To submit calendar events, email the information to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; fax it to 219-736-6577; or mail it to the newspaper office at 9292 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410. Please remember that the Northwest Indiana Catholic is a bi-monthly newspaper, so give yourself several weeks time before the event to submit the information. Event notices run until the event has taken place.

Benefits

Multiple dates

     St. Joseph, Dyer, Drive-in & Drop-Off, No Contact Food Drive collecting canned goods and non-perishable food for parish’s Helping Hands Food Pantry, 5-7 p.m. Wednesdays, April 14 and May 12, and 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, April 17 and May 15, in church parking lot.

May 15

     Bishop Noll Institute, Hammond, The Big Reinvent 2 virtual fundraiser, raffle and online auction. Visit bigevent100.givesmart.com for more information or arrange donations and sponsorships at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 932-9058.

Education

April 18

     Andrean High School, Merrillville, Entrance exam administered, 1-6 p.m. at the school. Call 887-5959, ext. 260 or complete application at andreanhs.org/apply.

April 22

     Andrean High School, Merrillville, Zoom Niner Night, 7 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to talk with students, parents and faculty on Zoom. Families must complete registration at andreanhs.org/rsvp to receive the direct meeting link before the event date. Also scheduled for April 22.

Food & Festivals

June 23

     Franciscan Sisters of Chicago, “Swinging for the Sisters” 11th annual golf outing including golf, prize raffle, breakfast and lunch, 9 a.m. shotgun start at Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, Lemont, Ill. Call (630) 243-3556 or visit chicagofranciscans.org

Gatherings & Classes

Ongoing

     St. James the Less, Highland, Society of St. Vincent de Paul meeting, 6:45 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays by Zoom. Contact Sue Kresich at 384-5755 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a link.

      Nativity of Our Savior, Portage, Society of St. Vincent de Paul meeting, 6:30 p.m. first and third Mondays in the Cana Room.

      St. John the Evangelist, St. John, Society of St. Vincent de Paul meeting, 6 p.m. second Monday of month in Emmaus House and 1 p.m. fourth Monday of month in parish office. Call Pam Gabor at 682-8376 or Tricia Massa at 558-0381.

     Our Lady of Lourdes Fraternity, Secular Order of Franciscans, Monthly gathering, 10:30 a.m. second Saturdays at St. Joseph parish hall, Dyer.

April 14

     St. Thomas More, Munster, STMCareer Networking Group meeting “The New Norm – Things to Consider for My Online Interview” presented by Susan Anderson, director of So Cal Innovation Station, a virtual business incubator, 7-8 p.m. by Zoom. Free and open to all. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for a link.

Health & Fitness

Ongoing

     Diocese of Gary, Natural Family Planning classes begin the third Monday of every month, 6-8 p.m. at the Pastoral Center, Merrillville. Register at ccli.org or call 769-9292, x259 for more information.

April 25

     Knights of Columbus Msgr. Ryder Council 4047, Merrillville, American Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. in Ameling Hall at St. Andrew the Apostle, Merrillville, Reservations recommended; visit RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) 733-2767. Also scheduled for Dec. 26.

May 6

     St. Matthias, Crown Point, American Red Cross Blood Drive, 12:30-6:30 p.m. Reservations recommended; visit RedCrossBlood.org or call (800) 733-2767.

Outreach

LAKE COUNTY

      St. Mary of the Lake, Gary, Food Pantry, 10 a.m.-noon third Monday of every month in Lessard Hall.

     Missionaries of Charity, Gary, Overnight shelter for women/children, 3 p.m. daily in former St. Mark Convent, 509 W. Ridge Road.

     Ss. Monica and Luke, Gary, Soup Kitchen, noon-1 p.m. Fridays in parish hall.

     St. Joseph, Dyer, Helping Hands Food Pantry, 10 a.m.-noon and 6-7 p.m. third Wednesday, serving residents of Dyer, Schererville and St. John; bring two proofs of residency. 865-2271

      St. Joseph, Hammond, St. Joseph Soup Kitchen, noon-1 p.m. weekdays in lower level of church.

      Sacred Heart, Whiting, Grand opening for the Sacred Heart Thrift Shop (formerly All Saints Thrift Shop) on April 6, then 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, call 659-0733.

