180th anniversary booklet

St. Patrick, Patron of Ireland. Born387 AD in Kilpatrick, near Dumbarton, in Scotland. Died March 17, 461 ADin Saul, Downpatrick, Ireland.

Feast Day: March 17

Christ be beside me, Christ be before me,

Christ be behind me, King of my heart.

Christ be within me, Christ be below me,

Christ be above me, never to part.

Christ on my right hand, Christ on my left hand,

Christ all around me, shield in the strife.

Christ in my sleeping, Christ in my sitting,

Christ in my rising, light of my life.

Christ be in all hearts thinking about me.

Christ be on all tongues telling of me.

Christ be the vision in eyes that see me,

In ears that hear me, Christ ever be.

Words attributed to Saint Patrick; Gaelic melody

Dear Parishioners,

The celebration of our 180th anniversary has been a great occasion for reflection, gratitude, and prayer. When we pause and call to mind the thousands of families who have sacrificed, prayed, and celebrated their faith that we might do the same, it is very humbling. Anniversaries remind us that we have been allowed to participate in some-thing greater than ourselves. With gratitude to God for the parish and the people of God around us, let us go forward in celebration with prayer, humble determination, and the desire to love and serve our neighbors, that we might hand on what we have received.

Let us keep each other in prayer as we continue to “Seek Him” in the many years to come.

God bless,Fr. Karl Pung

LETTER BY OUR PASTOR, FR. KARL PUNG

03 | ST. PATRICK CELEBRATES 18O YEARS OF FAITH

WE ARE FAMILY | 04

We are family. From a small faith community in Green Oak Township in 1831and a few dozen parishioners served by a mission priest, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton has grown to over 3,000 families served by two priests andthree deacons.

After a year of prayer and focus on “Seeking Him,”St. Patrick Catholic Church celebradted its 180th Anniversary with a special Mass on November 4, 2012 at 11:30 AM.

The Knights of Columbus, in full uniform and bearing swords, lined the church center aisle, welcoming the Most Rev. Earl Boyea, Bishop of Diocese of Lansing, to celebrate the Mass along with Rev. Karl Pung, pastor; Rev. James Mangan, parochial vicar; and Deacons Pat McDonald, Dave Lawrence and Tom Rea.

All three choirs as well as special guest musicians from Detroit performed the beautiful Irish blessing “May the Road Rise to Meet You” and the hymn attributed to St. Patrick’s breastplate, “Christ Be Beside Me, Christ Be Before Me” in honor of the parish’s Irish roots. Our longest-attending parishioner, John Wenzel, received a plaque in honor of his 82 years at St. Patrick Church.

There was a sense of reverence among the parishioners who had gathered to worship, celebrate, and remember – a reverence for God and for our predecessors who had come before us. The excitment and joy that filled the church was


CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF

Our Faith & Our Parish

SPECIAL ANNIVERSARY MASS | 06

echoed in the homily of Bishop Boyea. The Bishop spoke of love. “Love God as Jesus loves God,” he said, “and love one another as Jesus loves us.”

After the Mass, there was a reception in McCann Hall hosted by the parish’s Council of Catholic Women. The special 180th Anniversary Historic Exhibit lined the walls of the entire hall, with the 1895 quilt and our new 2012 quilt on display. Hundreds of parishioners enjoyed the historic artifacts and refreshments.

“It’s a great blessing to see so many people celebrating with us and God’s work among us,” said Fr. Pung.

“It was wonderful to see every seat in the church filled,” said parishioner Daniel Burress, Livingston County Circuit Court Judge, retired.

Added Lori Marran, a guest, “It’s such an honor to be celebrating mass with the Bishop here.”

After the reception, many parishioners attended an Open House at St. Patrick Catholic School North Campus – the third building to hold that name.

It was, all in all, a historic day – a day to remember the past, a day to build the future, and a day, most of all, to honor God in our midst for 180 years here in Livingston County.


Most Rev. Earl Boyea, Fifth Bishop of the Lansing Diocese, noted that the first acre of land for the St. Patrick Catholic Church was purchased in 1861 and cost just $50.

“ But the real beginnings of the

parish of St. Patrick was the

faith of the Irish immigrants

who yearned for the Mass and

the sacraments. It is that yearning

to be near God, to hear His Word

and receive the Body of Christ,

which is at the heart of every

believing community. That heart

has beat now for 180 years in

Livingston County. Keep the pulse

going, hand on that faith, and be a light

to all you meet. Happy Anniversary.”

April 10, 2102

St. Patrick Catholic Church 711 Rickett Rd. Brighton, Michigan 48116 Dear Members of St. Patrick Parish,

Congratulations as you celebrate 180 years of service to Livingston County!

Residents of Livingston County look to St. Patrick’s as the model that exemplifies how Christians

“live out” their faith in the name of Christ. It may be providing a ride to the doctor for an individual, collecting and distributing food for

people who are unable to purchase food, providing home repair, collecting and distributing gift

cards, or assisting with rent and utilities. Members of St. Patrick’s have always been active in their role of mentoring and supporting

others in the community with Money Management classes, Job Seeking workshops and even

Grief workshops, providing a full comprehensive need for the entire “person”.

I am proud to be a member of St. Patrick Church, and thank you for your continued support of

families and individuals during their times of hardship. Congratulations again, and I pray for another strong and prosperous 180 years for your parish!

