On Sept. 7, Bishop Robert Gruss commissioned nine and missioned two ecclesial lay ministers from a class of 11 during Mass at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption. While most were commissioned to minister in a specific parish, two others were missioned as a Christian in the world. Each is missioned for three years, after which time they can discern to renew their commission.

Those missioned to minister at a specific parish are: Barb Birchmeier of St. Michael Parish, Maple Grove; Debra Gunn-Boyce and Marie Lawson of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Sanford; Christine Houle of Prince of Peace Parish, Linwood; Christine Rease of Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Pleasant; David Sauve and Nancy Braley of Holy Spirit Parish, Shields; John Hall of All Saints Parish, Bay City; and Eric Sweterlitsch of St. Jude Thaddeus Parish, Essexville.

Those missioned as a Christian in the world were Anna Cogar of Birch Run and Teresa Rosales of Saginaw.