     Winfield Resale Shop, Winfield, sponsored by Holy Spirit, Four Seasons Methodist, Cross of Christ Lutheran and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton churches, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Th-F-Sat. at 10649 Randolph St.

     St. Maria Goretti, Dyer, Non-food pantry for local families, 9:30-11 a.m. fourth Saturday in Casa Maria North Hall. Call Karen Boyle at 865-5482.

     St. Mary Byzantine Catholic, Whiting, Whiting/Robertsdale Community “Lunch with Friends,” 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays in church hall at 2011 Clark St. Call Margaret at 659-4138.

     Society of St. Vincent de Paul, District Council of Gary, 71`32 Arizona Ave., Hammond. For assistance or information, call 845-7531.

     Ss. Monica and Luke, Gary, Food pantry, 10 a.m.-noon on third Saturday of month in parish hall.

     Moms & Tots Resale Shop, Griffith, Children’s, women’s and maternity clothing and accessories, and toys, sold to support local pregnancy resource centers, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursdays at 110 W. Main St. Donations accepted 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Call 595-5457.

     St. Maria Goretti, Dyer, Food pantry for residents of Dyer, Griffith, Highland, Munster, Schererville and St. John, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. second Tuesday in Casa Maria North Hall. Bring two proofs of residency. Hot meal served. 865-5481.

     Miscarriage, Mothers & Others Inc., Crown Point, Information and resources about parental rights after a miscarriage and respectful burial of unborn. Visit miscarriedbaby.com or call Jill at 730-9199.

      St. Ann, Gary, Free meal every Saturday except third of the month, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

      American Cancer Society, Volunteer drivers are needed for the ACS Road To Recovery program to provide patients in need with free rides to cancer treatment. Call (800) 227-2345.

     Catholic Charities, Diocese of Gary, Mobile Food Pantry visit, 2-3 p.m. first Thursday of every month in parking lot at Cornerstone Church, 7983 Grand Blvd. (north side of U.S. 30), Hobart, and third Thursday of every month at East Chicago Greenhouse, 1615 E. 142nd St., for EC residents only, Indiana driver’s license or state ID required. 397-5803, ext. 205

April 8

      Our Lady of Consolation, Merrillville, Mobile Food Pantry visit sponsored by Catholic Charities, 2-3 p.m. second Thursday of every month in church parking lot. Indiana driver’s license or state ID required. 397-5803, ext. 205.

May 27

      Holy Name of Jesus, Cedar Lake, Mobile Food Pantry visit sponsored by Catholic Charities, 2-3 p.m. fourth Thursday of every other month in church parking lot. Indiana driver’s license or state ID required. Call 696-9506 for more information.

PORTER COUNTY

     St. Patrick, Chesterton, Table of Plenty dinner, 4-5:30 p.m. Fridays in Chapel Hall (Bldg. 2).

     St. Paul, Valparaiso, Clothing Center for those in need, 1-4 p.m. M-Tu-W, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Th-Sat. 462-0074

     St. Mary, Kouts, St. Mary’s Soup Bowl, 4:30-6:30 p.m. third Tuesday in parish hall. 766-3680

April 17

     St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Student Center, Valparaiso, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana's Mobile Market pick-up location for those in need of food assistance from 8-10 a.m. on the third Saturday of every month. Each stop provides free grains, fruits, vegetables and proteins to individuals and families. To volunteer at distribution, contact Christine at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call the office at 464-4042.

LA PORTE/STARKE COUNTIES

     St. Joseph, LaPorte, St. Vincent de Paul Society food pantry, 4 p.m. Mondays. Call Dick and Suzanne Sharp at 369-3347.

     Sacred Heart, LaPorte, Food pantry, 1 p.m. Tuesdays. Call Becky Kroll at 575-7564.

     Women’s Care Center, LaPorte, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday at 512 Maple Ave. 324-4646

     St. Peter, LaPorte, Samaritan Center counseling by appointment, in rectory. Call Natasha Yuhasz at 879-3283.

Respect Life

Ongoing

     St. Paul Respect Life Ministry, Valparaiso, Vigil at Planned Parenthood, Merrillville, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. third Thursday every month, followed by free lunch at Portillo’s, Merrillville. Transportation from St. Paul parish is available; contact Tom at 921-4712 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

     St. Michael the Archangel, Schererville, Respect Life Group seeks baby items, including cribs, mattresses, high chairs, car seats and baby, children’s and maternity clothing. 322-2602, 515-2050 or 741-1709

     St. John the Evangelist, St. John, Missionaries for Life Ministry meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m. third Thursday of every month. Call Amy Grogan at (708) 715-2090.

