About

marysign3A Single Eye To God’s Glory

A gift from God to His Holy Catholic Church, The Marian Center in Joy Valley rests surrounded by the beauty and majesty of the northern hills of Petoskey, Michigan.

Nestled on 38 acres of open field and stately woods, the Marian Center is your “home away from home” to refresh you, enlighten you, and strengthen you as only Almighty God can do.

All are always cordially invited to come and visit, attend the events held here, visit St. Joseph’s Bookstore, and/or just walk, reflect and pray on the grounds. No one leaves as they have come, for many graces are given here. A special bonding takes place here, and we truly become a family!

From the time the Marian Center was established here in Joy Valley, the grounds were consecrated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary. In 1997, the grounds were also dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mother of Life), Patroness of the America’s. In June 2001, the Marian Center also became an Enthronement Center for the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Our foundress, Barb Smith, always said: “Not one person comes down this driveway without being sent by our Blessed Mother.”  As Mary sends you, we eagerly await you!

The Marian Center in Joy Valley is 501(c)(3) non-profit lay Apostolate in accord with the laws and precepts of the Holy Catholic Church. It is our mission to assist others in learning to know, love and serve God. We seek to renew our culture one person, one family at at time in the only church on earth Jesus Christ, Himself, founded. (Mt. 16:18-19; Jn. 14:16-18, 26; Eph. 5:22-32, 1Tim. 3:15; Eph. 2:19-22)

We pledge our obedience to our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, to the Holy Bishop of the Diocese of Gaylord, Bernard Hebda, and to the Magisterium of the Holy Catholic Church.

As He was dying on the cross, Jesus gave His very own mother as a gift to all of us. (John 19:26-27) Over the centuries, our Blessed Mother has invited us to prayer, conversion, penance, and frequent reception of the sacraments. Our Blessed Mother Mary ALWAYS leads us to her Divine Son.