June 19, 2021
Since the arrival of Covid-19 into our lives in February 2020, we have lived in a time of stormy waters, with anxiety, fear and worry — asking questions “Where is Jesus in this storm? Is he sleeping in the boat as many of our family and friends die? Does God and Jesus care for us?” These questions have been asked many times.
In faith, we know and believe that God and his Son Jesus do care for us. Jesus is certainly NOT asleep in the boat, and He is definitely with us! Look at the hard working doctors/nurses and health care professionals who have worked day and night to care for the sick. See the extraordinary efforts many companies have made to provide vaccines for all of Gods children, to further protect us into the future. Consider the extraordinary efforts schools, universities, and work places have made to protect their staff, students and colleagues.
The maker of Heaven and Earth through his son Jesus calmed the storm for his followers, and now he does the same for us. God our Father and his loving son watches over us, and protects us on the path of life, Jesus is still very much in control, and he wants us to choose faith over fear when we travel through the storms of life.
Faith is a daily decision we make in how we will respond to our circumstances based on where we have put our trust — in the news, in our government, in our families, or in the Creator and Savior of our universe, our good Father. Our Almighty God who knows our every need and hears our every prayer! May we exercise our faith muscles and get to know Jesus better in the midst of the storm, and worship him even more so we can echo the disciple’s amazement: “Who can this be? Even the wind and sea obey him” (Mk 4:41)
May we keep our eyes on Jesus and choose faith over fear as we move through the storms of life.
Fr. Brendan McCarrick SAC
As we face so many challenges in 2021, we are reminded of our call as missionary disciples to act out of the heart that God has formed in us. The CSA raises funds that make our work possible, including supporting more than 100 ministries, programs, and services. This includes helping the hungry and homeless, support for our parishes, priests and seminarians, and promoting the work of the Catholic schools, and so much more.
November 13, 2020
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
During these difficult months during the pandemic, I have granted a general dispensation from the grave obligation that we as Catholic Christians have to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation in the Archdiocese of Detroit, in part to help ease the conscience of those who are unable to be present for public worship due to risk of illness to themselves or their families. The most recent dispensation expires on November 22, at which point we had hoped the pandemic would have eased enough to allow all of us to return in an unrestricted way to our celebrations of the Holy Eucharist.
Unfortunately, local and state health officials report that we not only continue to experience an increase in cases in our region and elsewhere, but that the rate of increase is rising dramatically and dangerously. I have been in communication with leaders in our Catholic hospitals and they are very concerned about the immediate future and the challenges they face caring for all those in need, not just those experiencing serious complications from COVID-19.
Dispensation
After carefully considering these and other factors, I am extending the dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation for people living in or visiting the Archdiocese of Detroit until Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021. As we have from the beginning, we will continue to closely monitor the situation in our region, with an eye on the day – hopefully in the not-too-distant future – when all of us are able to safely reunite in our normal patterns of worship.
Attending Mass
This extension is given so as not to unduly bind the consciences of those who are greatly troubled by the destructive potency of the coronavirus, and to care for the most vulnerable among us, such as the elderly. At the same time, one should not take advantage of the dispensation without a true need. Catholics who have already begun to engage in non-essential activities, such as widening one’s social circle or going out to eat, should return to Sunday Mass – an essential activity – as church capacity allows. Our souls greatly need the grace that comes from the re-presentation of Christ’s saving death and resurrection and this is what Jesus has entrusted to us in the celebration of the Mass. Just as businesses, schools, and other locations have opened safely, so have our parishes. Our pastors, parishes, and the faithful have worked diligently and adapted well in order to ensure the health and well-being of everyone who has been able to come to church for Mass, Confession, or to pray. I want to offer my sincere gratitude for the efforts that have been undertaken to implement and maintain the first-rate precautionary measures that have kept our parishes and schools safe.
Keeping Holy the Lord’s Day
Whether or not they are able to attend Mass, all baptized Catholics are reminded of the grave necessity they have to keep holy the Lord’s Day. This a divine law that neither I nor anyone else can ever dispense. Sunday is the day of the Resurrection of our Lord, and as such Christians from the earliest days have set it apart as a day unlike others. When it is not possible to participate in person in the Sacrifice of the Mass, it is vitally important for every member of the Catholic Church to observe the Sabbath by prioritizing prayer, time for God and for family, and works of charity. To that end, many of our parishes have been broadcasting their services over the internet during these last several months. While this virtual means of watching Mass can never replace the unmediated contact with the Real Presence of Our Lord we receive by being present and participating in Mass, these livestreamed Masses have been a way to help Catholics nourish their souls when they cannot be present for Mass.
Let us trust that the Lord accompanies us through all difficulties, including this pandemic. As we approach Advent and prepare for flu season, we should remember to pray daily for health care workers, first responders, including our priests, and all who are and will offer compassionate service and healing in the months to come. Let us also continue to invoke Our Lady of Lourdes, patroness for those who suffer illness, asking her to pray with us for healing and protection for the people of southeast Michigan and beyond.
With assurances of my prayers for you, I remain,
Sincerely yours in Christ,
The Most Reverend Allen H. Vigneron
Archbishop of Detroit
October 9, 2020
Public health officials at the state, county and city levels have issued orders this week related to public gatherings and safety protocols in light of the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision last Friday. 
Nothing in these orders changes our current requirements for liturgical gatherings including Mass, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, Confessions, and Eucharistic Adoration.
If changes need to be made regarding non-liturgical activities, further communication will be provided. Until that time, please continue to follow all established guidelines and directives (especially related to the need for indoor gatherings requiring masks) which have been issued from the Archdiocese of Detroit for the liturgy, non-liturgical gatherings, and Catholic schools.
This event has been postponed
Sunday, October 18, 2020
8:00am – 2:00pm
St. Joseph Church Hall, 344 Elm Street, Wyandotte
Save the date!
Do you have time to donate blood this year? Sign up coming soon.
For more information, call the parish office at 734-285-9840, ext. 100.
St. Vincent Pallotti
"The Love of Christ urges us on"
