In 1852, Bishop Baraga established Immaculate Conception Church on the Leelanau Peninsula, to minister to the spiritual needs of the Native Americans. The parish, now under the patronage of St. Kateri Tekakwitha, is the designated Native American Parish for the Diocese of Gaylord. The parish also consists of Non-Native parishioners who are an integral part of parish life. Native American customs are incorporated in the Sunday Liturgies and the prayer life of the church. The drum, the heartbeat of Mother Earth, and the Native American People, is played during Sunday Liturgy. All are welcome to worship at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday.
There are also Native American Communities in Manistee, Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Burt Lake. The diocese reaches out to these communities to respond to their needs and to hear their voices. A yearly Native American Conference is held in Gaylord in the Fall. For any information or questions regarding this Apostolate, please contact the Director of the Native American Apostolate:
Sr. Sue Gardner, OP
Pastoral Administrator, Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish
P.O. Box 369 (Peshawbestown)
Suttons Bay, MI 49682
(231) 271-6651
