My Dear Parishioners,

I hope all of you are safe and healthy during these uncertain times, I miss you and I am praying for you. When I offer Mass in private for the intentions which you have requested, I include a special intention for you and for medical personnel as well as got those who are making difficult decisions at this time.

While we cannot gather physically as a community, we need to stay connected to each other by our prayers and by keeping contact with family, friends, and those who live alone.

The church and/or the chapel will not be open during the day. If you need anything, please feel free to call the parish office. Confessions will be heard by appointment only. I will attempt to anoint those nearing the end of life. However, many hospitals and other facilities are restricting access. Clergy are subject to the same restrictions as you are.

Unfortunately, our Fish Fry had to be suspended. This will cause a loss of income and community interaction. I am very grateful to the many volunteers who are so generous with their time, talent and treasure all year long.

During times of crisis, often the first action is to stop charitable giving. We are still operating and providing services (although limited) and we do have bills to pay. Also, we do feed the poor who are the most vulnerable at this time. I strongly encourage you to continue donating food and pantry supplies and to maintain your contributions to our parish. These can be mailed or dropped off to the office.

May each of us work together to continue building our community of faith. May we follow best practices for combatting the spread of the virus and keeping another healthy. May God continue to enlighten and strengthen us.

May Mary, our Blessed Mother, keep us close to her Son. St. Thomas the Apostle, pray for us. 

         Fr. Larry

 March 23, 2020
 

     Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 

     As citizens of Michigan, we join with our neighbors in observing measures to address the spread of COVID-19. As we continue to practice social distancing to limit the virus' spread, our response as the Body of Christ must always begin in faith. We believe Jesus is still Lord. We believe that God can bring good from this time. We believe that we are not abandoned but remain – however mysteriously – in the loving hands of the Father.
 

     It is with great sadness that I have to announce to you that Holy Week celebrations will not be offered publicly this year in the Archdiocese of Detroit.  To ensure we cooperate with and support the governor and local health officials during this time as well as assuring you of my continued commitment to the work of unleashing the Gospel, I am issuing these directives regarding the life of our parishes, the administration of the Sacraments – particularly to those who are sick and dying – and the celebration of Holy Week.
 

     While it is not possible for us to gather in our parishes during Holy Week and on Easter, it is possible for us to be connected in other ways. I ask you to remain attentive to aod.org and spiritualclosness.org for ways to be connected with each other during these days. I would also ask you to please continue your financial support to your parish. They rely entirely on your contributions and your generosity. I am very grateful for your support, especially during this time.
 

     In addition, I ask all the faithful in the Archdiocese of Detroit to join me, the Holy Father and faithful around the world in these two times of prayer this week: 

1. Wednesday, March 25 – the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord – to pause at 12 noon to pray the Our Father.

Friday, March 27 to pray at 1:00 p.m. (in union with the Holy Father in Rome) and, as you are able, to receive the Plenary Indulgence that will accompany the Eucharistic Benediction from the Holy Father on this occasion.

I know this is an unprecedented time in the life of our local Church. But unprecedented challenges bring unprecedented graces. If we unite ourselves to the Lord we will emerge from these days of trial and uncertainty more ready to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ.
 

     Please know of my prayers for you and our whole State of Michigan during these days. Asking the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, I remain
 

     Sincerely yours in Christ,
 

     The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
     Archbishop of Detroit