https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule daily 0.75 2020-08-31 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/virtual-marian-bible-study monthly 0.5 2020-08-31 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/life-in-the-spirit-seminar monthly 0.5 2020-08-31 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/transitus-service monthly 0.5 2020-08-05 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/adult-catechesis monthly 0.5 2020-08-05 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/confirmations monthly 0.5 2020-08-05 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/catechesis monthly 0.5 2020-08-05 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/mass-and-marian-procession-assumption-of-mary monthly 0.5 2020-08-04 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/sunday-june-7th-mass-in-the-extraordinary-form monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/sunday-june-7th-mass-in-the-ordinary-form monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/octave-of-pentecost-extraordinary-form-daily-7jh2z-bbha6-7pl9h-4tkhf-nwfaj monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/octave-of-pentecost-extraordinary-form-daily-7jh2z-bbha6-7pl9h-4tkhf monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/octave-of-pentecost-extraordinary-form-daily-7jh2z-bbha6-7pl9h monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/octave-of-pentecost-extraordinary-form-daily-7jh2z-bbha6 monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/octave-of-pentecost-extraordinary-form-daily-7jh2z monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/octave-of-pentecost-extraordinary-form-daily monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/sunday-may-31st-mass-in-the-extraordinary-form monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/sunday-may-31st-mass-in-the-ordinary-form monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/saturday-may-30-extraordinary-form-high-mass monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/sunday-may-24th-mass-in-the-ordinary-form-first-communions monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship-schedule/extraordinary-form-high-mass monthly 0.5 2020-05-20 https://saintmaryofredford.church/ministries-and-events daily 0.75 2020-08-12 https://saintmaryofredford.church/holy-orders daily 0.75 2020-08-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574898544121-MYXUKXOFP2Z95CDZTU5Z/image-asset.jpeg Holy Orders - Holy Orders Through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, men are entrusted with the same mission that Christ gave to his apostles. There are three degrees of the sacrament of Holy Orders: diaconate, presbyterate, and episcopacy (deacons, priests, and bishops). While all Christians are anointed as priest, prophet and king through the Sacrament of Baptism, the Sacrament of Holy Orders configures to the ministerial priesthood that Christ Jesus Himself instituted. Priests are configured to the person of Christ the head, who is priest, teacher, and pastor (see CCC 1581). It has been the Roman Church's practice since apostolic times that only celibate men can be ordained to the ministerial priesthood, in imitation of Christ, who was unmarried and a virgin. https://saintmaryofredford.church/sacraments daily 0.75 2019-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574892032065-XU1K5346YRPKM9ZLEO37/IMG_0171.jpg Sacraments - Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574899780158-W2IX1BPADDO2S90X8ZX6/image-asset.jpeg Sacraments - Reconciliation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574897317021-NRNM7JAF9PEOBMVNPBPT/image-asset.jpeg Sacraments - Marriage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574895167591-HA8DADFZLT9951UDWW54/Ordination.jpg Sacraments - Holy Orders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574892126371-JRKI2CZ3EY6VMHNURIBZ/BH0A4531-1-X3.jpg Sacraments - Eucharist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574899872179-MBEJRVENMYSPHFJEURY3/image-asset.jpeg Sacraments - Confirmation https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574897263570-ARXW3VJAZDO4OT6CJ3J4/image-asset.jpeg Sacraments - Anointing of the Sick https://saintmaryofredford.church/home daily 1.0 2026-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/74f48452-2cce-4420-a621-317b306de018/20240512_131720.jpg Home May Crowning (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/b0ccd3a3-b16a-49b3-85ad-4fb6e2d7a04f/20230923_165017.jpg Home Wedding Mass (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/18e70bff-1771-4259-ae1a-9c0bbe1060fc/20231118_153021.jpg Home Wedding Mass (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/add4db1f-a76f-47ce-809f-0aa0c0752a26/20240512_121511-EDIT.jpg Home Mother's Day Blessing! (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/37d64dd5-7252-4ee9-80cd-c844c8a874c0/20240512_110333-EDIT.jpg Home May Crowning (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/27bdb267-04b2-4436-a880-b6286914d797/20231209_210509.jpg Home YA Trivia Night (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/00d12970-3601-4622-a446-f6af3fcf4cda/20240512_122658.jpg Home Marian Consecration (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/4c8449ea-cb44-4b63-802a-f05f4ad4b01a/20230915_223207+%281%29.jpg Home YA Bonfire (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/d637f521-7bcd-4e8d-847c-2cc7ea259bce/20240512_132137-EDIT.jpg Home May Crowning 2024 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/94d02cf5-a8b5-4431-a056-fbeb46eebf39/20230831_223222.jpg Home The Church at Night (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/b2b3dc43-6a3d-4312-8938-4c8586767e63/20231119_133526.jpg Home UofM Carillon Players visit the Bell Tower (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/f21ceadb-fd70-45d7-9c98-604d671b89f1/20231005_195142.jpg Home Women's Group Preparing for Fall Fest (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1fac5edf-28cd-41b9-b626-8dde9d36351d/IMG_4502.jpg Home Male Volunteers at Fall Fest (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/7e5f6166-85af-4744-8b83-2d4ef223474d/IMG_0329+%281%29.jpg Home YAs Congratulate each other after a Hilarious Improv Skit (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/3a9c3465-f478-44bb-b907-2d6655261655/Rorate_4.jpg Home Rorate Caeli Mass (2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/ab6b0b3f-9fb3-4250-a119-986a9ced7e0c/20231019_193936.jpg Home Women's Group (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/5361b199-d3ea-4894-b0c3-e29833004b2c/20230915_183027.jpg Home YA's Pray the Seven Sorrows Rosary (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/7f328f7b-b7b1-4cdb-bd91-366c44598d51/20230930_100830.jpg Home SVdP Fundraising Walk (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/66e83719-32b3-4585-91e2-96f78b2f2f55/20231001_102006.jpg Home Sunday School (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/4f38658f-677f-4440-a33e-6cdaceb96eee/20231119_103911.jpg Home Sunday School Rosary (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/87de9188-6d89-4484-bbd7-afd3577a0247/20231203_103254.jpg Home Sunday School (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/a3f6d616-6793-4771-8da1-d2637a78e66a/20231207_192908.jpg Home Praise and Worship Night https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/39389f71-9afc-4859-a02e-3988374d97fa/20231008_102546.jpg Home Sunday School (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/ad7d2639-1187-427b-8279-ab8830d08649/20231216_063233.jpg Home Rorate Caeli Mass (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/d30b10f6-9351-4363-a05b-f1f5e4407029/20231223_131423.jpg Home Decorating for Christmas Mass (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/f0563970-69b4-4834-8492-52434e842e06/20231224_171352.jpg Home Christmas Vigil (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/7b34804b-d53f-43e6-8d6b-a95efbd35b80/20240106_082003.jpg Home Epiphany Blessing (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/5277ef8a-9e79-4860-bb4b-a32d049495f7/20240106_113016.jpg Home Painting the New Adoration Chapel (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/8f5cfdf8-37e9-4324-a069-46c68e48c551/OldSMR-ViewfromGrandRiver.jpg Home Earliest known image of Saint Mary of Redford's current building. (est 1927) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/ba61bc40-a135-4456-9fa8-c481f315e56b/20240113_212328.jpg Home YA Indoor Olympic Night (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/3eff93a0-b6f6-4bb1-8346-971628f6a373/20240202_181750%7E2.jpg Home Feast of Epiphany (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/451a5915-8e91-45da-8564-8e959adca096/20240202_182212%7E2.jpg Home Feast of Epiphany (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/70090853-1b3e-482f-86a0-9e3bcfbffb7b/20240217_085016%7E3.jpg Home Engaged Couple Prays at the Marian Altar (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/cf8ebe36-fa6a-4143-814e-1f0781442071/IMG_6347.CR2.jpg Home Praise and Worship Night (2022) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1512d8cd-f9e6-4bb3-8908-27cfcd9f4f9c/IMG_6472.CR2.jpg Home FallFest (2022) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/23b2d8bb-1b4c-497d-b0a3-fe1376be40b7/VideoCapture_20231223-164118.jpg Home Setting up the Nativity (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1db08a94-0283-4597-983f-2f1b0b1b399d/IMG_7659.CR2.jpg Home First Communion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/b65d0770-04de-4305-b59d-704e5f1c184b/20230914_115638.jpg Home Missionaries Paint the 'New' Offices (2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/c44ea6ed-897f-421b-9db9-3f66be80a35c/IMG_7650.CR2.jpg Home First Communion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/25c6af8d-4942-47cf-bf4c-9de65975ccf9/20240329_121616.jpg Home Stations of the Cross on Grand River - Good Friday (2024) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/cd5782c3-24ef-4f8a-a955-2c780245f06b/SMR+Holy+Week+26.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/3585112a-373b-48f7-b855-3452761ad3b3/Purple+Minimal+Way+of+the+Cross+Lent+Friday+Mass+Schedule+Instagram+Post.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/bd3c880b-a38f-4d69-a61d-5212e209dfc0/IMG_3423.JPG https://saintmaryofredford.church/communion-confirmation daily 0.75 2024-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602100985281-G79M89EKHM2VDYHFAQGB/First+Communion_3.jpg First Communion/Confirmation - First Communion As Catholics, we believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not just a sign or a symbol; we truly believe that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharistic celebration is not simply a memorial meal. The Eucharistic celebration re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross [CCC 1366].The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice [CCC 1377]. At every Mass, the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary is made present. While still having the appearance of bread and wine, the bread and wine consecrated at each Mass undergo transubstantiation and become the Body and Blood of Christ. In the Catholic Church, children receive their first communion after they attain the age of reason (age seven) and make their first Confession. The child takes instructions about the Eucharist before receiving their First Communion. Please contact the parish office if your child is at the age where they may receive their First Communion so that we may begin preparation. Christina Nelson administrator@saintmaryofredford.church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602101172091-8J7P00WH4VNOHO81GRS5/Confirmation.jpg First Communion/Confirmation - Confirmation Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation, along with Baptism and the Eucharist. Confirmation completes the process of Christian initiation, and places an unchangeable spiritual mark on the soul. Confirmation connects us more deeply to Christ and his Church, and fills us with more of the Holy Spirit so that we may more readily