WHERE WE'RE AT – May 25, 2025 by Fr. Terry Kerner, Administrator/Moderator
I’m very happy to announce the Way of the Cross has been erected on the site of the former convent. More than just fourteen stations, the site is a garden of shrubs and trees chosen to blossom from Spring to Autumn. More than just consideration for a display of color, the species were chosen from traditions of religious significance. For example, legend says dogwoods once grew as large trees and were used to make the cross on which Jesus was crucified. Its blossoms are four petaled with two long petals and two short petals, forming the shape of a cross.
Roses have been planted symbolizing the Blessed Virgin of prophecy with the rose plant bearing the flower, Christ. The iris flower has entered the garden design and represents the Virgin Mary. The name Iris means “sword lily” alluding to the sorrow of Our Lady of the Passion.
The garden uses a formula of seven plantings for the various shrubs. The number seven is often seen as a symbol of completion, perfection and divine fullness, which aligns with Christian beliefs about God and Jesus. In Scripture, Jesus uses the word “seven” three times in the passage where he teaches about forgiveness, which further reinforces the idea of seven as a symbol of perfect forgiveness.
Our gratitude goes out to the P & P Lawn Service for the erection of the stations and the choice of plantings. This is the same company that cuts and maintains our parish lawn. The company is currently working with the committee to create the memorial plaza on the site of the high school. Very soon they will be asked to help with the placement of the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, which arrived last week. We are blessed to have the parish property allowing us to express our faith on the very site of the buildings that have nurtured and lived the faith in past years.
Feel free to pray the Way of the Cross.
WHERE WE'RE AT – May 4, 2025 by Fr. Terry Kerner, Administrator/Moderator
Where are we? We are in a good place! Archbishop Weisenburger this past week has appointed Fr. Michael Nkachukwu to St. Alphonsus-St. Clement sharing ministry with the other priests of our Rouge Family of Parishes. Father Michael serves three parishes on Detroit's eastside and currently resides at St. Jude rectory. Father was born in 1950 in southeastern Nigeria and ordained to the priesthood in 1976. He came to the United States in 1989 to study in New Jersey and earned several professional degrees and a Master's in Pastoral Theology and a Doctorate in Applied Ministry. In parish life he is happy to be addressed as "Fr. Michael". His Nigerian surname, Nkachukwu means "Artist of God".
Father Michael is looking forward to joining the parish on the first of July. His philosophy of life is simple and straightforward, namely, "Life is too brief to be wasted." This has led him to apply himself assiduously to whatever work or ministry he is performing unto the Lord. I know our prayers for a permanent priest have been answered-but we also need to pray in thanksgiving for the Capuchins and diocesan priests who have served us over the past several months. Without their generosity we would not be able to celebrate the liturgies we have enjoyed. Please take time to thank and pray for all the good Padres who are with us each weekend. Never fail to be grateful for your faith and those committed to nourishing it through the years.
The past week has also seen the beginning of the work on the garden and Way of the Cross on the site of the former convent backyard. The site is conveniently located near handicap parking. The hope is that this traditional devotion will be enjoyed by many over the years. Planning is also in progress for a garden and a plaza with memorial bricks on the footprint of the high school. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate in the endeavor. Look for more information in the weeks ahead.
We can also look forward in the weeks ahead to the annual Catholic Services Appeal (CSA). The Appeal over the years has allowed the parish to address several needed maintenance projects. Contributing to the CSA is better than the Christmas collection in that it is neither taxed nor factored into next year's CSA target like the Christmas offering will be. Whatever you choose to do with this year's CSA is most appreciated. We want to thank last year's CSA contributors for their generous support. It was one of the best years in recent times.