Katherine B. Janego Executive Director Love In the Name of Christ of the Greater Livingston Area

820 E. Grand River Howell, MI 48843 T: 517-552-3970 F: 517-552-3630

April 12, 2012 Saint Patrick Catholic Church 711 Rickett Road Brighton MI 48116 Dear Members of St. Patrick parish, On behalf of the parishioners of Holy Spirit Church, I would like to congratulate our brothers and sisters at St. Patrick Church in Brighton on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of their founding. It’s a little hard to imagine how things must have been way back then. This area was a wilderness. But with the westward migration of our pioneering ancestors, small groups of Catholics all across the Midwest began to put down roots and establish faith communities. They were courageous, hardworking, and faithful as they built their churches, and rectories to house their priests. And as for those early pastors, they too were a tough breed. I know something of your first permanent pastor, Fr. Patrick O’Kelley, the "Apostle of Livingston County". He was a pastor of my home parish of Sacred Heart in Dearborn and died there in 1859. As a young boy, I discovered his tomb on a small hill in the cemetery that bears his name. In subsequent years, as I migrated westward, I would find his name on many historical markers in Washtenaw, Livingston, and Jackson counties. I look forward to seeing his name on the new plaque proposed for the grounds at St. Patrick. In time, as the Irish community of St. Pat’s began to grow, new communities necessarily came into existence. One of those parishes was ours. St. Patrick parishioners who had moved southward were asked to form a new church and so in 1980, Fr. Charles Irvin was asked to begin planning for Holy Spirit Church near the village of Hamburg. Like its predecessor, our church has experienced its own growing pains. But we are the grateful recipients of the legacy of the many strong and faithful Catholics that originally settled this area and worked so hard to keep our faith alive and vibrant these many years. So, again, congratulations, and thanks. May God continue to bless and prosper the work of your hands. Fr. John Rocus 5th Pastor Holy Spirit Church Brighton/ Hamburg

CONGRATULATIONS

St. Patrick Church!

LETTERS OF CONGRATULATIONS | 08

April 12, 2012 Saint Patrick Catholic Church 711 Rickett Road Brighton MI 48116 Dear Members of St. Patrick parish, On behalf of the parishioners of Holy Spirit Church, I would like to congratulate our brothers and sisters at St. Patrick Church in Brighton on the occasion of the 180th anniversary of their founding. It’s a little hard to imagine how things must have been way back then. This area was a wilderness. But with the westward migration of our pioneering ancestors, small groups of Catholics all across the Midwest began to put down roots and establish faith communities. They were courageous, hardworking, and faithful as they built their churches, and rectories to house their priests. And as for those early pastors, they too were a tough breed. I know something of your first permanent pastor, Fr. Patrick O’Kelley, the "Apostle of Livingston County". He was a pastor of my home parish of Sacred Heart in Dearborn and died there in 1859. As a young boy, I discovered his tomb on a small hill in the cemetery that bears his name. In subsequent years, as I migrated westward, I would find his name on many historical markers in Washtenaw, Livingston, and Jackson counties. I look forward to seeing his name on the new plaque proposed for the grounds at St. Patrick. In time, as the Irish community of St. Pat’s began to grow, new communities necessarily came into existence. One of those parishes was ours. St. Patrick parishioners who had moved southward were asked to form a new church and so in 1980, Fr. Charles Irvin was asked to begin planning for Holy Spirit Church near the village of Hamburg. Like its predecessor, our church has experienced its own growing pains. But we are the grateful recipients of the legacy of the many strong and faithful Catholics that originally settled this area and worked so hard to keep our faith alive and vibrant these many years. So, again, congratulations, and thanks. May God continue to bless and prosper the work of your hands. Fr. John Rocus 5th Pastor Holy Spirit Church Brighton/ Hamburg

7743 W. Grand River, Suite 101, Brighton, MI 48114—Phone 810.494.5433– Fax 810.494.7886

P A R E N T I N G , L I F E S K I L L S &

R E L A T I O N S H I P E D U C A T I O N ,

M A T E R I A L G O O D S S U P P O R T

P R E G N A N C Y T E S T I N G ,

U L T R A S O U N D , S T I T E S T I N G ,

N U R S E C O N S U L T A T I O N

April 26, 2012

To the Parishioners of St. Patrick’s Church:

From the very beginning of our ministry to fight abortion and to help women in crisis with unplanned pregnancies, St. Pat’s has played a

very important role. In January 1973, with the Supreme Court decision on Roe v. Wade, abortion became legal in the United States. In

1975 seven Catholic women from the community set out to provide alternatives to abortion for women. Four of these women were from

St. Pat’s, the rest from St. John’s in Hartland. They overcame many obstacles, and received support from the churches and the diocese.

From serving seven women through phone calls in 1976 to helping women face to face in 2011, with 25 babies saved from abortion in 2011,

and having over 2900 client visits that year, St. Patricks has been by our side.

The gracious priests and staff have helped us by allowing collections every summer to raise funds to keep our doors open to the Livingston

County community. This support has allowed us to continue our services as well as expanding what we offer to the community.

The number of volunteers who come from St. Patrick’s is large. Over the years, many women have given of their time to serve as mentors

for the women in need, to answer the phone and do clerical work for us. They also give their time generously, sorting and preparing cloth-

ing for the babies and keeping our “Baby Closet” attractive for the new moms who shop there. In the last few years, as we have grown in

the medical area, we have had nurses volunteering to help in our limited medical clinic. Most recently we have been blessed with men vol-

unteers—and the number of St. Pat’s parishioners is the most—who are helping us establish and grow a ministry for Dads. These men are

Dads themselves who understand the need for a father in each home, and explain the role of the father and the responsibility of that role to

protect and participate in the growth of his children. Pregnancy helpline has been blessed by these wonderful people who share their tal-

ents and time with us.

During the holidays, we know that we can expect and receive from St. Pat’s Christmas Giving wonderful gifts of needed items for infants

and toddlers. St. Pat’s is a very big parish with an even bigger heart for others, and we have been the beneficiary of that kindness for

many years. When our diaper supply runs low towards the end of the year, we know that we will be receiving a great supply to last us

through most of the next year. We have been honored by the Advent Tea coordinators as recipients of their annual fest.