April 10

     St. Stephen, Martyr, Merrillville, Divine Mercy Respect Life Mass, 9 a.m. followed by a Holy Hour, with reconciliation by request.

     LaPorte County Right to Life, Video Oratory Contest open to LaPorte County residents in grades 7-12 (Junior Division  grades 7-10, Senior Division – grades 11-12 ). Call Anne Dybing at 851-0206 for details.

Spirituality

Ongoing

     St. Joseph, Hammond, Morning Prayer recited through Zoom meeting, 6:30 a.m. Monday-Friday. To Join group, send email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for link.

     St. Patrick, Chesterton, Bereavement Ministry with faith-based approach, 7 p.m. second Monday in Ministry Room, Bldg. 2. 926-1282 or 241-2732

     St. Michael the Archangel, Schererville, Eucharistic Prayer for hope and healing for the Church, priests and anyone who has been abused, 1-6 p.m. Wednesdays.

     Our Lady of Lourdes Fraternity, Secular Order of Franciscans, Monthly Mass of first Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. at Franciscan Healthcare Munster chapel. Call Mary Ann Meschi at 838-3064 with questions.

     Carmelite Shrine and Monastery, Munster, Special Fatima Devotions, 7-8 p.m. monthly on the 13th day of May through October, with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, Rosary recitation, benediction, hymns and outdoor candlelight procession. 836-8779 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

     Diocese of Gary Office of Evangelization, Catechesis and Family Life, Women’s Bible Study 2 – Keeping in Balance series on Zoom, 10-11 a.m. or 7-8 p.m. Wednesdays through May, 2021. Free, but workbook must be purchased at walkingwithpurpose.com and registration is required at events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07ehcxutct3dad5a88&llr=auyfgkvab&showPage=true. Call Roseanne at 769-9292 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with questions.

     St. Matthias, Crown Point, “Walking Toward Eternity: Daring to Walk the Walk video discussion group, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through April 13. Sign up at stmatthiasparish.net on pastorstoolbox.com.

April 2

     Shrine of Christ’s Passion, St. John, Good Friday Stations of the Cross along the prayer trail with Bishop Robert J. McClory, noon. Shineofchristspassion.org.

April 13

     Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, Ecumenical Taize Prayer Service livestreamed free with prayer, music, readings and quiet contemplation, 6-7 p.m. (CST) the second Tuesday of every month. The 2021 theme is “The Spirit Breathes.” Visit sistersofprovidence.org to find a link to the virtual service.

April 17

     Diocese of Gary Office of Religious Education, Evangelization and Family Life, “The Lord is Risen, Do You Believe?” New Evangelization Conference, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Mass with Bishop Robert J. McClory, three seminars with Deacon Ralph Poyo and lunch. Cost is $20. Register at https://dioceseofgary.org/office.evangelization.

Support Groups

Ongoing

     Sacred Heart, LaPorte, Nourish for Caregivers support group meeting, 6:30 p.m. second Wednesdays in parish hall for a timely topic, hand-outs, discussion and prayer. Contact Deacon Frank Zolvinski at 575-1090 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Karen Yates at 363-5323 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. of Diana Riley at 363-6704 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

     Diocese of Gary, Merrillville, Loving Outreach to Survivors of Suicide Support Group sponsored by Catholic Charities, meets online 7-9 p.m. third Monday of the month. Call (312) 655-7283 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for LOSS intake.

Vocations

Ongoing

     Office of Vocations, Diocese of Gary, Discernment meeting for those 14 and older considering the priesthood or religious life, 6-8 p.m. third Friday every month. Call Father Chris Stanish at 464-4042, or visit garyvocations.com.

April 16-17

     Sisters of Providence, St. Mary-of-the-Woods, “Come and Zoom Retreat: Living the Mission of God,” 6-8 p.m. (CST) Friday and 1-6 p.m. (CST) for single Catholic women ages 18-42. No cost. Sign up or learn more at ComeandSee.SistersofProvidence.org or call or text Sister Joni Luna at (361) 600-9505.