spread, witness, and defend the faith. Confirmation strengthens and deepens the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit given to Christians at Baptism, wisdom, counsel, knowledge, understanding, fortitude, piety, and fear of the Lord. Confirmation is generally administered at the end of 8th grade. Teens must be enrolled and attend the religious education program in order to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation. Please contact the parish office if your child is at the age where they may make their Confirmation so that we may begin preparation. Christina Nelson administrator@saintmaryofredford.church If you are an adult Catholic in need of making your Confirmation, please contact the parish office. Christina Nelson administrator@saintmaryofredford.church https://saintmaryofredford.church/anointing daily 0.75 2024-05-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574907335940-MLWI9KJBT04SULZXBIHA/image-asset.jpeg Anointing - Anointing of the Sick Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament given to those with serious illnesses are who are in danger of death. Along with the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick is a sacrament of healing. It is meant to strengthen the faith of the believer in times of severe infirmity and unite him or her more closely to Christ and His passion. While Anointing of the Sick is meant to help prepare one to depart from this life into heaven, an effect of physical healing and restoration can also be an effect of this sacrament. To schedule Anointing of the Sick for yourself or for a loved one, please contact the parish office. Christina Nelson administrator@saintmaryofredford.church https://saintmaryofredford.church/alumni daily 0.75 2019-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685095277-767LKQY01KE4BWUWPU51/alumniphoto1.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685242010-T17DGOR9QM5Z14EXONQ6/alumniphoto2.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685251671-1WQNRN3CM00YYYERWK4H/alumniphoto3.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685263073-RP51G9LV7E0T0SRI8LP4/alumniphoto17.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685271938-WD048BB6RDRJSMRV1FGS/alumniphoto5.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685281080-R01M9L16W01NLWE1OW4L/alumniphoto6.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685290853-YWBPWE12F7K3LSKKXL7T/alumniphoto7.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685300815-NNTBMW8BBGGY256PE74A/alumniphoto8.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685309808-TRQLX55PG0M4NJLJREH3/alumniphoto9.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685320760-I5PZPVNU7R3CCEJA6QWL/alumniphoto10.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685329551-814Q8NV63BPLB0S1DJC4/alumniphoto11.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685343917-2LL02OND2MV0E9QCBBRS/alumniphoto12.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685354239-JMU3YD9B14ZZD8ZRH6E2/alumniphoto13.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685363494-2G7CZHOG0WWLTUDD2TUU/alumniphoto14.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685375077-3UL1N4E9FNZ6929KU480/alumniphoto15.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575685385082-0V36JK3DJ30KTYLHC8HT/alumniphoto16.jpg St Mary School Alumni https://saintmaryofredford.church/st-mary-of-redford-parish daily 0.75 2025-11-11 https://saintmaryofredford.church/evangelization daily 0.75 2020-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575141203633-7OMBQCBLA35NXWK09UY4/image-asset.jpeg Evangelization St. Vincent de Paul https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574904508008-T3D2R2L6N6XDJF09XA65/image-asset.jpeg Evangelization Franciscan Masters of Prayer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574893918012-2N2EN0EPHEU9IJ3IX7B7/image-asset.jpeg Evangelization Street Evangelization https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575742817277-2PLHNXHS2NPIGTAOU46E/image-asset.jpeg Evangelization Ladies Who Pray https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574904735009-9VQ39MR847D5MTWQURHZ/image-asset.jpeg Evangelization - Healing Masses Healing Masses https://saintmaryofredford.church/eucharist daily 0.75 2020-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1574907582869-HEUGK9QQJ6IQO1ROLODD/image-asset.jpeg Eucharist - Eucharist As Catholics, we believe in the Real Presence of the Eucharist. The Eucharist is not just a sign or a symbol; we truly believe that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ. The Eucharistic celebration is not simply a memorial meal. The Eucharistic celebration re-presents (makes present) the sacrifice of the cross [CCC 1366].The sacrifice of Christ and the sacrifice of the Eucharist are one single sacrifice [CCC 1377]. At every Mass, the sacrifice of Christ on Calvary is made present. While still having the appearance of bread and wine, the bread and wine consecrated at each Mass undergo transubstantiation and become the Body and Blood of Christ. https://saintmaryofredford.church/weddings daily 0.75 2024-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1622050069621-TRBU624G5OZ66XAV2LQL/Mary+R4+Marriage+of+Joseph+and+Mary%281%29.jpg Weddings - What is marriage? The man said: “This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; This one shall be called ‘woman,’ for out of man this one has been taken.