The First Grade Faith Formation at St. Patrick’s keeps our supply well stocked. We appreciate the effort that the teachers make to show

the very young children the need for and the opportunity to give to others.

The Knights of Columbus have been very generous to us over the years, giving us significant gifts throughout the year. In 2012, they joined

efforts with K of C Councils in Livingston County and raised funds to replace our old Ultrasound Machine. To the loyal Knights we owe a

great debt of gratitude for their continuing support.

Pregnancy Helpline congratulates St. Paatrick’s Roman Catholic Church as it celebrates its 180th anniversary of faith and service to its

parishioners and the Livingston County community. We are proud to be counted among those whom this wonderful and generous parish

respects and serves. We are very grateful for their presence in this community and pray that their continued service to those in need will

be honored and continued for generations to come.

God Bless You All!

Pregnancy Helpline Board of Trustees, Staff and Volunteers

CONGRATULATIONS

St. Patrick Church!

MORE LETTERSOF

CONGRATULATIONS


OUR EARLY YEARS:

Beginning 1831The historic, Old Irish Cemetery occupies a small, modest square of earth at the quiet, rural corner of McCabe and Silver Lake Road in Green Oak Township. Fewer than 50 tombstones survive, all of them bearing Irish names upon old stone tablets worn smooth and difficult to decipher by time: Morgan. Gaffney. Malone. McCabe. Corrigan.

The dates on some of these graves go back to the late 1700s. Several bear the deceased’s origin: Edward Malone, a native of the Countyof Louth, Ireland. Others are marked by GAR medallions – honoring those who served with the Grand Army of the Republic in the Civil War. None offer birthdates, only detailed dates of death: Patrick Gaffney, Grandson, died November 24, 1868, 4 years, 6 months 4 days old.

McNamee is one name here of the family that donated back in 1838 the land for a church and cemetery for the tiny but vigorous Irish community that first took shape in 1831- 1832. The log church built behind this cemetery has been gone nearly 150 years.

But that church, and this quaint, still cemetery, mark the scene of the birth of what would become St. Patrick Catholic Church in Brighton – Livingston County’s oldest faith community, along with that of St. Paul Episcopal Church, also in Brighton.

OUR BEGINNINGS 1831 | 1O

† 1831-1835. Catholics first settle in Green Oak Township. This faith community is the predecessor of the Brighton faith community. † 1843-1856. Fr. Patrick O’Kelly become the pastor of Livingston County.

† 1858-1859. Fr. Aloysius Lambert from Deerfield holds services in the homes of Thomas Kennedy and John Collins in Brighton.

† 1860. Fr. Francis Xavier Pourret encourages faith community to look for land for a brick church.

† 1861 March 30-31. Peter Paul Lefever purchases one acre of land in Brighton for a brick church. The land is purchased from Ira W. Case and Spaulding Case for $50.

† 1864. The date of the first cornerstone on the left front of the newly constructed brick church.

Our Priests Through the YearsFr. Thomas Morrissey 1831-1857: First circuit priest in the area of Green Oak Township.

Fr. Patrick O’Kelly (also spelled “O’Kelley”) became our first “resident” priest in 1843. •Served Oceola, Deerfield, Beneker Hill, and Brighton by walking from place to place. •Held services in private homes until a log church was built in 1838.•Purchased 40 acres of land which became fondly known as the “Priest’s Forty.”

Fr. Thomas Cullen 1857-1858: Circuit priest from Ann Arbor.

Fr. Aloysius Lambert 1858-1859: Deerfield priest who held services in homes in Brighton.

Fr. Francis X. Pourret 1859-1870: Attended Brighton faith community from Oceola.

Fr. Thomas Rafter 1870-1872: Attended Brighton faith community.

Fr. James Wheeler1876-1877: First resident pastor assigned to Brighton.

Fr. J.G. Dougherty 1877-1886: Pastor of Brighton.

Fr. James Garry1886-1891: Pastor of newly dedicated St. Patrick Catholic Church of Brighton

Fr. Thomas G. Hennessy 1891-1912Pastor of St. Patrick Church. He was a great hunter and fisherman. Continued ...


January 2, 1866. A subscription is taken up for the building of pews in St. Patrick Church; also contracted for is the construction of an altar rail 25 inches high and a gallery and stairs. 1879. Early census lists seventy Catholic families in Brighton. •St. Patrick Catholic Church, circa 1912.

•The high steeple was added in 1912 to the existing church.

† September 13, 1885. The church is dedicated in honor of St. Patrick by Bishop Casper N. Borgess, Bishop of Detroit.

1912-1917. St. Patrick Church, Brighton, MI

1910. St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church Brighton, MI

St. Patrick Church after 1917.•A windstorm tore the high steeple down in 1917. The steeple was then rebuilt much shorter, as seen here.

1912-1927

Fr. Stephen WitliffPastor of St. PatrickChurch,1912-1920

The back of the photo reads, “Fr. Stephen Witliff, Housekeeper Mrs. Fogarty, and Sister.” •Fr. Witliff refers to them as his ‘cousins.’ •They are seen standing in front of the rectory of St. Patrick Church in 1910 or 1912.

1916. A fire destroys the rectory, and early records of the church are lost.

1917. New brick rectory is built and furnished.

OUR BEGINNINGS: 1866 -1943 | 12

Fr. Ernest C. DePeudtPastor of St. Patrick Church, 1920-1927

Fr. Depew. 1927-1929. Pastor of St. Patrick.

Fr. McCarthy. 1929-1930. Pastor of St. Patrick Church

Fr. William Bath. 1930-1936: Pastor of St. Patrick Church

Fr. Maurice Kissane. 1936-1949. Pastor of St. Patrick Church.

