St. John the Evangelist religion teacher Greg Rabito shares details of the parish's restructured religion program on Aug. 28, while students attend class with catechists. The new program encourages more parent involvement. (Lynda J. Hemmerling photo)   BY LYNDA J. HEMMERLING / NWIC correspondent         Parishes throughout the Diocese of Gary are working diligently...

  The Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes installed a new leadership team on Aug. 27 in Fond du Lac, Wisc. Sisters serving for the next four years will be: (from left) Councilor Lael Niblick, General Superior Sharon Pollnow, General Vicar Peg Spindler, and Councilor Madeline Gianforte. (Provided photo)   BY MARLENE...

  A Queen of All Saints student attempts to undo a iron puzzle made in the Hesston Steam Museum blacksmith's shop. (Bob Wellinski photo)    BY BOB WELLINSKI / NWIC correspondent           LAPORTE – As students from Queen of All Saints School stepped onto the Hesston Steam Museum grounds, they were suddenly transported to an...

  Riding in the lead car for the "Pasta Palooza" parade, Deshaun Harris (left), 14, and Jacob Nieman (right), 4, hold aloft signs honoring the late Bishop Dale J. Melczek as they help kick off the 7th annual Festa Italiana on Sept. 10 in Gary. Guests at St. Mary of the...

  Dr. Amy McCormack, president of Calumet College of St. Joseph for five years, cuts the ribbon to symbolize the opening of the Hammond school's first residence hall on Sept. 9. Joining her are (front row from left) board of trustees member and alumna Vicki Znavor; Jim Schmidt of University Housing...

Members of the Holy Family-St Peter Catholic Church's Gardening Angels ministry team pose around their Terra Verde Green Thumb Award in one of the gardens just outside the church on Sept. 8. Pictured are Father Nate Edquist, Karen Yates, Liz Kaminski, Lorraine Tighe and Andy Sopko. (Back Row) John Cannon,...

Marylee and Joe Pollaro, 92 and 95, stand near the gate of their family home and farm near Valparaiso on Sept. 2. The couple, married for 71 years, recently received the State of Indiana’s Homestead Centennial Award for maintaining a family farm with a history of at least 100 years....