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body. (Gen 2:23-24) Marriage, which can only be between one man and one woman, was always a part of God's plan for creation. In the sacrament of marriage, a man and a woman enter into an indissoluble union. This sacrament gives a couple special graces to faithfully love each other and bring forth life into the world, so that they and their family may receive a heavenly reward. As Catholics, we believe that the primary end of marriage is procreation and the rearing of children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1622050212944-ZCUM5GRL4WVGAJWCE7HS/Interior_1.jpg Weddings - Getting Married at Saint Mary of Redford If you’re visiting this page, you’re probably engaged and looking for a place to get married. First, congratulations! Marriage is a beautiful and noble vocation. It will be God’s mission for your life and the means by which you reach Heaven. Know of our prayers for you as you prepare for your life together. Our policy: -All sacraments must be made in order to be married in the Catholic church. (Baptism, Reconciliation, Holy Communion, and Confirmation.) If you are in need of a sacrament, please let us know. We can assist with this. -One of the couple must be an active, registered parishioner at Saint Mary of Redford for six months before marriage preparation can begin. (An ‘active’ parishioner means attending weekly Sunday mass.) -Marriage preparation is a six month process. Six monthly prep sessions with Fr. Athanasius must be completed prior to your wedding date. -The couple must not be co-habitating. If this is your situation, please let us know. Fill out the inquiry form Please complete the Marriage Inquiry Form. Once we have received the form, we will contact you by phone to schedule an initial meeting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1622048076143-S0RYSCKUY1NG10G470SB/Immaculate+Heart+of+Mary+in+Convent+Chapel+Robert+Scott.jpg Weddings - Frequently Asked Questions How much does it cost to get married at St. Mary of Redford? There is a suggested donation of $500. When do weddings typically take place? Weddings take place on Saturdays at 11:00 am, 2:00 pm, or 4:00 pm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1601924845820-Y4OYDDHW9K7QWORF2175/Mary+R4+Nativity%281%29.jpg Weddings - Betrothal and Churching Betrothal In the rite of betrothal, the couple formalizes their engagement before God. This is different from the proposal, which may happen in whatever romantic way the husband to be may think best. However, after the proposal, the couple may come to the church and declare their intentions to be married before God. There are three main parts of the ritual: 1) The couple joins their hands and declares their intention to marry to each other. Afterwards, the priest wraps his stole around their hands and declares them betrothed. 2) The priests blesses the engagement ring. The man then takes the ring and places it first on the index finger of the bride to be saying, "In the name of the Father," then on her middle finger saying, "and of the Son" and finally on her ring finger, where it stays, saying, "and of the Holy Spirit." 3) Finally, the couple signs a document promising to eventually marry each other. The document is signed by couple, the priest and two witnesses. Churching This is an old tradition in the Church. After a woman gives birth to a child, there's usually a period of time where she cannot get to church. When she is ready to come back, there is a blessing the priest offers to her as she gives thanks to God for a safe delivery and is welcomed back to the church community. The ritual is fairly simple. The woman kneels at the threshold of the church, holding a candle. The priest meets her there and, after reciting a psalm, leads her into the church. The woman then kneels at the altar, praying in gratitude to God. Finally the priest offers a prayer for her and blesses her with Holy Water. https://saintmaryofredford.church/baptism daily 0.75 2021-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097411028-ZXGHBEWZUSTLGBTB84VJ/Baptistry_1.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097437966-RQMBAK44SQR7AW0LOIJV/Baptism_6.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097456480-K4GN1DB6IIXD7XAGYVFH/Baptism_7.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097477245-PAS95CJCRZO6CBWMSBB3/Baptism_4.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097515410-0EZAQCSZAHH2MRKTG66I/Baptism_9.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097528597-7ZE9UTEJIZZA376KADLQ/Baptism_3.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097542369-25XCMGQ3WRK55VM637XZ/Baptism_5.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097567847-7MZ73E3ITUWZHFU4Z0JP/Baptism_1.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097583998-B70L8SGGYB7ACOL0FQ4V/Baptism_2.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602097602278-ZLC9YA8N3JBSB4EWNE88/Baptism_8.jpg Baptism https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1622055157618-VH03QLYPT719Q71X7MCS/Baptism_1.jpg Baptism - What is Baptism? Through the Sacrament of Baptism, we are reborn to new life in Christ and filled with the Holy Spirit. This sacrament washes away original sins and makes us God's adopted sons and daughters. When we are baptized, we are baptized into the faith of the Catholic Church. Since the earliest days of the Church, the Church has had the practice of baptizing infants, due to the necessity of receiving Baptism for salvation. Since infants cannot profess the faith on their own, they have godparents who profess the faith for them and promise to raise them in the faith. Please note: If the child is in danger of death, he/she should be baptized as soon as possible. If there is time to call a priest or a deacon, please do so. If there is not time, any person may baptize by pouring water three times over the head and pronouncing the words, “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1622053206882-OGY82DIBYXFRPL9UA6I2/Jesus+baptized+by+John+-+Risen+Jesus+and+Mary+Magdalene+Robert+J.