NWI Catholic Stories

Maureen Progar, Amanada Garcia, both of St. John the Baptist, and Karen Kurfiss, of St. Thomas More engage in discussion during the Diocese of Gary Catechetical Conference at St. Patrick parish on March 2. Nearly 150 catechists from across the diocese attended. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Speaker stresses importance of Eucharist during Catechetical Conference
Father Patrick Gawrylewski, O.F.M., administrator of Holy Name of Jesus, engages with parents of young families at Parent Social, held after Sunday Mass on Feb. 18. (Angela Hughes photo)
Fosters faith and connection among young families
The cast of The Bluff rehearses the grand ending to "Ain’t No Business." The Bluff is an original musical, created and written by young adults from Northwest Indiana. Starting off as a fun dream in high school, Matt Kresich and Scott Peters began putting together dialogue and musical notes. As the process gained steam, they enlisted the help of close friends, Deacon Steven Caraher and George Jurincie. Opening night will take place March 22 at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. (Photo courtesy of Drew Langton
The dream project of a diocesan quartet to debut on stage in Detroit
Very Rev. Christopher Stanish
Prayer 101: Stop, and let God find you
column by Father Chris Stanish
Marquette's Laniah Davis drives to the basket past Lanesville's Ava Kerr as Marquette 's Natalie Robinson and Lanesville's Emma Davis battle for position during the IHSAA Class 1A girl's state basketball championship on Feb. 24 in Indianapolis. (Bob Wellinski photo)
MQ girls basketball team uses heartbreaking loss as fuel for next year
Visitors look at a display of 200 relics at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Oratory in Montclair, N.J., Feb. 24, 2024. Nearly 3,500 faithful from as far away as Maine and Maryland waited over two hours to view the relics of Jesus, the Holy Family, various saints, martyrs and blesseds on exhibit. (OSV News photo/Sean Quinn, courtesy Archdiocese of Newark)
Exhibit of 200 relics at New Jersey oratory is a special gift during Lent for many faithful
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Six St. Paul teachers share inspirations for a century of service 
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Diocese recognizes teachers committed to school, parish, community
Bruce Garwood, Grand Knight for Queen of All Saints Council 12951, presents newly exemplified third-degree knights with rosaries during an initiation ceremony at St. Stanislaus Kostka parish on Feb. 11. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Knights of Columbus Round Table just the beginning for St. Stanislaus Kostka 
St. John the Evangelist Eagles players celebrate their team's victory in the 8th grade game of the Catholic Youth Organization boys basketball diocesan championships on Feb. 10 at Andrean High School in Merrillville. The Eagles soared past the Wildcats of St. Mary, Griffith, claiming a 48-41 victory and the title trophy to cap off their last year at the St. John school. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Diocesan boys basketball teams vie for championships
Lesley Erpelding rolls the dice as Vicki Bush looks on during St. Edward's Bunco and Blessings event on Feb. 18. About 100 participants enjoyed food and fellowship in the school gym. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
St. Edward’s evangelization is intentionally fun, not just a roll of the dice
"Conjugal spirituality is the relationship between God and spouses, united as one, formed through the Sacrament of Marriage," said Theresa Martin, who with her husband, Peter Martin, address the Diocese of Gary's annual Marriage Date Night attendees on Feb. 17 at Gamba Ristorante in Merrillville. "This real spiritual union can be so profound, Pope John Paul II said, that the spouses have but one interior life." Martin hastened to add that this does not mean she can read her husband's mind, "or that I will l
Married couples coached on strengthening their love and faith
Eighty catechumens and their sponsors gather near the altar as Bishop Robert J. McClory (center) prays over the elect during the Rite of Election for Catechumens on Feb. 6 at the Cathedral of the Holy Angels in Gary. Each person preparing to enter the Catholic Church sacramentally at Easter announced their name before their sponsors and a near-capacity congregation among whom Bishop McClory said, "Today is one step closer to that beautiful day of your baptism - the washing and cleansing of sins - but also y
Catechumens elected by God to prepare for baptism
KEITH BURKE
Almsgiving: Building up our treasures for the Heavens
FATHER ED SHEA, OFM
Prayer: A place of openness and surrender
SISTER MARY ELLEN GOELLER, PHJC
Fasting: Looking at abstinence in a new way
Father Jerry Schweitzer, a senior priest and scripture scholar in the Diocese of Gary, answers a question from the audience during the Women's Lenten Retreat at Holy Spirit in Winfield on Feb. 7. He discussed Women in the New Testament, most specifically Mary the Mother of God, and on the eve of Lent, urged his audience to share the Word of God with others. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Retreat prepares women for Lenten journey of discipleship
St. Michael Pastoral Associate Janice Gatons responds to a question on Feb. 5, during a parish program inspired by a series called Lectio Eucharist found on FORMED that is based on the book, “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist." After watching videos, participants had small and large group discussions in St. Patrick's hall of the parish. (Lynda Hemmerling photo)