May 22, 1938. The Detroit Diocese hadbecome so large it was necessary to create a new diocese. The Diocese of Lansing was created with Rt. Rev. Joseph H. Albers as its first bishop. Livingston County became a part of the Lansing Diocese in 1938.

Above: Front and back of a receiptshowingFr. Kissane’spurchase of aconvent for thenuns in 1943.

Three religious sisters 1948

Continued ...


(L) Old Union High School—later purchased by Fr. Kissane to become Brighton’s first Catholic grade school.

(R) The back of the photo reads, “The school that became Rickett School.”Photo taken1907

1950- 1960

Fr. James (Leo)McCann Pastorof St. PatrickChurch,1949-1971.Photo taken in 1958

St.Vincent Villa, Brighton, MI.

It was used by the nuns until 1949 or 1950.

St. Patrick Churchprior to 1961

Renovations began in 1961.

Groundbreaking ceremony, Sunday,May 13, 1961.

St. Patrick School cornerstone reads 1951.

OUR BEGINNINGS: 195O - 196O | 14

Fr. McCann celebrating Christmas. Photos taken early 1950s.

Fr. McCann celebrating Mass. February 12, 1961.

St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1961

Fr. McCann and First Communion children.October 11, 1964•The Grotto of “Our Lady of Lourdes.”

•Built in 1953 by William Fanning and John Gronowiecki (John Gronow).

•It was moved to its present site in 1963 to make space for construction of the new convent.

1963. A spacious new convent is built for the nuns.

1969. November 1, first 7:00 Saturday eveningVigil Mass is celebrated.•Sketch of St. Patrick Church

•The back of the photo reads, “Finished in 1962, the church now seats 830 and has been a devotional attraction for tourists of southeastern Michigan.”

Continued ...

1 5 | ST. PATRICK CELEBRATES 18O YEARS OF FAITH

May 14, 1961. Ground is broken for construction of a new church. A rectory is built at the same time; it is attached to the main church by an enclosed area.

Excavating St. Patrick Church began June 1961.

St. Patrickrenovations,1961.

Front view of newly constructed St. Patrick Church, 1962.

May 13, 1962. St. Patrick Church is blessed by Joseph H. Albers, Bishop of Lansing.

St. Patrick Catholic Church.Photo taken 1966

1970

Fr. Raymond KlaukePastor of St. PatrickChurch, 1971-1977Photo taken 1974

Fr. Michael D. MurphyPastor of St. Patrick

Church, 1977-1985

September 7, 1977 | BRIGHTON ARGUS Fr. Michael Murphy is the new pastor of Brighton’s St. Patrick Church. It is actually a “return engagement” for the cheerful priest, who served the parish as associate pastor for threeyearsuntilSeptember1973.Hefinds working with people “fulfilling and enjoyable.”

February 12, 1975, 1977 | BRIGHTON ARGUS The role of women in the Catholic ministry is changing ... and the best evidence is the job she (Sr. Marie Decker) holds at St. Patrick’s Church. Sister MarieisSt.Patrick’sfirstwoman pastoral assistant. Six months into her job, Sister Marie says she has found the work “exciting and demanding.”

OUR BEGINNINGS: 1961 - 1989 | 1 6

1978. St. Patrick Church congregation grows to 1,500 families.

1978. The rectory is enlarged; more office space and rooms are added.

Presentation of K of C Charter, June 1979(L-R) Bishop Kenneth J. Povish, Joe Wildes, William Walsh, Fr. Michael Murphy.Fr. J. Leo McCann Council #7304

1980

Breaking ground ceremony for the renovation of St. Patrick School (across the street from the church) began June 6, 1980.

Deacon Mark Inglot is holding the aspergillum (holy water sprinkler). He was a parochial vicar at St. Patrick Church from 1981-1983. Renovation of the school, 1980.A kitchen, gymnasium, and activities/media center were added.

Bishop Povish for the Dedication of the school’s new activities building/media center. Behind Bishop Povish are (L-R) Fr. Gerry Ploofe and Deacon Mark Ignot. Photo takenMay 2, 1981.


St. Patrick Catholic Church, Christmas 1989The altar was located where the pipe organ presently (2012) resides.

Continued ...

Confirmation at St. Patrick Church with Bishop Povish and Fr. Thompson, 1986

St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1989Choir loft above front doors. The front doors were located where the statues of St. Joseph and St. Mary presently (2012) reside.

1985-1986

Fr. Thomas W. ThompsonPastor of St. PatrickChurch from 1985-1999

Fr. Thompson with parishioners, 1986

Renovations 1990

1990. St. Patrick Church is expanded and renovated, adding more meeting space and seating, bringing total capacity to 1,000. This is to accommodate the now 3,024 families that belong to the parish.

Renovation of St. Patrick Church, May 1990The church’s wings were added, the front altar was moved from facing east to facing south, and a larger rectory was built.

St. Patrick Parish School Staff, 1986

July 15, 1988—The priests move into the former convent.


OUR BEGINNINGS: 1984-1991 | 18

1990


Church Dedication, September 22, 1991

(L-R) Fr. Werner, Deacon McDonald, Fr. Dan McKean, Bishop Povish, Fr. Thompson, and Deacon Bill Mattox.

Bishop Povish and Fr. Thompson anointing of the Altar and Walls at Church Dedication, 1991

Knights of Columbus, 2012

Food Bank, 1991

Council of Catholic Women,1995

Fr. Thompson at parishpicnic, 1991

Sr. Theresa Fifer,Director of FaithFormation

1999. The Eucharistic Chapel is renovated. The Stations of the Cross as well as new tile and a new altar are added.

2000

Fr. Dan J. McKean, Pastor of St. Patrick Church,1999-2006

2001-2002. St. Patrick Church purchases property to expand the parking and build a new priest’s residence.

St. Patrick Church’s pipe organ purchased in 2004. The pipe organ was made by the Letourneau Company in Quebec, Canada. The pipe organ has 3,000 pipes and weighs 10 tons.

(R) Fr. Karl L. Pung Pastor of St. Patrick Church, 2006- (L) Fr. Mark J. Rutherford, parochial vicar 2009-2012.


OUR HISTORY TO THE PRESENT 2O12 | 20

2006. Property is purchased to build a new school,St.Patrick School North Campus; the school opens the same year. The 1963 convent made into the priest’s residence is renovated again for use as the Adult FaithFormation Center.

2012. Fr. Karl L. Pung and Fr. JamesMangan, parochialvicar.

St. Patrick’s launches our180 Years of Faith Celebration with a dinner and a Church Timeline exhibit.

This beautiful, historic quilt surfaced in the 1980s, nearly 100 years after the women of St. Patrick’s labored to sew the name of every parishioner into it. A 1986 letter addressedthe then-church historian Dorothy Pannela that accompanied the quilt when it was returned to St. Patrick’s reads:

Dear Dorothy,

I found it in a cedar chest after my Aunt Eileen Spillane Glenan died in 1983. Eileen, a resident of Rochester, N.Y., married Frank Glenan of South Lyon, Michigan in the early ‘30s.

My cousin, Father John F. Dowdle, was the pastor of the St. Mary’s church in Milford and St. Joseph’s, a mission church in South Lyon.

He and Frank Glenan, a trustee at St. Joseph’s, were good friends. It was through Fr. Dowdle (later the pastor of St. Paul’s church in Grosse Pte Farms) that Eileen met and later married Frank, who was born about 1875. My Aunt Eileen was much younger than he.

Frank Glenan’s first wife Lavina Westphal was born and raised in Brighton, Mich., and we believe she played the organ at St. Patrick’s. Later she was the organist at St. Joseph’s in So. Lyon. My Aunt Eileen’s sister Florence, the only source I have for the little information I can give you, is 92 years old. Like the rest of us, she thinks the “cover” was made in sections by several talented parishioners.

Apparently, it was joined together and raffled off at some parish event. The date on it is Dec. 5, 1895, which according to your letter would have been 63 years after the parish was founded. We can only guess that Lavina Westphal Glenan won it and it was in her husband’s possession when my Aunt Eileen married him.

Eventually, Eileen and Frank moved here and that’s how it got to Rochester NY.

We enjoyed “it” as a conversation piece and our friends found it fascinating. However, it would have been selfish to keep it.

Sincerely,

Eileen Spillane

OUR MEMORIES

Two Quilts in Time ...

TWO QUILTS IN TIME | 22

In honor of the 180th anniversary of St. Patrick Catholic Church – and in memory of the extraordinary 1895 quilt made by the ladies of our church bearing the names of every single parishioner at the time – a new 2012 commemorative quilt was made and presented to Rev. Karl Pung, Pastor, in September.

The panel on the quilt reads: St. Patrick Catholic Church, Brighton, Michigan1831 – 2012180th Anniversary Quilt created in September 2012 Pictures chosen from the archives by Fr. Karl Pung, Pastor, Mary Theresa Nabozny, Parishioner,Ashley Blumenau, ArchivistSewn by: Mary Theresa NaboznyPrinting of pictures and quilting by: Christine Brodie Presented to the Parish September 30, 2012.

Mary Nabozny presents the 2012 quilt she had sewn for our180th Anniversary to Fr. Karl Pung on September 30, 2012.

,St. Patrick Catholic Church has known a great deal of beautiful art. The 1864-built church in Brighton had beautiful murals and a 1,900 pound bell, among other works of art. Virtually all of this art is gone today, but has been replaced with new treasures that speak to the glory of God through visual and musical means. In a tour of St. Patrick’s in 2012, this is what you will see:

Stained Glass WindowsMain Church: The expansive stained glass windows mark the “new” St. Patrick Church, originally built in 1961. The North Window features The Resurrection; the West Window depicts the Life Cycle; windows on each side of the Pipe Organ show the Choirs of Angels using ancient Irish instruments that are part of St. Patrick Irish heritage: the Celtic harp, the boudrin (drum / tambourine), the flute and lyre.

Chapel: Nationally recognized artist Margaret Cavanaugh designed the stained glass windows in this Chapel. They are dedicated in memory of Winn Rhadigan, our Pastoral Minister for many years. She died in 1998. These windows focus on famous women in church history •Mary and Elizabeth: The center section begins with Mary visiting her cousin Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist. This recalls the Visitation.

• St. Brigid of Ireland: Born approximately in 442 A.D. In Ireland, veneration of Brigid (Bride) is second only to that of St. Patrick. The chapel window shows Brigid with shamrocks and the The Book of Illumination – which

PRAISING GOD THROUGH

Art and Music


WORSHIPING GOD THROUGH ART AND MUSIC | 24

became famous at the school Brigid founded at Kildare.

•St. Therese of Lisieux, born in Normandy France, 1873: One of the church’s most famous saints, she wrote her memoir The Story of a Soul, an enduring classic. She is co-patroness of France with St. Joan of Arc. The chapel windows show her with a cross and roses.

•St. Elizabeth Ann Seton: The first American saint, born in New York in 1774. She opened a school for girls in Baltimore and founded the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph, which established orphanages and hospitals throughout the U.S. The chapel window pictures her with a schoolhouse and book.

•St. Catherine of Siena: Born in Siena, Italy in 1347, she was one of 23 children and became a nun at age 16. She is well known for her writings and is a Doctor of the Church. She had prophetic visions and counseled popes and world leaders, and was instrumental in moving the papal seat back to Rome from France. The chapel window shows her holding a book called The Dialogue with the dome of the Vatican pictured in the background.