+Scott.jpg Baptism - Getting your child baptized at St. Mary of Redford Step 1: Fill out the Baptism Inquiry Form Please fill out the following Baptism Inquiry Form. This form has all the information we need to record your child’s baptism in our records once it has taken place. This will also allow us to contact you as we make arrangements for the baptism. Step 2: We will call you to schedule a meeting and confirm the date of the baptism Once we have the inquiry form, we will give you a call. The phone call is a chance for us to get to know you a little bit and touch base with you about the baptism. (Are you in town or coming from out of town? What is your understanding of Baptism? Do you understand that you’re committing to raising the child Catholic? Etc.) We will also try to schedule the baptism then. Baptism usually take place at 10 AM on Saturdays, 10 AM on Sundays, or 4 PM on Sundays. Please note: there is no fee for baptisms although donations to the parish are gratefully accepted. Step 3: Attend the baptism prep meeting During the baptism prep meeting, we discuss the Catholic faith, what that means to you, and how to hand that faith on to your children. We will talk about what baptism is and will walk through the rite of baptism that we use here at St. Mary of Redford. Step 4: Choose godparents Since infants cannot commit to the faith themselves, godparents say the responses for them. In doing so, the godparent commits to sharing responsibility with the parents in raising the child in the Catholic faith. To that end, the godparents should be practicing Catholics in good standing. The rite requires that there at least be a godfather, although it is customary to have both a godfather and a godmother. If you run into difficulties, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help. Step 5: Show up for the baptism The baptism begins at the back of the church. Your child can show up wearing their baptismal gown (or if you need one, we have white garments that can be used.) Bring family and friends. The rite takes about 20 minutes in all. https://saintmaryofredford.church/confession daily 0.75 2025-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602098167495-N80NURAW1CS4D35BK248/Confessional.jpg Confession - Confession The Sacrament of Confession, also known as the Sacrament of Reconciliation, is meant to reconcile us to Christ and His Church. As we hear in the gospels, Jesus came to seek and to save the lost (Lk 19:10). This sacrament is completely confidential and a priest celebrating this sacrament is bound to what is known as the Seal of Confession: A priest hearing a person's confession can never disclose for any reason what a person reveals in the Sacrament of Confession. Through the Sacrament of Confession, Jesus acts through the priest extends His mercy in a tremendous way by forgiving us of all our sins. Confession Schedule 1st Saturday: 8:45 am Saturday: 9:45 am Sunday: 4:15 pm https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602098903841-PT0MCXBYQYWXKATCP101/SH+1+Jesus+revealing+Sacred+Heart+to+Sr.+Mary+Margaret+Alacoque%2C+Jesus+panel.JPG Confession - How to Go to Confession The priest will greet you. The penitent says: “Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.” You then say how long it has been since your last Confession. The penitent tells the priest his sins and briefly answers any relevant questions. The priest will give you some advice and will assign you a penance. The penitent will next pray the Act of Contrition (see prayer below). The priest then gives the penitent absolution. The priest will then say: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.” The penitent responds: “His mercy endures for ever.” The priest will then dismiss you. Act of Contrition O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee and I detest all my sins because I dread the loss of Heaven and the pains of hell. But most of all, because they have offended Thee, my God, Who art all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance and to amend my life. Amen. Prayer After Confession Almighty and Merciful God, Whose mercy is boundless and everlasting and of Whose goodness the riches are infinite, I thank You because You have so graciously pardoned all my sins and restored Your Heavenly favor. I am awed by Your divine compassion and the incomprehensible love of Your Son, which has led Him to institute so gentle and powerful a remedy for sins. In union with all the gratitude that has ever ascended to You from truly penitent hearts, I proclaim Your merciful praises on behalf of all in Heaven, on earth and in purgatory, for ever and ever. Amen. *Taken from the Fathers of Mercy “Examination of Conscience for Adults and Teens” https://saintmaryofredford.church/contact daily 0.75 2025-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/d6fb1a4e-aac9-4cb5-a3c4-fa385913618b/Contact%2Bthe%2Bparish.jpg https://saintmaryofredford.church/saint-vincent-de-paul daily 0.75 2026-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/5bea89cb-c39f-4b13-b397-f99e4909ec68/svdp.jpeg https://saintmaryofredford.church/ladies-contact daily 0.75 2019-12-07 https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship/ordinary-form daily 0.75 2019-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575683583165-Y1G2R702LS9LTL5JQ416/image-asset.jpeg Ordinary Form - Mass in the Ordinary Form The Ordinary Form of the Mass is what most Catholics today are used to experiencing each Sunday. As part of the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council, the Ordinary Form of the Mass was promulgated in 1969 by St. Paul VI and published for the first time in the 1970 Roman Missal. It was subsequently revised in 1975, and 2002. The Ordinary Form of the Mass allows for more options than the Extraordinary Form of the Mass (the Traditional Latin Mass). While the Ordinary Form of the Mass can be celebrated in Latin, it is most commonly celebrated in the vernacular. It does not mandate, but allows for options such as the priest celebrating Mass facing the people. It contains more readings from Scripture, more Eucharistic prayers than the Extraordinary Form of the Mass, and allows Holy Communion to be received either kneeling or standing, on the tongue or in the hand. Here at St. Mary of Redford, we seek to celebrate the Ordinary Form of the Mass in continuity with the Church's Tradition. It is important to preserve the organic developments of the Church's liturgy and offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass in a reverent and prayerful manner. https://saintmaryofredford.church/worship/divine-office daily 0.75 2020-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1575683977893-OHQ5R2THMJLYN0RB1P0V/image-asset.jpeg Divine Office - Divine Office - The Liturgy of the Hours Together with Mass, the Divine Office is the official liturgical prayer of the Church. It is an extension of the celebration of Mass and is meant to sanctify the day. Since the time of the ancient Christians, psalms, biblical readings, and other prayers were said at fixed times throughout the day. The Divine Office is the way that the Church continues this ancient practice of praying the psalms, just as Jesus himself would have done. All priests are required to pray it in its entirety daily. As religious, the Divine Office forms a central part of our life. We drop whatever we are doing in the morning, in the afternoon, in the evening, and at night to pray the Divine Office together. We seek to carry on the monastic tradition of praying for the sanctification of one's geographical area as well as the entire world through the chanting of the psalms. Visitors are welcome to pray the Divine Office with the friars at 6:30am Tuesday through Saturday. https://saintmaryofredford.church/street-evangelization daily 0.75 2019-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1577399759066-5ID9WKNH6YJJ76S6M1Q4/image-asset.jpeg Street Evangelization - Street Evangelization Part of the Franciscan charism is direct evangelization to the poor and the marginalized. We seek to preach the Gospel and bring Jesus to both those who are materially poor as well as those who are spiritually poor. With so many people in our culture who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we go out to places such as our local neighborhood, downtown Detroit, Wal-mart, and shopping malls to facilitate an encounter with Christ for those who do not know him. We offer to pray for others for any of their needs, including physical and spiritual healing. We will be organizing once a month evangelization outings. Stay tuned to the website and newsletter for updates. https://saintmaryofredford.church/homilies daily 0.75 2020-08-24 https://saintmaryofredford.church/subscribe-news daily 0.75 2020-06-01 https://saintmaryofredford.church/tour1 daily 0.75 2020-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596642095759-ABH2DGUR76LKI16AC4LI/IMG_3246.JPG Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596651007928-LE3C53XC3RO9ME5CCFMN/IMG_3349.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596650648321-R3JVZ5R9BRWW6CWHSYU1/IMG_3259.jpg Tour of the Church_1 Baptistry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596722415857-N0FNPNVVCTPWTV1QYYZH/BH0A1009.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596642108694-VC3WQJZTVMFPYFTCUJW9/IMG_3240.JPG Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596651100775-4X0FF7W6DG69AGLBH70O/IMG_3350.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596650785986-F2AW9ABDSQP61H0LEIJ6/IMG_3260.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596722414796-OZ7WXK6D3EM0E9PSFNIW/BH0A4809.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596642132910-WDTW48ERH3A3JBNG6EHG/IMG_3271.JPG Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596650876081-23I44NQ453RM06H3RNDM/IMG_3338.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596722434692-H77QKRME34ZYKLRF04VV/7W0A2828-2.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596650391539-XTVWIYTO2AQJUZID2PHB/IMG_3357.JPG Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596654238545-E7DGBLSCV488GSHD8JVR/92146118_3592128550861340_8419529522558271488_o.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596651518114-U6DD3DQJUED5BX8KTPDY/IMG_3353.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596650396382-Y6BZBKPLIWC3SNO1I9BA/IMG_3358%281%29.JPG Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596652002723-YGKVO1WOCU9ADBR9XX7Q/IMG_3290.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596722407757-NBYRGL54NOERX3D3CMMF/BH0A4774.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596652138282-0BSTAHY7E8OH4VKDTO5I/77231994_3172404609500405_9183728058488586240_n.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596652377503-YTAMLUVXD9LGCAHMP898/IMG_3290%2B%2528copy%2529.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596722421008-L7SG4KOQJRX1PYS80H7C/BH0A4778.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1606931010646-BJDOR7WNT0JGHLEAN0YA/Our+Lady+of+Redford_3.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596654221812-VXMG52C4AFPMXTQUBTMA/91970215_3592128487528013_4605537545109897216_o.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596654236299-ZUSKG6AQ7PUPMPKKA2U2/92474203_3592127300861465_7963013351267631104_o.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596654203977-SL2HA4ZBELRC1OD1QEPN/91526098_3592127974194731_6902914009847037952_o.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596654197007-8AEENYE5IKBYPDVO2JKH/91806744_3592127754194753_6561501987131621376_o.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596654224899-BQXTZH9HNELYH75FTT1Q/92213256_3592127207528141_3659716984104288256_o.jpg Tour of the Church_1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1600285541751-6APQIZD3LDYYTVN1NEUS/DJI_0070.jpg Tour of the Church_1 - Take a Tour of St. Mary of Redford Tours of the church are offered after every Sunday Mass, following the 11 AM and 5 PM. Please see Maria Costantino after Mass or contact us to arrange for a tour ahead of time. Tours can be scheduled during the week as well with prior arrangement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596655642812-XTXRPIB3EM7CTTVU56U4/IMG_3309.JPG Tour of the Church_1 - Julia Greeley Julia Greeley (born between 1833-1848 – died 1918) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596657439400-VR39M0DANFKVSM0L94U3/IMG_3311.JPG Tour of the Church_1 - Mother Henriette Delille 1813-1862 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596657963211-QM4T108ZU0ZRC6PRDXXF/IMG_3313.JPG Tour of the Church_1 - Father Augustus Tolton 1854-1897 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596658163410-QHCK4BDYP1FO4RIKI7Y6/IMG_3315.JPG Tour of the Church_1 - Sister Thea Bowman F.S.P.A., Ph D 1937-1990 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596658359374-EF1RXU0ABDFV0NE6NUB7/IMG_3317.JPG Tour of the Church_1 - Mother Mary Lange 1794-1882 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596719412218-IAWGAUGV4075ONIL056G/IMG_3319.JPG Tour of the Church_1 - Pierre Toussaint 1766-1853 https://saintmaryofredford.church/history-of-the-parish daily 0.75 2021-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1622566831391-AKCF24A6M595N9A4S2Q2/161066247_961140757996058_274405581680250756_n.jpg History of the Parish - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1622566696600-JEJ5AKOVEMA1HK4HVO5W/Old+St.+Mary_1.jpg History of the Parish - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1622566771526-LNK31GGQUCXGRG8646RL/Old+St.+Mary_2.jpg History of the Parish - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://saintmaryofredford.church/becoming-catholic daily 0.75 2024-05-03 https://saintmaryofredford.church/organ-and-carillon daily 0.75 2025-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596744674097-YJEKLWZ2P6CZPIH0X4PA/7W0A2821%281%29.jpg Organ and Carillon People listening to one of the carillon concerts on St. Mary's lawn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596744701110-TAA8WFOA29ZY5SEFGDE9/7W0A2822-2.jpg Organ and Carillon The bell tower wherein the bells and the carillon are located https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596744644274-RIV1ER504VSW2FY16AGV/IMG_3364.JPG Organ and Carillon The practice carillon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596744644367-K8702WMOMY15RI5EPKV6/IMG_3372.JPG Organ and Carillon Stairs leading up to the carillon and a pull rope for one of the bells https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596744644359-GRYO0PTGDO55591J366O/IMG_3374.JPG Organ and Carillon The carillon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596744643132-1GZII7H57STT9WLLS4G6/IMG_3377.JPG Organ and Carillon The bells in the tower. Note all the wiring that ultimately hooks up to levers that are played down below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596729595547-LJ2DLJMLPITN5JSNJUTR/BH0A4783%281%29.jpg Organ and Carillon The original organ was built by the Welte Company of New York in 1927. In 1962, the organ was completely rebuilt by Casavant Freres. Recent additions include a second console, fourth manual division (sanctuary positif by Fr. James Serrick, S.J. in 1993), trompette en chamade and 32’ pedal contre bombarde (by R.Helderop and P. Macoska, 2004-2005), for a total of 57 ranks of pipes. Organs are built to imitate orchestras. Organists can hit different buttons as they play called “stops” to bring in different sounds. Some stops are meant to sound like string instruments (like violins or violas), some are meant to sound like flutes, others are meant to sound like brass instruments (such as a trumpet or a tuba.) The combination of stops an organ has makes each organ unique. With 57 ranks (i.e. sets of pipes), our organ is on the larger side of the spectrum. Below, Jonathan Toni demonstrates what this organ can do. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1596744271929-EKIH3MBZ2WL83B51F371/IMG_3374.JPG Organ and Carillon - A carillon is a musical instrument of at least 23 tuned cast iron bronze bells arranged in a chromatic order and played from a manual keyboard, allowing dynamic control through variation of touch. A true carillon has no electrical parts, either to assist in playing or to generate the sound. When St. Mary’s was being designed by architect Ralph Adams Cram, adequate space was provided in the belfry for a sizeable carillon. Finally, in 1997, interest in obtaining a carillon resulted in a successful drive to raise the funds, and in 2002 the bells were delivered and installed in the tower. The bells and all related equipment (bellframe, mounting hardware, clappers, keyboard and transmission system connecting the keyboard to the clappers) were made by the Paccard Fonderie du Cloches of Annecy, France, a family-owned business that has been casting bells for over 200 years. It is interesting to note that their foundry is located in western France, near the Swiss border, an area from which many of St. Mary’s founding families came. Our carillon has 51 bells – just over 4 octaves. The heaviest bell weighs 3,300 pounds and sounds the note, ‘D’. The bells of a carillon are normally hung stationary, but three of our bells – low D, F# and A – are designed to swing and are run before Sunday Mass as a call to worship. There are over 160 carillons in the United States; Michigan has 14 carillons, ranking 3rd behind Texas and Pennsylvania. https://saintmaryofredford.church/altar-serving daily 0.75 2025-10-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1597255201429-TW2GY4IH0979XELVRND6/sjbmod.jpg Altar Serving St. John Berchmans Patron Saint of Altar Servers https://saintmaryofredford.church/register_life-in-the-spirit daily 0.75 2020-08-13 https://saintmaryofredford.church/faith-formation daily 0.75 2025-03-13 https://saintmaryofredford.church/novena-in-honor-of-the-stigmata-of-st-francis daily 0.75 2020-09-14 https://saintmaryofredford.church/novena-to-st-peter-claver daily 0.75 2020-09-15 https://saintmaryofredford.church/novena-to-st-francis-of-assisi daily 0.75 2020-09-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1600731440162-JW1TXWG8SYN8TAYUR62G/assisi9-2.jpg Novena to St. Francis of Assisi - Novena to St. Francis of Assisi As we prepare for the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, please consider joining us in this novena. To participate, simply say the following prayer every day between Friday, September 25th and Saturday October 3rd for your intentions. Glorious Saint Francis, who voluntarily renounced all the comforts and riches of thy home to follow more perfectly the life of poverty and abnegation of Jesus Christ: Obtain for us, we pray, a generous contempt of all things in this world, that we may secure the true and eternal things of heaven. