St. Alphonsus-St. Clement Parish

August 2022

From the Moderator by Fr. Terry Kerner

The title “Moderator” is the name given by the Archbishop for the pastors who drew the short straw and got the job! In other words, the role is about being a facilitator for the parishes and their priests in the family of Parishes. Our Family is composed of St. Alphonsus[1]St. Clement, St. Barbara, St. Maria Goretti and St. Kateri. I want to make I quite clear that NOT ONE PARISH IS CLOSING! And each parish CONTINUES TO RETAIN responsibility for its own finances and assets. Parish life and activities will pretty much look the same except in areas where collaboration with the other parishes can be productive. An example of this is the work of St Vincent de Paul. (Already St. Alphonsus-St. Clement have met with St. Maria Goretti and are discovering ways to complement one another with goods and services). Other areas will be mentioned in weeks ahead. The new arrangement is driven by the shortage of clergy. Over the next decade the Archdiocese projects one third fewer priests. Almost two-thirds of our priests are already over 60. (No wonder you are asked to pray for vocations each week!) Understandably, the average Catholic does not feel a shortage because every time you attend Mass, a priest is present. But priests do feel the shortage and we recognize the need to minister and live parish life differently. Under the Family of Parishes, priests would be able to share one another’s burdens by coordinating ministry schedules, avoiding duplicate services and ultimately help their parishioners in their ministry efforts. It’s a good thing! Regarding Mass times, changes will be made but not until after the new year. Attendance numbers are an important factor in any decision to be made. Now is a good time to invite folks to Mass with you and even offering them a ride! For now, there are NO schedule changes planned to St. Alphonsus-St. Clement nor any other parish. The only exception is for the residents of Allegria Village (formerly Henry Ford Village). Their chapel Mass will be move from 9am on Sunday to 6pm on Saturday starting AFTER LABOR DAY, September 10.

With regards to our parish’s empty buildings, they will be coming down in the months ahead. This allows for some parking enhancement and green space that will encourage creative opportunities for celebrating our faith heritage. We hope to preserve many of the beautiful mature trees at the same time. The tedious work of asbestos abatement begins on August 8th and will conclude around mid-October when the actual demolition begins assuming all the City’s permits have been granted. The contractors have offered to set aside piles of the attractive brick from the convent and high school buildings. They can make memorable keepsakes especially for alumni.

Speaking of alumni, WELCOME HOME! This weekend has been set aside to honor your past and invite you to look forward to many, many years, and special times of celebrations at St. Alphonsus -t. Clement. We all look forward to building on the 170 years of Faith already celebrated by our support and commitment to the future of the parish. Every religious celebration in your future, regardless of where you live, can be a beautiful WELCOME HOME for you and your children. We only need to make it happen!

Fr. Terry Kerner

Administrator - St. Alphonsus-St. Clement Parish