These last several weeks have been active ones in our cluster!
We had a “once in a lifetime experience” as the Sistine Chapel Choir visited us at the Cathedral – after visiting New York City, and Washington, DC – and helped us lift praise to God two Sundays ago! The Maestro, or leader of the Choir, whom I was informed is rather particular about how he likes things, informed the organizer of the trip that he had a superlative experience, a great appreciation for the Archbishop, the staff, and parishioners of the Cathedral, and loved their Detroit experience. He felt the beautiful liturgy was the true intent of Vatican II, the acoustics were amazing, and would love to return to perform a concert in our Mother Church. Maybe it won’t just be a “once in a lifetime experience”. Great hospitality and great job to all!
Last weekend, a small but mighty group of volunteers showed up at the Cathedral to “freshen up” the grounds. I have planted close to fifty trees over my years as pastor, and we planted four more last Saturday. Flowering bushes and plants were carefully laid out all over the grounds. Thank you to Telly’s Greenhouse in Troy for donating it all. When we take pride in our grounds; people feel welcomed. We are literally planting seeds, and the seeds of Faith; i.e. unleashing the Gospel. Thank you to all who helped!
Last Wednesday was the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the patron of animals. As I always do, we celebrated a Pet Blessing on the closest Sunday afternoon (we even had a snake). There was a little glitch in our advertising, so sorry if you missed it. Thanks to last minute social media efforts though, we had some non-parishioners attend (and I’m not referring to the snake). Not only were the pets blessed, but so were we. The non-parishioners had such a positive and welcoming experience, they promised to return. Good Job to all, especially our mascot Annie (my dog)!
After a great deal of time effort and energy; donations and grants have been received, the rectory is in its best shape in years; the College of Consultors, the OFM Provincial and Archbishop have agreed; and the contracts have been signed. We will now be hearing the pitter patter of little Franciscan feet around the rectory of St. Moses. Three Franciscan Friars are living on the St. Moses campus. A couple days ago they attended a welcome lunch thrown by our staff and they will be officially introduced to all of you soon. So…if you happen to see a Brother and two priests wandering around in brown habits, make sure that they receive a radical and hospitable welcome!
It has taken longer than we thought, but soon we will be hearing pitter patter of little Franciscan feet around the rectory of St. Moses the Black. It has been empty for quite some time and after a long journey of applying for grants and donations, the rectory
God Bless,
Fr. J.J.