St. Alphonsus-St. Clement Parish

Where We’re At - April 21, 2024 - by Fr. Terry Kerner, Administrator/Moderator

The Archdiocese has endorsed our plan for the new parking lot and enhanced lighting.  With the cooperation of DTE and the City of Dearborn, we hope to start work by the end of this month.  Completion of the project, we hope to see, by the end of May.  Certainly, with the work, will come inconvenience and we hope folks will take advantage of the parking around Fr. Yagley Hall.  A new parking lot is not inexpensive and we will be withdrawing from our savings to cover the costs.  At the same time, we are encouraging support for the annual CSA beginning in May.  Last year, parishioners were very generous and allowed up to apply monies received, above our target, to be applied to the work on the lower roof of the Church.  Certainly, donations above and beyond the CSA are welcome!

Our flagpole, which stands on the site of the old high school, has been reconditioned with the intent of flying “Old Glory” once again.  This effort, has been made possible, with the donation by longtime  parishioner, Frank Palmeri.  Frank is a veteran and a patriot and we thank him for his effort.  We look forward to a rededication of the flagpole around Memoria Day, assuming the parking lot work is completed.  Thank you Frank for your generosity.

Parking is not the only work to be done on the new campus.  Fencing, landscaping and devotional settings are also planned for in the months ahead.  Certainly, what is planned will be attractive for parishioners and visitors to the parish.  One event, being planned for, is Dearborn’s Homecoming.  The weekend will be celebrating Masses and outdoor receptions at St. Alphonsus-St. Clement Church.  The weekend will also afford the opportunity to open the time capsules, retrieved from the demolition of the elementary school and the activities building.  The following weekend, August 11, we have been asked to host a visit from the “Mass Mob”, a movement of Catholics who appreciate attending Mass in historic and significant churches in the Archdiocese.  The attendance usually includes hundreds of reverent and generous worshipers. 

All in all, a lot is happening and planned for in our Parish.  Please encourage family and former parishioners to come home and celebrate with us.

St. Alphonsus Heritage Garden - Preliminary concept - July 2023 - By Fr. Terry Kerner

Click HERE for the latest update.

St. Alphonsus Library

Fr. Anthony Kote-Witah celebrated mass at St. Alphonsus-St. Clement for the Feast of Mary, the Mother of God on December. 31 and January 1. He enthusiastically expressed his gratitude for the support from the parish for the orphanage he is building in his home village of Ogoni in Nigeria. The orphanage will house the homeless and orphans who are victims of crisis, war, and natural disasters. Last year the parish donated approximately 9,000 books rescued from the school library before the buildings were demolished. The books arrived in Nigeria in November 2023, and recently ground was broken to start construction of the orphanage. The Ogoni Shepard Foundation is a nonprofit organization created by Fr. Anthony for the purpose of building the orphanage. Fr. Anthony is inviting us to help him in his mission with a Night of Hope on April 11, 2024, a fundraiser to benefit the orphanage Foundation. It will be held at the Regency Manor & Banquet Center in Southfield.  For more information, click HERE.  Click HERE to download the flyer for the event.

To view photos of the project click HERE.  To read more, click HERE.

A story about the books from our library was recently featured on WDIV Ch. 4's website.  Click HERE to read the story.

To learn more about Fr. Anthony and his orphanage project visit: theogonishepherdfoundation.org

Click below to watch a video from Fr. Anthony: