Anniversary Mass of Mary Jo Wark and David McCall

Mary Jo Wark and David (Dave) McCall met in 1992, during their very first week as Michigan Tech students. Dave clearly recalls their first meeting during orientation week; he remembers telling his friend something complimentary about
Mary Jo. Mary Jo admits her first memory of their first meeting is a little foggier, “I think I was very distracted by the tasks at hand- we were in line with mutual friends to get our student id's at the SDC."

The students’ first official date took place in Chicago, on December 23rd, 1992. Though it was bitterly cold and windy, the two seized the day. “We set off that day as close friends. We walked all around Chicago, had Chinese, watched a movie, and raced to catch the very last elevator to the top of the (then Sears) Willis Tower. Looking out over the city lights from the top floor, Dave asked me to go out with him. I guess you know what I said to his request. We then returned to my house where Dave slept on my parents couch.”

It wasn’t long after beginning college that Mary Jo and Dave became involved at St. Albert the Great University Parish.

When asked what were some of the couple's most memorable moments at St. Al’s, Mary Jo had no hesitation, “Any time with Fr. Bill! He was a very special person.” Dave agreed wholeheartedly, “He was the reason I came here.”

Mary Jo & Dave with Fr. Bill Callari

St. Al’s welcomed Mary Jo into the church, with open arms, through the Sacrament of Confirmation. Dave went through the Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) at St. Al’s and the two fondly recall growing closer together through God. “While dating, Dave started coming to Mass with me and just being at Mass together felt very special.” Mary Jo goes on to recall, “I [was] confirmed at St. Al's about one year before Dave converted. Fr. Bill played an important role for both of us during these sacramental preparation times.”

Mary Jo distinctly remembers Fr. Bill helping with a portion of their marriage preparation (the couple completed a portion in Marquette and a portion with Fr. Bill). The most impactful guidance, still easily recalled after 25 years of marriage, was his strong encouragement for the two to pray together.

And, of course, perhaps their brightest highlight at St. Al’s was their wedding! Five years after their first meeting, Dave McCall and Mary Jo Wark made it official. The two were wed June 14th, 1997, a couple weeks after their college graduation. 

“We speak of our time at St. Al's often! We laugh and talk about the many times learning something from Fr. Bill. We believe he continues to pray for us in Heaven. When we pray, when we discuss how to raise our children, and when we talk through challenges that arise in our life (and marriage), we remember our time at St. Al's, and our wedding vows. These things give us strength when we need it.”
 

Yesterday, Mary Jo Wark and Dave McCall celebrated the 25th anniversary of their Holy Matrimony in the place where it all started. They joyfully celebrated the anniversary with their three beautiful children; Kereon, age 16, Kateri, age 14, and Keith, age 9. A Mass and Anniversary blessing was delivered by Father Ben Hasse. The couple had not returned to Houghton in the 25 years since being married; what a way to celebrate! 

1997, St. Albert the Great University Parish

2022, St. Albert the Great University Parish
From Left to right: Kateri, Dave, Mary Jo, Kereon, Keith, Fr. Ben Hasse

May God Bless you all, Mary Jo, Dave, Kereon, Kateri, and Keith!