Stations of the CrossThe 14 Stations of the Cross are original fine art wall relief sculpture by nationally known sculptor, Suzanne M. Young. Suzanne, from Oakland Township, Mich., sculpted each station by hand out of clay and then fired and raku glazed them.

Organ, Pianos, and Music MinistrySt. Patrick Catholic Church’s pipe organ, acquired in 2004, is the crown jewel of church organs throughout Livingston County and the Diocese

of Lansing. Custom-designed, it was made by the Letourneau Company in Quebec Canada; the company makes fewer than five such organs a year. The pipe organ weighs 10 tons, has 3,000 pipes and cost $650,000.

The church also owns a Steinway Concert Grand Artist Piano signed by Lang Lang, worth $150,000.

The music ministry “fosters the art of musical liturgy,” says Dr. Robert Wolf, who directs the music ministry. There is an adult choir; cantors; contemporary ensemble; graded children’s choirs; instrumentalists and a handbell choir.

Dr. Wolf’s musical education and training include Master’s and Doctoral Degrees in Music, Organ Performance, with Emphasis in Church Music and Choral Conducting from the University of Michigan. He has taught music and voice extensively in schools and universities, directed choirs, composed music, and established organiza-tions that promote music appreciation. He is active in many organizations, including the National Association of Pastoral Musicians; the American Guild of Organists, the Royal School of Church Music, and The Hymn Society.

“I have always loved the liturgy of the Church,” says Dr. Wolf. “My life is devoted to fostering the art of musical liturgy through academic studies in music and liturgy and experience as a fulltime pastoral minister of music since 1974”.

“Relating to our choirs, the church document, ‘Music in Catholic Worship’ states: ‘A well-trained choir adds beauty and solemnity to the liturgy and also assists and encourages the singing of the congregation.’ The Second Vatican Council, celebrating its own 50th an-niversary this year, produced documents which stated emphatically: ‘Choirs must be diligently promoted.’”


Our Deacons

It seems fitting that as St. Patrick Catholic Church celebrates its 180th year, its long-ser- ing Deacon, Patrick McDonald,celebrates his 40th year in this vital role.

It was June 24, 1972, that Deacon McDonald was ordained by

Cardinal Edmund Szoka – then Bishop of the Archdiocese of Detroit — at St. Mary Catholic Church in Redford, Michigan. McDonald hadbeen studying for the diaconate for two years at Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit. But perhaps just as important as Deacon McDonald’s longevity as a Deacon is that he was among the first group of men in the United States to be ordained after the Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) revived the diaconate. McDonald, an attorney, husband and father of eight children and many grandchildren, was one of 44 men to be ordained that year.

“I believe the Church Fathers realized that the diaconate program never should have been curtailed in the first place by the Church,” says Deacon Pat, as he is affectionately called. “I am confident the Holy Spirit played a part in assisting them in reaching this decision at Vatican Council II.”

In 1976, Deacon Pat and his wife, Peggy, livedin Detroit with their children, he recalls. “One day, the pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Church way out in Brighton called. His name was Fr. Raymond Klauke.

“He explained that St. Patrick’s at that time had 900 families and he desperately needed assistance. He asked if we might consider coming to St. Patrick’s in Brighton, where I would be the parish deacon.

“After praying on this matter and discerning, we accepted the invitation, came out to Brighton, and the rest, as they say, is history. Today, all of our parishioners are familiar with deacons. Many children I am baptizing now have parents I baptized 30 years ago. Last weekend, the marriage I presided at included a girl I baptized in 1988.”

Permanent Deacons (as opposed to transitional deacons, men studying for the priesthood) date back to Acts. 6:1-6, which describes the martyrdom of St. Stephen. The Apostles estab-lished the institution of the office of deacon – which means servant, or minister – to tend to the needs of widows and others. Deacons can only be men, but they may be married men, and most are. Our other parish

(L) Deacon Pat was photographed in the Detroit News Sunday Magazine article that published Aug. 27, 1972. Deacon Pat is lying prostrate on the right in the foreground.

OUR DEACONS | 26

deacons, Dave Lawrence and Tom Rea, both are married men with families.

Deacons are crucial today to Catholic parishes. Their official functions include preaching the Gospel; ministry of the liturgy; baptizing, witnessing marriages; ministering to the dying; presiding over funerals and burials; conducting Benediction services; leading non-sacramental reconciliation services; and conducting prayer services for the sick and dying. They also extend various ministerial duties and time to community concerns, such as the sick and homebound, ministering to convicts, helping the needy, and much more.

“We have had the good fortune of seeing the diaconate evolve,” Deacon Pat says, as he has welcomed his fellow deacons. “I have had the opportunity to be a part of that evolution and that movement, both in the Church and within the diaconate community. I have also been blessed with some wonderful pastors at St. Patrick’s. To be appreciated as a person and deacon makes a real difference.”

Deacon Dave Lawrence is a teacher and football and track coach at Father Gabriel Richard High School in Ann Arbor, Mich. He was ordained to the permanent diaconate and assigned to St Patrick Catholic Church in 2009.

Deacon Tom Rea joined St. Patrick’s this anniversary year as our third permanent deacon. He is in his fourthyear as a Deacon.


“Whatever you did for these least brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25: 40

Every year, Livingston County residents see the familiar figures in yellow tunics: the Knights of Columbus mem-bers are collecting donations at traffic corners again to help the mentally impaired.

Another day during Advent every year, teams of excited families swarm around St. Patrick’s Faith Formation Center, one of just two distribution centers in the county for the Salvation Army’s Adopt- A-Family program at Christmas. The main reason our church has been a distribution center? Our parish family is among the leaders in numbers of families adopted.

