A tribute to the Marist Sisters in USA

List News

10/10/2020 - United States

Merging of Our First U.S. Parish, and Closing of the Church Site

Srs. Constance (one of the first Marist Sisters to arrive in the U.S. in 1956) Frances, and Linda attended the last Mass at St. Albert the Great Church, Dearborn Heights., Michigan, on Sept. 27, 2020. While it was a sad occasion in some ways, it was good to see many present parishioners, former parishioners, and former students in attendance, and a display of photos of parish history since 1955.

A special treat was having two of our former students who are now priests of the Archdiocese of Detroit concelebrating the Mass, Fathers. J.J. Mech and Sean Bonner. Father Mech gave a beautiful homily in which he told stories featuring former pastors and Marist Sisters who served at St. Albert’s as he was growing up, particularly highlighting the kindness he experienced from all. Among the Sisters mentioned were Srs. Rita Riddell, Ann Dineen, and Frances. He said he often speaks of us in his homilies, because he feels that his faith formation was very solid and he is so grateful.

Three parishes in the area are now merging to form one new parish, St. Maria Goretti, at the former St. Sebastian site, due to decreases in number of parishioners.

We pray for all these parishioners who are so dear to us, as they strive to form this new faith community, and we thank God for all that has been over these 65 years.

Linda Sevcik