Program makes connections, answers questions about the Eucharist
Participants listen to Father David Kime, pastor of Queen of All Saints in Michigan City, lead a discussion during the Feb. 5 class on “Six Great Ideas.” The six-session course is based on the book of the same name by Mortimer J. Adler. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Priest leads QAS group through mental calisthenics
Encouraging almsgiving, St. John Bosco principal Nancy Repay (left) and SJB pastor Father Jeffrey Burton (right) praise students Jennifer Loza and Diego Duron for their efforts during a Catholic Schools Week personal care items drive for the needy on Feb. 2 in Hammond. The principal said the successful endeavor, led by the students with a sense of charity, will help assist the growing number of local residents experiencing financial strain. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Area faithful draw closer to God with Lenten practices
A cozy reading nook is available in the Title I reading resource room added last fall at Aquinas Catholic Community School in Merrillville. Taking advantage of it for some quiet reading on Jan. 31 during Catholic Schools Week are eighth graders (from left) Vanessa Ruiz, Vanessa Huizar, Kayla Douts and Yaritza Favela. "It's calmer here," said Huizar, while Favela said the facility allows students to "be connected" as they learn. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
School thriving with enhanced services offered by new addition
Bishop Robert J. McClory passes by students Queen of Saints students as he randomly picked students to answer questions as part of his homily during the Catholic Schools Week All City Mass in Marquette’s Scholl Center on January 29. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Diocesan students joyfully assemble to reinforce faith
Eddie Limon, Bishop Noll Institute class of 1985, leads a session of the Hammond school’s Freshman Seminar in November. The Texas-based chemical processing company executive was on hand for the get-acquainted initiative to help motivate young students to focus on their education and future opportunities it may create. (Provided photo)
Former quarterback, executive returns to BNI with career advice
"Sometimes I just touch it to make sure it's still here," admitted Heather Williams of the plaque she received last fall as Indiana D.A.R.E. Teacher of the Year. "I'm still shocked," added the fifth-grade teacher at St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
St. Mary’s Williams named DARE Teacher of the Year
Bishop Robert J. McClory preaches at the fourth diocesan Lenten holy hour, at St. Patrick in Chesterton on March 18, 2021. Many area faithful avail themselves of inspirational and sacramental offerings as they continue with prayer, fasting and almsgiving during the 40-day season of Lent which leads to Easter, or Resurrection Sunday. (Northwest Indiana Catholic file photo/Anthony D. Alonzo)
Local faithful ponder ways fruitful Lent leads to joyful Easter
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Spiritual Direction: Nourishing the soul and noticing subtle ways God speaks
Jackie Martinez reacts as her boyfriend, Joey Bowen, proposes to her in Holy Family Parish - St. Peter Church on Oct. 14, 2023. (Photo provided)
LaPorte man proposes to girlfriend in presence of Blessed Sacrament 
National Marriage Week – February 7-14
More than 2,000 pro-life advocates, led by Mater Dei High School of Evansville students holding the official signage for the Indiana March for Life, pass the Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument and make their way up Meridian Street in Indianapolis on Jan. 22. More than 50 diocesan faithful joined the events, traveling by a chartered bus to attend Mass presided over by Archbishop Charles C. Thompson of Indianapolis in the Indiana Convention Center, followed by the march, which led to the south lawn of the state
Dozens of diocesan faithful participate in pro-life events in state capital
Bishop Noll Institute students select from pasteries during a National School Choice Week Rally at the Hammond school on Jan. 24. BNI's upperclassmen spent part of their day at a motivational presentation about education opportunities delivered by an area pastor and were then treated to sweets from Munster Donut. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Students urged to use opportunity to make education count
Brewer
Catholic Schools Week celebrates thriving vision of diocesan schools
At Bishop Noll Institute, school friends and family gather for a princess brunch coordinated by alumni Dee Dee Buck (seated, left of Santa) and her husband, George Buck (left) in December. During the event to benefit BNI, more than 90 princesses and those they accompanied were part of the storybook meal, an example of recent efforts by BNI graduates to support thier alma mater. (provided photo)
Noll couple celebrities 50 years of Catholic education boosting
Spanish teacher Caleb Sheets (left) and assistant athletic director Emmery Joseph (right) stand in a stairwell at Marquette Catholic High School on Jan. 11 in Michigan City. Both excited to be at their alma mater, the collaegues each returned four years after their graduations - Sheets in 2022 and Joseph in 2023. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Marquette and Andrean alumni return to campus ready to mentor
Five members of the class of '73, (from left) Karen Neal, Joe Majchrowicz, Dave Talenco, Marian Kritsch and Mike Neal, had such a good time at their 50-year reunion last fall that they came together again at the Bishop Noll Institute Alumni Watch Party on Jan. 20 to cheer on the Warriors over the Whiting Oilers and salute their 1972-73 boys basketball team that won the IHSAA Regional title and advanced to semi-state. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Class of ’73 continues golden reunion at Alumni Watch Party