On one day each week, people quietly and happily wait their turn to receive free supplies from the St. Vincent DePaul Society chapter at St. Patrick’s.

The Council of Catholic Women, like the Knights, seems to be everywhere. Receptions, funerals, special events, all present the friendly faces of the dedicated women of the CCW, an organization which dates back more than 100 years. Every woman of the parish is automatically a member.

The list is long: The Justice and Service Committeeorganizes the Advent Giving Tree and Love, In the Name of Christ activities and donations, coordinates the Homeless Shelter, pro-life events, the CROP Walk – and continues to support the Osman Hop Children’s shelters in Honduras, Central America.

Youth group members help Detroit schools and organizations; Befrienders members visit the sick and lonely; Gleaners Food Bank donations are collected; the Parish Health Ministry takes blood pressure readings after mass; Job Seekers Ministry holds meetings for the jobless; the Gardening Angels plants beautiful flowers around our church.

All of this – and much more – is our church at work in and around our community. We are Christ in action, says Margaret Henne, who, as pastoral minister/

associate and spiritual director, oversees our outreach groups, committees and commissions.

“The crux of our faith can be summed up by loving God and our neighbor,” Henne says. “The three main components of the church are Worship, Education and Service. We need all three to be strong to make a vibrant community.”

Henne is quick to remind others that our parish was settled by parishioners of Irish descent in the 1800’s. These poor immigrants were greatly discriminated against when they came to the U.S.

“As descendants of these people, it is important for us to stand by the side of those who are facing

this same dilemma today through immigration policies, prejudice and racism. In addition to the life and dignity of the human person, our wonderful pro-life church teachings include the option for the poor and vulnerable, the common good and solidarity with all our neighbors throughout the world.

“We are foremost Catholics, and catholic means ‘universal,’ the entire world,” Henne continues. “The corporal and spiritual works of mercy embrace all who suffer: the unborn, sick, immigrant, prisoners, hungry, homeless, refugees, tortured, and so on.”

ST. PATRICK CHURCH

Serves Her Community

Margaret Henne

SERVES HER COMMUNITY | 2 8

Our Parish Council Parish Councils date back to Vatican II, which ushered in the era of lay participation we enjoy today. The role of the Parish Council is to serve as a consultative body to assist the Pastor in his leadership of the parish. Our Parish Council is dedicated to helping St. Patrick’s reach its mission by coordinating or establishing initiatives within

the parish and overseeing key aspects of the parish’s function. This 180th Anniversary celebration at St. Patrick’s was one such initiative. The Parish Council wanted to help emphasize not just our history, but our long service in the community around us, and our key role in the growth of Livingston County.

RCIA Faith Formation also includes programs for adults, including the Rite of Christian Initiation (RCIA) for those wishing to embrace the Catholic faith. Marcia Strausbaugh is the Director of the RCIA.

Strausbaugh coordinates these processes with a team of well-trained catechists who lead sessions that study the deeper meanings of the Scriptures proclaimedat Mass, and then connect all of this to Catholic teaching and its meaning in our lives. “We teach about all of the sacraments, while preparing them to celebrate baptism, confirmation, Eucharist and reconciliation,” Strausbaugh says. “Participants also learn about the liturgical year and seasons of the Church. I also coordinate this process with youth and families, adapted of course, to their age level and needs.”

Strausbaugh also teaches and facilitates adult Bible studies. She is a Lay Ecclesial Minister commissioned nine years ago by then Most Rev. Carl Mengeling, former Bishop of the Lansing Diocese. Strausbaugh has degrees in Pastoral Ministry from Siena Heights University in Adrian, Mich.

First row left to right: Susan Bushway, Margie Baran, Jessica Gomez-Sosa, Gary Dobry. Second row left to right: John Coon, Major Justin Rufa, USAF, Joan Dombroski. Third row: Fr. Karl Pung, Fr. James Mangan, Kelly Hayner, Leisa Fredericks (Chair), Margaret Malthaner. Not pictured: Diahann Pearson, Michael Sproule, Steven Keller Kerry Weylan.

Marcia Strausbaugh


With the advent of Catholic education in Brighton came organized faith formation for both elemen-tary and high school children who were not able to attend St. Patrick Catholic School.

In the middle decades of the 20th century, many students of families in the parish attended St. Patrick Catholic School through the 8th grade. After 8th grade, Catholic school students then enrolled in Brighton High School and attended evening Catechism classes – the term used before the phrase used now, “faith formation” classes.

These Catechism classes, attended by all children from the parish who went to public schools, studied the very familiar Baltimore Catechism, which in the 1990s was replaced by the comprehensive Catechism of the Catholic Church,” initiated by Pope John Paul II. The old Catechism classes were held once a week in the parish school classrooms. This practice continues today in the same building.

One of the first lay catechists was Carol Garabacik. She was Director of Religious

Education (DRE) from approximately 1978 through 1994. Sister Theresa Fifer arrived in 1995 and is still serving. There are about 900 students attending faith formation classes in 2012.

“We minister to and with our families and their children. For all of us, our Faith Formation program is an experience of Church as the People of God,” Fifer says.“We learn together what it means to be followers of Jesus.”

Today, a systematic catechesis in which a programmed study includes different areas for each grade level is followed. Each year builds on another in scope and sequence. Texts are sophisticated, scholarly books.

Classes are held in the original school building, across the street from the church, which was completely renovated in 2006 for the sole use of religious education classes when the new, St. Patrick Catholic School North Campus opened. Home school curriculum is offered for those who wish it.

FAITH FORMATION:

The Way, the Truth, the Life Passed On to Our Next Generation

FAITH FORMATION LEADERSHIP TEAMSr. Theresa Fifer, O.S.F., Faith Formation Director.

