Annual Bishop’s Ambassadors Mass and dinner celebrated

The annual Bishop’s Ambassadors Dinner was held on Sept. 26, 2023. The event began with Mass at St. Michael Parish in Marquette. Bishop John Doerfler celebrated the Mass with Frs. Dustin Larson, Timothy Ferguson, Dan Moll, Timothy Ekaitis, and Gregory Heikkala concelebrating. Dcn. Dennis Maki assisted and Dcn. Tom Foye served as emcee.

Prior to the dinner, which was held at the Northern Center at Northern Michigan University, ambassadors and guests visited.
The program included a welcome and opening prayer by Fr. Larson. He also made the closing remarks and prayer.

Len McKeen, executive director of the Bishop Baraga Association, offered introductions and was the emcee at the dinner. Bishop Doerfler talked about diocesan developments and devotion to the Eucharist.

Rob Taylor, executive director of stewardship and development for the Diocese of Marquette, introduced the 2023 Legacy of Faith Catholic Service Awards recipients and their families. Joyce Milligan of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Brimley received the award posthumously. Bob Bink, a lifelong parishioner of St. Joseph and St. Patrick Parish in Escanaba was the second awardee who gave a rousing speech to inspire his fellow ambassadors to promote the Eucharist.

Kyle Rambo, executive director of Catholic Social Services, talked about the great things happening at the agency including Alpha Omega Houses in both Iron Mountain and Escanaba that are recovery houses for men released from jail. He also gave an update on the Women’s Recovery House located in Escanaba to help women with drug addictions to get clean and return to their families and children.

A display from the diocesan archives presented by MaryAnn Bernier, diocesan archivist and vice-chancellor, gave attendees an opportunity to see the Baraga Chalice, historic crosiers and other artifacts up close.