Christmas & New Year’s Mass Schedule
View the 2024 Christmas Mass times for Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle parishes.
A Message from the Franciscan Friars of Our Lady of Consolation Shrine in Carey, Ohio
A MESSAGE FROM THE FRANCISCAN FRIARS OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION SHRINE IN CAREY, OHIO
Dear Pilgrims,
For your safety and the well-being of all, please not the the following updates and guidelines at the Our Lady of Consolation Shrine of Carey, Ohio:
- Camping
- Overnight camping is allowed for this year August 6-15 – but this will be the last year it is to be permitted.
- Beginning in 2026, no overnight camping or camping vehicles will be allowed on Shrine or parish property (including RVs or campers). Provided are nearby campgrounds or hotels.
- Only day parking passes (for cars, SUVs, vans) will be issued starting next year.
- No overnight parking – vehicles left overnight will be towed at the owner’s expense.
- (For 2025) Camping spots are first come, first served – no reserving, marking, or charging for spots allowed. Any tape or markers will be removed.
- Prohibited Items and Behavior
- No scooters, ATVs, or golf carts – they are unsafe and strictly prohibited. Please leave at home.
- No fireworks or loud music at any time.
- Do not use or move the green Shrine benches or picnic tables – bring your own chairs and tables for personal and family use.
- Children and Teens
- All children and teens (18 and under) must be supervised and be back at the camp by 9:00PM.
- Restrooms
- Only toilet paper may be flushed – no paper towels or other items.
- Spiritual Participation
- Please make every effort to attend Novena prayers, Masses, and confessions as a family, especially at the Chaldean liturgies and the August 14 Vigil Mass at the Shrine Park Altar.
We look forward to welcoming you to Our Lady of Consolation Shrine and are keeping you in our daily prayers.
Fr. Thomas Merrill, OFM Conv.
Rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Consolation
315 Clay St.
Carey, OH 43316
(419) 396-7107
Fr. Pierre appointed Judicial Vicar
Fr. Pierre appointed as Judicial Vicar of the Chaldean Diocese
Effective August 1, 2025, His Excellency Bishop Francis Kalabat appoints Reverend Pierre Konja as Judicial Vicar of the Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle of the USA, following the completion of his Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.). Reverend Konja will undertake this new role while continuing to serve as Pastor of St. Thomas Chaldean Catholic Church in West Bloomfield, Michigan. As Judicial Vicar, he will oversee the Diocesan Tribunal Office and be responsible for all canonical matters, including marriage annulments.
Letter to the Faithful Regarding the Office of Healing
Dear Beloved Sons and Daughters,
As your spiritual father, my heart has long carried a deep concern for the healing so greatly needed among our faithful—healing not only of body and mind, but especially of the soul. Over the years, our devoted priests have done beautiful and faithful work in guiding and caring for you, and I thank God for them. Now, I feel called to open another path of spiritual support, especially for those suffering in deeper, more hidden spiritual ways.
While all Christians face the ordinary temptations of the evil one, there are times when some among us endure more intense, extraordinary attacks—what the Church recognizes as possession, oppression, or obsession. In most cases, the grace of the sacraments and the power of sacramentals bring peace and freedom. But there are times when more specialized spiritual care is needed.
To serve you better in these situations, I have established a new diocesan office dedicated to discerning and addressing extraordinary spiritual afflictions. From now on, all requests for spiritual oppressions, like exorcisms, will be received and guided through the Bishop’s office. I have appointed specific priests—those who have received both my blessing and the necessary training—to carry out this ministry on behalf of the Church. Under normal circumstances, please see a priest for spiritual healing. It is only after much discernment should you seek this ministry in the diocese.
It’s also important to remember that not everything that feels dark or heavy is necessarily demonic. Some wounds are rooted more in mental or emotional suffering, and these too deserve our care and compassion. However, that is not the particular focus of this office.
In the weeks and months ahead, more information will be made available. For now, if you or a loved one believe you may be experiencing an extraordinary spiritual attack, I invite you to begin the process by completing the confidential intake form at chaldeanchurch.org/healing-registration.
Know that you are never alone. The Church walks with you, and I hold each of you in my heart and in my prayers.
With fatherly love and blessing,
Bishop Francis Y. Kalabat
Ordination of Fr. Eahab Ishak & Fr. Joseph Nannoshi
Rejoicing in the Lord’s grace! On July 4th, we celebrated the ordination of our beloved Father Eahab Ishak and Father Joseph Nannoshi as priests of the Chaldean Diocese of St. Thomas the Apostle.  We thank God for the gift of their vocation and ask you to join us in praying for them and all priests as they faithfully serve our Lord and his Church.
Bishop Thabet Habeb Yousif Al Mekko
The Chaldean Diocese mourns the passing into eternal life of His Excellency, the late Bishop Mar Paulus (Thabet) Habib Mako, Shepherd of the Chaldean Diocese of Alqosh, on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, in Alqosh.
A Holy Mass for the repose of his soul will be celebrated at: St. Joseph Chaldean Catholic Church – Michigan
2442 E Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48083, United States.
Saturday June 21 At 11:00 AM
Condolences will be received in the church hall of St. Joseph by the (priests) and his family (his sister Catherine and her husband Evan Babka, and his uncle Suleiman Mamoka) on:
Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Clergy Assignments 2025
Bishop Francis Kalabat announces the following clergy assignments effective August 1, 2022.