A Statement on the Death of Bishop Mengeling

Are you believers?!
 This was a question Bishop Carl Mengeling often posed with joy and conviction.

It is with deep sadness that I share the news - if you haven’t already heard - that Bishop Emeritus Carl F. Mengeling passed away early this morning.

Having been ordained in 2016 by Bishop Boyea, my personal interactions with Bishop Mengeling were few, yet they left a lasting impression. Even in his later years, Bishop Mengeling radiated a contagious enthusiasm for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His joy was unmistakable and truly inspiring.

Among his many contributions to the Diocese of Lansing, one stands out to me in particular: his unwavering support for Catholic education. In the 1970s, as pastor of Nativity of Our Savior Parish in Portage, Indiana, Bishop Mengeling famously built a school before building a church - demonstrating his deep commitment to passing on the faith to future generations.

He carried that same passion to our Diocese, championing Catholic schools throughout his episcopacy. Under his leadership, a new building for Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor was constructed. He also appointed full-time priest chaplains to each of our diocesan high schools, ensuring a strong Catholic identity and vibrant spiritual life in each.  Bishop Boyea continued this commitment to our high school students and families throughout his episcopacy.  

That legacy lives on - here at St. Martha Parish and School - through your generosity and dedication. Our shared mission to make Catholic education accessible, available, and affordable is a testament to the fact that we are believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Funeral Services for Bishop Mengeling:

Tuesday, July 8, 2025
 Public Visitation
 St. Gerard Catholic Church
 4437 W. Willow Hwy., Lansing, MI 48917

• Visitation: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
  

• Rosary: 8:00 PM
  
  

Wednesday, July 9, 2025
 Reception of the Body & Visitation
 St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
 219 Seymour Ave., Lansing, MI 48933

• Reception of the Body Liturgy: 2:00 PM (Celebrant: Most Rev. Earl Boyea)
  

• Public Visitation to follow until 9:00 PM
  

• Rosary: 5:30 PM
  

• Evening Prayer: 7:30 PM
  
  

Thursday, July 10, 2025
 Visitation & Requiem Mass
 St. Mary Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

• Public Visitation: 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
  

• Cathedral Doors Open: 1:00 PM
  

• Mass of Christian Burial: 2:00 PM (Celebrant: Most Rev. Earl Boyea)
   (This is a ticketed event—admission by ticket only.)
  
  

In addition, we will pray a Mass for Bishop Mengeling here at St. Martha Church on Thursday, July 10 at 6:30 PM.

Eternal rest grant unto Bishop Mengeling, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May his soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

In Christ,

Fr. Ryan