Pastor’s Corner — August 23rd, 2026
Preaching Series Starts This Weekend
This weekend, Fr Peter and I are preaching a short two-week series on how to best use what God has given to us to respond to his love gratefully and advance his kingdom in this short life.
Welcome Alexa Demers!
I’m happy to announce that we’ve hired Alexa Demers as our new Youth Discipleship Administrative Assistant! In case you’re wondering, no, Carlene and Deacon Leon did not have anything to do with her hire. She was, in fact, the best candidate for the job by the interview team. Here is what Alexa says about herself.
My name is Alexa Demers, and I am very excited to be joining the parish staff here at St. Pat’s! I first visited St. Pat’s in 2023 while attending a choir concert celebrating the upcoming Advent and Christmas seasons. I knew right away this parish was special, and it wasn’t long before I became a registered parishioner and began seeking other ways to get involved.
On Sundays, you can usually find me underneath the organ singing with the traditional choir at the 9:30 Mass! I have also enjoyed being involved with the Young Adult ministry and celebrating fellowship in Christ with some of my closest friends. This is how I met my husband, Marc! We recently celebrated our wedding on June 5th, and have enjoyed building a life together that is centered on Jesus.
I am delighted to be supporting the youth discipleship programs here at St. Pat’s in an administrative capacity, doing the behind-the-scenes work that will allow the team to focus their energy and discernment directly on serving the youth they encounter in their various roles. I am grateful for the ways that the team has already expressed their welcome and support, and excited to find out what the Lord has in store for us as we move forward!
We are thrilled to have Alexa working for the parish in this new position. She starts this Monday, August 24th.
McCann Hall Update: Reopening Scheduled for Sep 18th
It’s been a while since McCann Hall has been out of commission. A lot of work has been done and we’re closing in on a planned grand reopening on September 18th just in time for our new ministry fair. See a more detailed update from Ryan Nardozzi below.
The transformation of McCann Hall is well underway and we cannot wait for you to see it! Contractors have been busy tearing out old flooring, upgrading electrical and lighting, and improving audio/visual for events. Materials are arriving now and installation begins soon — it is going to look amazing. We did hit a couple of unexpected delays and our new completion date is September 18th. We appreciate your patience. Check out the photos below!
As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Ryan Nardozzi
Michigan Bishops and Protect MI Constitution: Vote NO on Proposal 1 in November
Following sound prudential judgment, Church leaders should not support specific political candidates or engage in partisan politics. Our role is to preach moral principles around voting and our commitment to the common good. But, occasionally, the Church can and does speak very loudly and clearly on ballot initiatives, like the devastating Proposal 3 ballot initiative on “reproductive freedom” that passed four years ago, which eviscerated rights of parents and unborn children in our state constitution.
Another concerning ballot initiative is coming out this November that is serious enough that all the Michigan Bishops released a statement warning about it. Essentially, a large bi-partisan effort has been formed (Protect MI Constitution )to help people Vote NO on Michigan Proposal 1 to host a Constitutional Convention to revise the State’s Constitution. What is the concern? Here’s what Protect MI Constitution website says:
Representing a wide range of businesses, workers and voters across Michigan, these influential organizations are working with PMCFSI to encourage a NO vote on Proposal 1 on the ballot in November, which will ask Michiganders whether to support calling a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con). The broad-based coalition is working together to protect Michigan’s constitution and ensure it cannot be hijacked and rewritten in a way that allows narrow special interests to reshape the state’s governing document or sideline voters.
Historically, Michigan voters have said NO to a Con-Con by huge margins every time it comes to a vote because opening up our entire state constitution is too risky.
It’s rather compelling to me. Read more about it at their website.
Diocesan Wedding Anniversary Mass at St Pat’s with Bishop Boyea (September 12th)
You may have seen this in Diocesan email or in other places. Our parish is hosting a special wedding anniversary Mass with Bishop Boyea on Saturday September 12th at the 5pm Mass. From the Diocese:
Married Couples celebrating a special year in their marriage—whether a milestone anniversary or simply a great year—and their guests are warmly invited to attend a special Mass celebrated by Bishop Boyea, with a simple cake and coffee reception to follow!
Please register to attend by Friday, September 4th, so we can provide a personalized congratulatory certificate for you. The dessert reception after Mass will be held in O’Kelly Hall.
Your servant in the Lord,
Fr. Mathias