FAITH FORMATION AND YOUTH MINITRIES | 30

For decades, St. Patrick’s has had a youth group. Today, that ministry has grown into a 21st century model youth outreach called MATRIX: Moments Around Teens Reflecting In Christ. Most exciting is the recent renovation of the former priest’s residence upper level for use by the teens. This space is affectionately called “The Loft.” Under the direction of Glenna Carrell-Diskin, MATRIX Youth Ministry, which serves teens in grades 9-12, is entering its fourth year.

“Our mission is to bridge the gap between all teens and form one community, while preparing to encounter the Risen Christ in each other,” Carrell-Diskin says.“Our spirituality is centered on the Eucharist and guides us in everything we do. MATRIX is run by teens, the Coordinator of Youth Ministry and Adult Youth Minister volunteers.

“MATRIX Youth Ministry is a safe place where all are welcome,” Carrell-Diskin continues. “It’s a place to come and just ‘be’ with others that have the same beliefs, a place to learn how to become the amazing young people God wants us to be.”

Brighton High School senior Olivia Bloom, an active youth group member, sums it up for the 200-plus teens involved at St. Patrick: “Youth Group is a place where I can express my faith, while also discovering things about myself. The friends I have made at Youth Group are awesome and the lessons I have learned have truly shaped me into the person I am today.”

All activities incorporate the Life Teen Curriculum, an eight semester comprehensive curriculum program approved by the USCCB and recognized by the Lansing Diocese.

Some of these activities include:Justice and Service programs. Local service programs served by youth group members include: Good Neighbors, an extension of Young Neighbors In Action; Gleaners Food Bank; Ashley Court and Village of Woodlands, which both serve senior populations; Special Ministry bowling and softball.

Coffee and Christ, a weekly Lectionary- based Bible study that reflects on Scripture and how it impacts teens and their daily lives.

MATRIX Nights, Sunday evenings: there are LOL nights (light of life) - based on scripture and prayer, Moral Issue Nights, Catechetical Nights, Commu-nity and LOFT Nights. Each evening begins with dinner and prayer following the Sunday 5 p.m. Mass.

In addition to these parish activities, MATRIX also participates in the Jamboree- the Diocesan Youth Conference in November; NCYC and NCYAMA (the National Conference) in December; Vicariate Yearly Retreat; two Confirmation Retreats a year; the March for Life in January.

YAM. Shannon Scherba directs the Young Adult Ministry (YAM) at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Open to any adult in Livingston and Washtenaw counties, and beyond, YAM offers young adults all kinds of opportunities to share their faith. Sometimes, this is at “Theology on Tap” events at local pubs, other times, it may be a Fall Retreat at a conference center, where participants can share faith, encounter Christ through the sacraments, and learn more from speakers such as Fr. Mark Rutherford and Fr. James Mangan. Both young priests have served as parchoial vicars after being ordained in Lansing.

MATRIX Leads St. Patrick’s New Millennium

OUR YOUTH, OUR FUTURE:


In 1914, Fr. Stephen Witliff, then Pastor at St. Patrick’s, hosted a banquet at the Opera House in Brighton, a popular place that was demolished long ago. The local merchants closed their stores early so everyone could attend. The “ladies” of the parish prepared cold chicken and ice cream at this banquet, which reportedly lasted about three hours. Several high-ranking politicians attended the event.

The next August, the annual church picnic was held on the front lawn of the church. There were vaudeville artists, roaming musicians, well-known public speakers, followed by the chicken-pie dinners made by the women of the parish again. A dance followed in the Opera House.

These are examples of some social activities held at our parish nearly 100 years ago. In former decades, St. Patrick’s social activities have included such events as a “parcel-post sale” to raise money to rebuild our burned rectory in 1916, where people could buy horses, buggies and harnesses. There have been “box socials,” “Pedro games,” “Bowery dancing,” races, many “Patrician’s Ball” events at the now-gone Blue Lantern Ballroom, Fourth of July picnics, and much more.

Today, there is still a lot of social activity at St. Patrick’s. For decades, our Shamrock Festival has delighted our parish families with rides, entertainment, casino tents, games, spaghetti dinners, ice cream and our big fundraising Raffle. Our 5K run is always a well-attended part of this Festival.

CATHOLICS IN THE

Social Square

PARISH FESTIVAL, OTHER ACTIVITIES | 32

Also for decades, we have hosted the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner and Dance, where families can enjoy in our Faith Formation center’s gym dinner, Irish dancers, disc-jockey-hosted music, Irish goodies, children’s activities, and lots of fun.

Add to that card parties, coffee and doughnut mornings, our annual Road Rally, all kinds of

youth group activities, and silent auctions and other activities held at St. Patrick’s School North Campus. The conclusion is clear. The activities may look different, but the overall picture is the same: St. Patrick’s is a place where everyone, in the parish and around our county, can gather together for fun, worship, and a shared feeling of community.


Celebrating 180 Yearsin Livingston County

In the Year of Our Lord2012

©2O12 St. Patrick Cathlic Church of Brighton, Michigan.

All Rights Reserved.711 Rickett Road

Brighton, MI 48116810.229.9863

stpatchurch.org

EVANGELISM COMMISSION

PASTORIAL COUNSEL

MUSIC MINISTRY

EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY

young adults ministry


EVANGELISM COMMISSION

PASTORIAL COUNSEL

MUSIC MINISTRY

EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY



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Most Rev. Earl Boyea,Bishop of the

Diocese of Lansing

Rev. Karl Pung, Pastor

Pope Benedict XVI

©2O12 St. Patrick Cathlic Church of Brighton, Michigan. All Rights Reserved. 810.229.9863 | stpatchurch.org

Documents

180th anniversary booklet