From the Pastor’s Desk

by Fr. Terry Kerner

Homecoming Weekend in Dearborn has always been a special time for parishioners and residents of our city. It is a time for looking back and remembering great times with families and neighbors and longtime parishioners. This year is a historic homecoming for alumni of St. Alphonsus Elementary and High School which after many years of abandonment are slated for demolition this autumn. Abatement of asbestos begins this coming Monday and will take a couple of months after which the actual demolition will begin. The Faith has been practiced for over 170 years on the site at Warren and Schaefer and has yielded a tremendous contribution to the Catholic culture and civic life of the city. Homecoming for St. Alphonsus-St. Clement parish will be a little bit more nostalgic this year. But hopefully, Coming Home can present an opportunity for many more years of Faith to add to the one hundred seventy!

Our Family of Parishes (FOP) is progressing well. Already the St. Vincent de Paul work at St. Maria Goretti and St. Alphonsus-St. Clement is beginning collaboration. You can help by volunteering to distribute food at either site. Just call the office of your choice and let them know when you can help.

Religious Formation for the children has been consolidated with three of our four parishes participating. The existing programs at St. Maria Goretti and St. Kateri are now joined and will meet AT ST. KATERI ON MONDAYS from 5:30pm-7:00pm. St. Alphonsus-St. Clement are joining the program and now will have classes for their children. The RCIA (“convert classes”) will also be held on Mondays at 7:30pm. For information/registration contact St. Kateri (313.336.3227) and leave your name & phone number. We will get back with you as soon as possible.

MONDAY, AUGUST 8th the parish office will be closed as the parking lot is sche-uled for resealing and striping. We do these every three years to insure the integrity of the blacktop and the easy visibility of parking spaces. Your CSA dollar is at work and covers the cost of the project.

Everyone, have a great August!