlers stadium parking lot
- Pantry Support: 2 volunteers for each date / time to assist clients with selecting pantry items and documentation at BOL warehouse
- Tuesday, October 13: 1pm-4pm
- Wednesday, October 14: 4pm-7pm)
Please visit here to register for any of the Bread of Life shifts listed above or other ongoing needs that are available. Scroll to the bottom of the page to sign up for a shift.
Thank you for being such an important part of the Catholic Charities family. Your generosity, kindness, and willingness to serve are changing lives every day.
USCCB President Condemns Plans for Livestreamed Execution
The U.S. Department of War recently announced that the firing squad execution of Nidal Hasan, the man convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 at Fort Hood, Texas in 2009, would be publicly livestreamed. Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops issued the following statement sharply condemning the decision of the U.S. government:“It is with shock and great sorrow that I have learned of the Department of War’s decision to publicly livestream the execution of Nidal Hasan. Our God is the God of life. In no way can Hassan’s actions be condoned but this decision is a barbaric promotion of a culture of death and must be reconsidered. The word of God exhorts us: ‘do not repay anyone evil for evil' (Romans 12:17). The public execution even of one who has done grave harm will only further undermine the moral fabric of our nation and be a blight on the conscience of its people.
“I pray for the intercession of Our Lady of Good Counsel that we as a nation may always choose life even in the most trying times and circumstances.”
Pope Leo XIV's Message for the 100th World Mission Sunday - October 18, 2026
The Vatican has released the above video message from Pope Leo XIV ahead of World Mission Sunday on October 18, 2026. In this new video message, the Holy Father reflects on a century of prayer and generosity for the missions. He also references his personal connection to World Mission Sunday and speaks about how the fruits of this celebration helped prepare his heart to become a missionary, during which he experienced its support firsthand in Peru.World Mission Sunday began in 1926 and has helped accompany extraordinary growth in the missionary Church. Today, the Church's 1,131 mission territories are home to more than 346 million Catholics, 41,000 parishes, 124,000 Catholic schools and 26,000 social institutions. Learn more about World Mission Sunday in the fall edition of SWMC, available online here.
Praying for Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV announced October 11th that he will undergo surgery today, October 13th, to remove a small nodule detected in his lung during a recent medical exam. While thanking everyone for their spiritual closeness and entrusted himself to our prayers, Pope Leo said:“Dear friends, during some recent medical examinations, the doctors found a small, localized nodule in my lung. It was detected at a very early stage and is well-localized. The doctors believe that it is best to intervene, so, following their advice, I have decided to undergo surgery to remove it. The operation is already scheduled to take place in the coming days. I thank you for your spiritual closeness and entrust myself to your prayers. Thank you, and happy Sunday!”
The bishops of the United States invite the faithful to pray for the Pope's good health.