St. Alphonsus -St. Clement Heritage Garden - Spring 2025
By Fr. Terry Kerner
The year 1852 saw four acres at the corner of Warren and Schaefer dedicated to God, recognizing His gift to a faithful people. 171 years ago, German farmers, who enjoyed and shared their God-given endowment, saw the Faith grow and flourish in the hearts and souls of thousands in three different centuries. Countless parishioners have witnessed the miracle of growth in the fertile minds of the parish young and have been humbled by the loving dedication of their Adrian Dominican Sisters along with lay teachers and parents. The 171 years have seen the Faith grow through the good and difficult times.
As St. Alphonsus- St. Clement Parish has witnessed the removal of buildings that over the years presented the site and opportunity for extraordinary growth in parishioners young and old. Their love for their Catholic faith down through the decades presented the " soil for learning" and gave the locus for friendships to flourish. Courage and unselfishness were taught through athletics, drama, and a host of extracurriculars celebrated and enjoyed in these buildings. Unselfish service was lived by clergy and religious who exemplified the Christian call to serve one's neighbor.
The buildings are gone but not the memories. Changes are difficult but should not deter us from moving forward. Our incredibly beautiful church stands as a stunning statement of what we represent. Today the church is visible from the corner of Warren and Schaefer. No doubt some citizens of Dearborn have never seen it before.
This Spring will see us placing the statue of Our Lady of Fatima facing the corner of Schaefer and Warren. Fatima has an important and reverent significance for Muslims and the statue recognizes that reality. Located in the highest concentration of Muslims in the US it is good to recognize our neighbors. We also will be erecting the Way of the Cross on the site of the convent. We are requesting donations from various K of C Councils for both projects. The site of the high school will also be nurtured as a garden with memorial pavers, benches and appropriate landscaping. Midge Savage and Dave Katona are spearheading the garden effort. If you would like to contribute in any way, give the parish office a call at 313.581.7495.
Memorial pavers will be available to purchase in the near future. If you are interested in a paver, click HERE to fill out a form and we will contact you when ordering details are available.
This Spring will see us placing the statue of Our Lady of Fatima facing the corner of Schaefer and Warren. The statue has been ordered and is due to arrive sometime in May.
Stations of the Cross will be erected along a pathway throughout the area once occupied by the convent. The Stations (as shown above left) have arrived and will be installed as soon as weather permits.
The site of the high school will also be nurtured as a garden with memorial pavers, benches and appropriate landscaping.
