I may sound like a broken record, but Have you read the Archbishop’s Pastoral letter yet? (You can access it here.) Since he published it on Pentecost, I have challenged us in every homily to read it. It’s an excellent motivator to put into action what the Holy Spirit is challenging us to be about: There are no bystanders.
In his letter, the Archbishop states: “Effective witness to Jesus has these attractive qualities: joy, hospitality, and generous service to the poor and the marginalized.” We are growing in joy within our cluster. We are working even harder to increase our hospitality. And now, we each have a chance to be an “effective witness” by working with Life Remodeled. Life Remodeled is a local nonprofit that invests approximately $5 million in cash, labor, and materials into one Detroit neighborhood each year in order to accomplish 3 goals: remodeling a school or other community asset, repairing owner-occupied homes, and mobilizing 12,000 volunteers to clean up 360 city blocks in 6 days!
This year the project centers around the neighborhoods surrounding the Seminary, St. Charles Lwanga, and, drumroll please, our own parish of St. Moses the Black. This year’s project is going to transform the Durfee school into a Community Innovation Center which will operate in partnership with Central H.S. and DPSCD, remove blight on 360 city blocks, board up 300 vacant houses, perform critical repairs for 50 homeowners, and develop meaningful and sustainable partnerships to continue community investment after the project’s completion: all in the community where the civil unrest began in 1967. This year’s project will serve not only as a powerful commemoration of the progress that has been made, but also the hope we continue to strive toward.
I am inviting you to put your faith into action through this Christian service in our own neighborhood. While you may join in on the fun any day of this week, we are gathering as staff and parishioners on Thursday between 9 AM and 4 PM. Please email Christine Broses or call her at 313-865-6300 to sign up. EVERBODY is welcome, no matter how young, old, or strong you might be. They have jobs for everyone. Activities include mowing grass, cutting overgrown brush, removing debris, some painting, handing out water, inviting people to come to our parish, and praying. See you there!
God Bless,
Fr. J.J.