Father John Riccardo and his fellow ACTS XXIX missionaries have traveled to more than 20 dioceses answering these compelling questions and sharing what Father John calls “explosive news” with thousands of people.

On May 17, Father John and his team are bringing that explosive news to Michigan with a one-day Gospel revival.

Bishop Gruss believes in the power of this message. That’s why he invited Father John and ACTS XXIX to host Rescue Michigan in the Diocese of Saginaw.

“This is an exciting opportunity to energize the Gospel and lead the way on mission to transform the Church in our local Diocese and beyond,” Bishop Gruss said. “This revival is for everyone— anyone looking to deepen their own faith and especially for young adults— to be energized about or reconnect with their faith.”

“I’ve heard Father John speak many times, and each time I am inspired,” said Don Buchalski, coordinator of evangelization and parish renewal. “I am thrilled that this event is coming to Michigan and is so easily accessible to our local faithful. If you know someone who feels overwhelmed, is struggling to remain hopeful or has fallen away from the practice of their faith, this may be the perfect time to invite them. The event explores questions that Christians, atheists and people of all faiths are asking.”

The Acts of the Apostles concludes after 28 chapters. We are living the “29th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles.” The ACTS XXIX missionaries feel called by God to renew and transform the Church. They believe that the most urgent task is “the compelling proclamation of the gospel, one that not only shares it in an attractive – and concentrated – way, but that also offers people a way of seeing reality, and of making sense of the world, history, and life that is vastly different from the story our modern culture tells.”

Although we as Catholics encounter the Gospel at Mass, we need to also receive it comprehensively.

“The Rescue Project has three goals,” Father John said in an interview with Detroit Catholic. “Overwhelm somebody with the message of the Gospel, move them to surrender and mobilize them for the mission.”

This event in Midland will be a powerful opportunity to hear inspiring talks by international speaker and author Father John Riccardo. Nationally-known recording artist and songwriter Sarah Kroger will lead worship at the event. There will also be small group discussions, praise and worship music, lunch and a Eucharistic procession.

More than 2,500 people attended the first Rescue event, Rescue Columbus in Ohio in 2022, and momentum has only grown since then.

“I was lit up by it,” said Jim Schippers, who experienced Rescue Atlanta in 2023, in an interview with The Georgia Bulletin. Rescue Atlanta welcomed participants from more than 70 parishes and sold out.

Melenie Choto, another Atlanta-area parishioner, left Rescue Atlanta pondering where God wanted her gifts. Father John had reminded her and fellow attendees that everyone has a part to play in sharing the Gospel, that there is an ancient battle raging and that each believer was born for an adventure.

That includes each of us.

RESCUE MICHIGAN

Sunday, May 17

8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center, Midland

Tickets available at Saginaw.org.

Who is it for?

It is for everyone! Anyone looking to deepen their own faith and those searching for answers to life’s deepest questions. It is an ideal event for disciples to bring fallen-away Catholics, especially young adults, to become reenergized about their faith.