An Offering of Beauty for the Glory of God
The sanctuary of a church should lift our hearts to heaven. That’s exactly the vision behind the Cathedral Renovation Project — a sacred renewal of the place where our diocese gathers to worship, celebrate and encounter Christ.
Every detail — from tile to timber — is being prayerfully selected to draw us deeper into prayer. The new altar and tabernacle pedestal, created by a local woodworker, will be paired with a resplendent gold-tiled alcove to honor Christ crucified. These elements will allow beauty and clarity to lead us to reverence.
Would you consider joining this diocesan effort by making a gift of any amount? Your generosity will echo in every Mass celebrated there — for generations.
Visit: DioceseofGaylord.org/CathedralRenovation
Sacred Heart Seminary Visit
Fr. Benjamin Rexroat is organizing a seminary visit to Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit on November 19-21 for high schoolers ages 16+ through early college students.
This visit is a great way for young men who are considering a vocation to the priesthood to get a taste of life in seminary, connect with seminarians and fellow discerners, and take time to intentionally pray about God's call for their life.
Your help promoting this event would be so appreciated! First, if you know a young man who may be interested in this trip, please invite him and encourage him to register using the event page linked below.
Second, please promote this event through your parish or school communications using one of the graphics linked below.
If you have logistical questions about this trip, please reach out to Ms. Lilly Bobrowski at lbobrowski@dioceseofgaylord.org.
Gregorian Chant Concerts – A Sacred Invitation
Come experience the beauty of Gregorian chant and sacred music with the Diocesan Gregorian Schola, led by Kirsten Trudeau and Rita McIntyre. These free concerts are moments of prayer—lifting hearts to God through timeless music.
Concert Dates:
- Wed, Nov. 19 – 6:30 p.m.
Cross in the Woods, Indian River - Thu, Nov. 20 – 6:30 p.m.
St. Francis of Assisi, Traverse City - Fri, Nov. 21 – 6:30 p.m.
St. Mary Cathedral, Gaylord
Special Guest:
Maestro Davide Bucci, organist of St. Mary Major Basilica in Rome, will join the Schola in presenting works by Palestrina, St. Hildegard von Bingen, St. John Henry Newman, and traditional Gregorian chant.
All are welcome. Come and let your soul find rest.
2025 Art Contest
Submit artwork for Bishop’s Advent Card
The Diocese of Gaylord invites all artists in grades 7-12 to participate in an art contest to create a beautiful depiction of the Holy Family. The winning artwork will grace the cover of Bishop Walsh’s Advent Card, sent to all parishioners. The selected artist will receive recognition on the card, in a special feature in Faith magazine, and on the diocesan online communities and website.
Deadline for submissions is Nov. 5, 2025. For complete contest details, visit DioceseofGaylord.org/2025ArtContest.
Bishop Walsh Creates St. Joseph Measure and Devotional Prayer
While on spiritual retreat at the St. Joseph Chapel in McBain, Mich., a St. Joseph Measure devotion was put on Bishop Walsh’s heart. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, Bishop Walsh wrote a special devotional prayer to Saint Joseph, and designed a St. Joseph Measure to help people say the prayer. “I was praying for a variety of things in the chapel and relying on St. Joseph’s intercession at the time,” explains Bishop Walsh. “St. Joseph came to my rescue. I felt comforted and strengthened by his presence.”
The St. Joseph Measure has a cross with fleurs-de-lis and lilies— both symbols of St. Joseph. The measure includes a series of brown beads and medallions to remind us of each aspect of St. Joseph’s discipleship, allowing us the opportunity to reflect on how we should be living out our discipleship. The final prayer, on the carpenter’s square, or the measure, reminds us of St. Joseph’s virtuous life that was holy, hidden and humble as well as sacred scripture.
If you are interested in purchasing the St. Joseph Measure, prayer card and pouch, visit dioceseofgaylord.org/stjosephmeasure
Jubilee 2025 Events
Jan. 3, 2026, St. Mary
Closing Mass for the Jubilee Year
MI March for Life Bus
Be a witness to a culture of life. Join us for the MI March for Life in Lansing on Thursday, November 6, 2025. It’s critical we use our voices for the voiceless. The Diocese of Gaylord has arranged for a bus for adults to attend this important event for a fee of $10. Reserve your spot today. Questions? Contact Amelia Martin at 989-705-3503.
Image: Color, BW
Attention High School Youth!
NCYC (National Catholic Youth Conference) is a powerfully unique three-day experience of prayer, community, evangelization, catechesis, service and empowerment for Catholic teenagers (of high school age) and their adult chaperones.
Where: Indianapolis, Indiana
When: November 20-22, 2025
Learn more and register at NCYC.US
Free Large Print Bibles & Missalettes
Since 1900, Xavier Society for the Blind has been providing free braille, audio, and large print materials to Catholics who are blind/visually impaired. Learn more at xaviersocietyfortheblind.org.
If you or anyone you know is interested:
Call 800-637-9193 or 212-473-7800
Email: info@xaviersociety for the blind
Pray Daily with Bishop Walsh
Begin your day in prayer with Bishop Walsh. Each day, the bishop will share a daily prayer and petition, providing an opportunity to reflect before starting your daily routine.
Taken directly from the Liturgy of Hours, the morning prayer intercessions help us in sanctifying the day with prayer, ultimately bringing us closer to God and closer to the universal Church.
Visit our Facebook page facebook.com/diocesegaylord or our YouTube channel youtube.com/@DioceseofGaylordMI to join in the daily Prayers & Intentions.
Up North Catholic E-Newsletter
The Diocese of Gaylord has recently launched a weekly e-newsletter that will help deepen your understanding and relationship with God. Subscribe now and receive a variety of faith-based content including Bishop Walsh's "Checking In" video via email every Wednesday afternoon. Sign up today: dioceseofgaylord.org/subscribe.