A Catholic Schools Week message is pictured on the sign at St. John Bosco School in Hammond. Like other diocesan schools, SJB will celebrate CSW from Jan. 28 - Feb. 3 with academic events, prayer and liturgy, charitable endeavors and leisure activities. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Principals draw from experience to host fun, real showcase
Principals draw from experience to host fun, real showcase
Dr. Julie Peller, a chemistry professor and environmental researcher at Valparaiso University, presents a program on "Church Teaching on Our Responsibility to Care For the Environment" at her parish, Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville, on Jan. 16. "I can'r separate out my faith from what I do (as a scientist)," she told her audience. "We are leaving our children and grandchildren a lot of problems, and it's time we start doing something about them." (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Scientist outlines ways to stem environmental degradation
Women prayer warriors at St. Paul in Valparaiso participate in an 11-week Bible study, "Discovering Our Dignity." The faith-filled group always welcomes any women interested to join them. (Angela Hughes photo)
Women’s Bible study invites conversation and personal growth
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ICC brings voice of Church to legislature, calls on Catholics to engage on issues
St. John the Evangelist parishioners T.J. Nee and Matt Rohr accompany Rosa Marian, of St. Patrick, in putting together plasticware settings. The three participated with about 30 other volunteers who prepared food and served about 30 people at the St. Patrick Soup Kitchen on Jan. 6. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)
New outreach program provides food, fellowship
"Peace is Flowing Like a River" and "Christ Be Our Light" were hymns sung by attendees at the Prayer Service for Peace held at St. Matthias in Crown Point on Jan. 3. Education Committee members organized the event that drew about 20 people for hymns, prayers, scripture readings, a reflection by diaconal candidate Brad Hendrickson and Eucharistic Adoration. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Year starts with St. Matthias parishioners reflecting on Beatitudes
Visitors tour, and photograph, St. Mary the Immaculate Conception during the Michigan City Sacred Architecture Tour on Nov. 26. (Bob Wellinski photo)
Michigan City churches open their doors for sacred architectural tour
Father Nate Edquist
Support vocations year-round in your parishes and ministries
Father Nate Edquist, vocations director for the Diocese of Gary, spoke at the Dec. 29 Serra Club dinner at St. Bridget, summarizing a discernment retreat attended by 11 young men and hosted by the 12 current seminarians at the Cedar Lake Conference Center on Dec. 27-29. "We used a video series and discussion group (to discuss the priesthood)," said Father Edquist, adding that one discerner is currently applying for the seminary, while several others have expressed an interest. (Marlene A. Zloza photo)
Serra Club shares Mass and dinner with seminarians, families
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Northwest Indiana will always be in the prayers of Carmelite Sisters
Letter from Sister Maria Giuseppe
Girls residing at the St. Joseph Carmelite Home in East Chicago gather together for a picture in the late 1930s. (Provided photo)
Legacy built on determination of foundress, support of community 
In Thanksgiving for the Carmelite Sisters
Nine-year-old Corrina Torres 'teaches' Sister Bernarda how to hold a baby doll as residents of the St. Joseph Carmelite Home open Christmas presents in 1988 at the East Chicago facility operated for 111 years by the Carmelite Sisters of the Divine Heart of Jesus. (Provided photo)
Carmelite Home alumnae recall ‘always feeling loved’ by sisters
In Thanksgiving for the Carmelite Sisters
April Scott Shoppa
Family urges homeowners to buy CO monitor
Deacon Mike Prendergast
Prisoners trust deacon who opens his heart to them
Members of the Daughters of Isabella circle 1166 of St. Edward parish gather for a Christmas party on Dec. 14 at McVey's Restaurant in Lowell. The women's group, part of an international organization founded 1897 to promote unity, friendship and charity, has seen local membership grow to 33 and includes ladies of different ages, backgrounds and professions. (provided photo)
Catholic women’s group thrives after 55 years at St. Edward
Parents Kyle and Michelle Carlay, of St. John, and (at right) aunt Irene Copak, of Crown Point, watch young Maya Carlay taste broccoli along with some traditional Filipino foods at the Simband Gabi dinner held at Our Lady of Consolation in Merrillville on Dec. 16. Close to 100 people enjoyed lumpla (egg rolls), picadillo (beef over rice) and pancit (chicken and rice noodles); those looking for traditional American fare munched on pizza and baked chicken. The family was happy to be sharing their culture and
Filipino families mark Christmas traditions with Simbang Gabi Mass
During the recessional procession, Bishop Robert J. McClory (front, right) smiles as he blesses the faithful and is preceeded by Father Michael Surufka (left), O. F. M., rector of the Cathedral of the Holy Angels, and followed by Deacon Martin Brown (center), at the Christmas Eve vigil Mass on Dec. 24 in Gary. (Anthony D. Alonzo photo)
Christmas Eve liturgy filled with song, scripture and salvation