IRON MOUNTAIN — A special message was presented to the priests of St. Mary Vicariate of the Diocese of Marquette on Sept. 26, which is designated Priesthood Sunday.

This nationwide event is coordinated and sponsored by the U.S. Council of Serra International to honor and affirm the role of priests in the life of the church.

Members of Serra Club of Iron Mountain-Kingsford paid tribute to and gifted each parish priest with a one-decade Serran rosary in appreciation for their faithful and faith-filled service to their parishioners and all souls in need of their spiritual care.

The vicariate priests honored were: the Rev. Joseph Gouin of American Martyrs, Kingsford; Monsignor James Kaczmarek, Immaculate Conception, Iron Mountain; the Rev. Michael Woempner, Queen of Peace, Kingsford; the Rev. Janusz Romanek, St. Mary and St. Joseph, Iron Mountain; the Rev. Martin Flynn, St. Mary, Norway and St. Barbara, Vulcan; the Rev. Dan Malone, Guardian Angels, Crystal Falls and St. Rose, Channing; and the Rev. Jose Cherian, St. Agnes, Iron River and St. Cecelia, Caspian.

The Serra Decade Rosary, handmade by Italian craftsman Ghirelli especially for Serra, features polished Bohemian glass beads and custom bronze medallions of Saint Serra, the Caravaca Crucifix, the San Diego mission bell tower, the Serran logo and a Miraculous Medal.

The tribute and rosary were presented as a reminder to each priest that they are appreciated and loved.

Priesthood Sunday is celebrated every year on the last Sunday of September as a reminder to Catholics everywhere of the importance of praying daily for all priests; they are central to the life of the church.

For information on Serra Club of Iron Mountain-Kingsford, contact Tom Burlo at 906-774-9064 or 906-282-2337.