The Jubilee Year, with its theme “Pilgrims of Hope” began worldwide on Dec. 24, 2024. Since then, signs of hope continue to appear throughout the Diocese of Saginaw.
On the threshold of the 2025 Jubilee Year of Hope last year, Bishop Robert Gruss of the Diocese of Saginaw said:
“I invite you to join me on this sacred journey — a time for renewal, reconciliation, and a deepening of our trust in the Lord who never fails us... This Jubilee invites us to embrace God’s promises anew and to become witnesses of authentic hope to those around us.”
Pope Francis called for the faithful to celebrate the Jubilee Year as "Pilgrims of Hope." To be "tangible signs of hope" for others with concrete action, like seeking peace, caring for the poor and the sick, welcoming migrants, and pursuing justice.
“Hope... requires action; it's not passive,” he said.
As we look back on 2025 in the Catholic Diocese of Saginaw, led by Bishop Robert Gruss, we experienced many “tangible signs of hope.” It’s been a fruitful year.
JANUARY
Faithful gathered from across the Diocese for the opening Mass at the Cathedral, where Bishop Gruss invited everyone to make a pilgrimage during the Jubilee year and receive an indulgence at the Holy Hours for vocations throughout the Diocese. The last 2025 Holy Hour for vocations is on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption.
FEBRUARY
In another sign of hope, Little Books of the Diocese of Saginaw, whose mission is to encourage people to “spend some quiet time with the Lord” each day, celebrated its 25th anniversary and also published the Little Book on the Eucharist in early 2025.
“Through his own vision, perhaps that the Lord placed on his mind and heart, Bishop Ken created this wonderful ministry that has reached people across the world,” said Bishop Gruss. “Most things like this do not last 25 years, so I think it’s a clear indication that the Holy Spirit is driving this and has been.”
MARCH
Father Andy LaFramboise, our director of vocations, launched a new limited-series podcast to help believers enter more deeply into the joy of salvation. The 160-episode podcast, “Finding and Burying Again,” journeys through the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
APRIL
Father Matthew Gembrowski, the youngest priest in the Diocese, who serves as parochial vicar at St. Mary’s University Parish in Mount Pleasant, shares in Great Lakes Bay Catholic magazine how he is seeing hopeful signs. The parish grew from 100 weekly Mass goers a few years ago to 300, and most are students.
“I’m grateful to St. Mary’s for teaching me how to pray and for being a quiet refuge between classes,” said Hunter Goffnet, a recent college graduate who made his first confession and received the Eucharist at the Easter Vigil.
MAY
Faithful gathered for the one-day Gospel revival known as Rescue Michigan. Nearly 900 took part in the day, representing 36 local parishes, other Michigan Dioceses and travelers from Kentucky, Minnesota and beyond.
“The Eucharistic procession was incredibly moving,” said Deacon Bob Zondlak, who serves in the Diocesan Office of Liturgy. “It was wonderful, and I didn’t want it to end since Jesus was truly present in our midst.”
Also in May, Father Daniel Christe was ordained to the priesthood. In his message of thanks for his Ordination Mass, Father Daniel included a note to his sister Jeannie:
“I know that it is through your prayers in Heaven that I found my way back to the Church and this call to the priesthood.”
WATCH ABC12 STORY ON FATHER DANIEL CHRISTE
JUNE
The Cathedral Free Clinic, the only free clinic in Saginaw County, opened in June. The clinic offers primary healthcare and prayers for the uninsured.
“Our motto is ‘Hope is Healthy,’” said Dr. Toby Long, a parishioner of St. Agnes Parish in Freeland, who felt called to open a free medical clinic that could become a place of encounter.
JUNE (continued)
Seven men were ordained by Bishop Robert Gruss to the permanent diaconate at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption – the second-largest group of deacons ordained in the Diocese’s history. The Permanent Deacon Formation Program was established by Bishop Francis Reh in 1972.
JULY
ARISE, the annual gathering of middle and high school students at Holy Family Parish in Saginaw, attracted 48 youth for a day of games, powerful talks and encounters with Jesus through Mass, Eucharistic adoration and Confession.
“[One of my takeaways was that] no matter what the world tells you, do what you know is the right thing, and put your trust in God,” said Teresa LaFramboise, a junior in high school from Holy Family Parish in Saginaw who attended ARISE.
OCTOBER
Deacon Charles, a seminarian currently studying at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, was ordained to the transitional diaconate at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Oct. 2, along with 15 of his classmates.
NOVEMBER
Students from across the Diocese participated in the True, Good & Beautiful Art Contest, answering the question “What does Christian hope mean to you?” The art contest was a collaboration between the Office of Catholic Schools, Office of Faith Formation and Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry.
DECEMBER
Bishop Robert Gruss gathered with faithful on Ojibway Island to commemorate the 350th anniversary of the first Catholic Mass celebrated in Interior Lower Michigan. The Mass was celebrated by Father Henri Nouvel, S.J. on Dec. 3, 1675.
Closing Mass
The Jubilee year will conclude with the Closing Mass at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 28, 2025. Faithful are encouraged to make a pilgrimage to the last 2025 Holy Hour for vocations on Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, which may be visited by anyone who wishes to make a confession and attend Mass to receive the Plenary Indulgence.
A Jubilee Year is traditionally proclaimed by the Catholic Church every 25 years. It is a particular year set aside to encourage the faithful to embark on pilgrimages, to repent of their sins and forgive the sins of others, and to renew a focus on the spiritual life.
“This Jubilee year also reminds us of our mission to bring hope to the world through acts of justice and compassion and love,” said Bishop Gruss. “Let us commit to being pilgrims of hope, not only in our own journeys of faith, but in the lives of others, especially the poor, the lonely, and the marginalized. Let's be a living witness of God's kingdom, where mercy and love reign.”