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September 23, 2020Extraordinary times call for an extraordinary response from each of us. And communication has been a key part of keeping our faith close as we navigate uncharted waters. The Diocese, parishes, and priests are working diligently to accompany parishioners during this global pandemic, but our normal ways of staying in touch have been fractured and new ways to reach out have had to be created rapidly.
Below are some of the ways the diocese developed for keeping you connected. Your donations to UPCSA make all of this possible to Grow Together as Disciples in the Upper Peninsula.
Live Streaming Masses. To assist people in participating in Mass during the pandemic, the Diocesan Communications Department began live streaming Sunday Masses from St. Peter Cathedral. Several thousand logged in to view the Easter Triduum, and the ordinations of Deacons Romeo Cappella and Thomas Merkel to the priesthood, and Ben Rivard to the transitional diaconate. All of the livestreams and more are available at www.youtube.com/theupcatholic.
Covid-19 Response Website. The Diocesan Communications department also built a mini website (http://dioceseofmarquette.org/response) as a central location for pastors and parishioners to find resources related to the pandemic including the livestreams mentioned above, directives from Bishop Doefler, spiritual resources, links to Catholic radio, and more.
YooperCatholic.org Website. With the help of two dedicated priests, Fr. Ryan Ford and Fr. Ben Hasse, along with a handful of laypeople, a new website was launched. YooperCatholic.org! This website features updated good news stories from around the diocese. Check it out. These stories are in addition to The U.P. Catholic Newspaper which you can find online at www.upcatholic.org
Yoopers On The Way Podcast. Join Fr. Ryan Ford and Katelyn McKeen, high school youth minister at St. Peter Cathedral, as they connect you with other Yoopers On The Way with Jesus in their free podcast. Listen as they invite regular Yoopers to share their stories, experiences and wisdom. Learn and be encouraged to follow Jesus together at https://yoopercatholic.org/ontheway
Flocknote. Several generous donors came together during Covid-19 to better connect our Bishop, our parishes, and our parishioners through a new email, newsletter, and texting system called Flocknote. Nearly a dozen parishes and parish clusters have started the connection to date. You can subscribe here to stay in touch. We recommend signing up for the monthly Flocknote Stewardship newsletter for an overview of what’s happening in the Diocese.
Online Giving. The Stewardship & Development Office paired with the good folks at iGiveCatholic to immediately give all Upper Peninsula parishes a way to receive donations online during the pandemic. While that successful platform has ended, at least eight parishes have added online giving options to their parishioners since. Remember to mark December 1, 2020 on your calendar for the one-day online #iGiveCatholic event this year!
Yooper Catholics have been so generous with their time and resources throughout the pandemic, lending hands to their parishes and their neighbors across the U.P. Your gifts to UPCSA will help continue to carry the mission and message of Jesus Christ throughout our diocese. Thank you!
