Dear Parishioners of Our Lady of Peace,

Transition can be challenging, especially when it affects one’s children. I understand that the announcement of the plan to transition the daycare to a separate organization is a cause for concern, and rightly so. However, it can also be an occasion to grow if we prayerfully trust in the Holy Spirit, work together and are open to new opportunities.
As noted in last week’s bulletin, due to ongoing concerns the parish has decided that the daycare needs to operate as a separate organization. It would not have to move as the current space could be leased. This would put the daycare on par with many other similar operations across the country. The daycare leadership was contacted mid-July by the parish finance council and given an opportunity to accomplish this. The parish is also open to proposals from other interested and qualified parties to operate the daycare as a separate business.
From the beginning, neither the parish, nor the pastor had the intention of closing the daycare. The intention was and continues to be to transition the daycare to become an independent organization operating successfully as many others do.
I ask you to please work with the current daycare leadership, or other interested parties, and help make this a successful transition. This will only happen with your, and the community’s support.
At this point I would like to express my gratitude to Fr. Binu Joseph for coming to the Diocese of Marquette almost six years ago as a missionary. He has made great sacrifices to leave his homeland to serve us in the Upper Peninsula where we do not have enough U.S. born priests to serve in our 93 parishes and missions. During my visits to Our Lady of Peace, parishioners have expressed to me that he is a beloved pastor.
Unfortunately, the reactions of a few to this transition has weighed heavily on Fr. Binu. In concern for his health, I have relieved him of his assignment at Our Lady of Peace. This was not done in reaction to any wrongdoing on his part and he has an open invitation to serve in this diocese. 
In the interim, to cover your sacramental and spiritual needs, I have appointed Fr. Dominic Agyapong as the temporary administrator and Fr. Ben Rivard as a temporary associate pastor for your parish along with Bessemer, Wakefield, and Marenisco. A long-term arrangement is being sought and I ask for your prayers and patience in the meantime.
I extend my heart and prayers to your faith community and to Fr. Binu to find healing and peace in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Venerable Bishop Frederic Baraga, we ask your intercession for a successful transition, and to bring healing and peace to our hearts.

Bishop John F. Doerfler.

 

PARISH UPDATE 2021