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. O glorious Saint Francis, who during the whole course of thy life continually wept over the passion of the Redeemer, and labored most zealously for the salvation of souls: Obtain for us, we pray, the grace of weeping continually over those sins by which we have crucified afresh Our Lord Jesus Christ, that we may attain to be of the number of those who shall eternally bless His supreme mercy. Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. Amen. O glorious Saint Francis, who, loving above all things suffering and the Cross, merited to bear in thy body the miraculous stigmata, by which thou becamest a living image of Jesus Christ crucified: Obtain for us, we pray, the grace to bear in our bodies the mortifications of Christ, that we may merit one day to receive the consolations which are infallibly promised to all those who now weep. "If we be dead with Christ Jesus, we shall live also with Him," says the Apostle; "if we suffer, we shall also reign with Him." Pray for us, Saint Francis, that we may obtain the graces and favors we ask for in this novena; pray for us, especially, that we may obtain the grace of perseverance; of a holy death and a happy eternity. Pray an Our Father, a Hail Mary, and a Glory Be five times https://saintmaryofredford.church/funerals daily 0.75 2021-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1601936982730-V3ZN9V96USALBEIO7JHA/Mary+R5+Happy+Death%281%29.jpg Funerals - Funerals If you are visiting this page because someone you love has recently died, we want to offer our sincere condolences. The death of a loved one is always difficult. Please know of our prayers for you and for your family. A funeral is an opportunity to invite God’s grace into this dark time. We do this for two reasons: The souls of the dead need God’s grace. Catholics believe that the souls of the dead benefit from our prayers. Therefore, we offer the funeral Mass for them. If they are in purgatory, our prayers and the sacrifice of the Mass can be offered to speed up their entry into Heaven. We need God’s grace. Our darkest moments (such as times of grief) are where we need God most. In the Mass, Jesus descends from Heaven to earth to become present to us in the Eucharist. When we’re struggling, He offers us His love, His grace of healing, and the strength we need to continue on. Please scroll below for more information on planning a funeral Mass at St. Mary of Redford. For information on what a Catholic funeral is, please see the webpage of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602182690630-8REU7NEKOEOUVGU9XDII/Our+lady+of+sorrows.jpg Funerals Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows at St. Mary of Redford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602176575401-RJJB1DDS24WGO23X68K4/Mary+R6+Crucifixion.jpg Funerals https://saintmaryofredford.church/marriage-preparation daily 0.75 2021-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1601923887141-NO9UR2K0XD0FJQBKLP25/Mary+F4+Wise+Virgin.jpg Marriage Preparation - Marriage Preparation at St. Mary of Redford It is perhaps an understatement to say that marriage is a big commitment. You’re preparing to commit yourself to one person and raise a family with them. You will be responsible for caring for each other and for your children. The Catholic Church wants to prepare you as much as possible so that you can begin your marriage on a firm foundation. In order to do this, we require the couple go through a formation process, also known as marriage prep. This process includes: 1) Meeting with Fr. Athanasius (our pastor) and the wedding coordinator. 2) Learning about what marriage is and what Catholics believe about marriage. 3) Going to confession (if you are a baptized Catholic) before your wedding day. St. Mary of Redford uses the classes and structure provided by the Archdiocese of Detroit’s program Witness to Love. https://saintmaryofredford.church/marriage-faqs daily 0.75 2020-10-05 https://saintmaryofredford.church/our-lady-of-redford daily 0.75 2020-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602004839326-WL9C900HAATD815ZKIW5/Our+Lady+of+Redford_2.jpg Our Lady of Redford - Prayer to Our Lady of Redford Lady of Redford, our mother and our queen, in 1843 this parish was entrusted to your care. The people of Redford belong to you. Before you reigned in heaven, you once were a peasant girl. Even in the splendor of heaven, you have not forgotten the poor. We know that you often leave your throne in heaven and walk among the poor and suffering of this earth. Therefore we ask you to descend from heaven to be with us. Care for us in our brokenness as a mother for her children, and when you return to heaven, carry with you our needs and petitions to present before Jesus our King. With you as our advocate, no petition will be refused before the throne of God. Mary, our queen, pray for Redford. Mary, my mother, please pray for me. https://saintmaryofredford.church/praying-the-mass daily 0.75 2020-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602002789536-LHPQ1EDPYAVGPMVQG4AO/Altar_1.jpg Praying the Mass - Praying the Eucharistic Prayer Originally published as a bulletin column series September 2020 An odd thing about the Mass is that the most important part is the one where it seems like the least amount of stuff is going on. We kneel during the Eucharistic prayer and pray, but the Mass doesn’t give us much direction about what we’re supposed to be doing during that time. And yet, the consecration is the moment where ordinary bread becomes the very flesh of our divine Lord, Jesus Christ. We want to pray well during the Eucharistic prayer, but how? In the following article, I am going to throw out a few more ideas. Don’t feel like you need to use them all, and certainly not at once. Nevertheless, hopefully trying some of these ways of praying will help you enter into the mystery of the Mass more deeply. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602003298748-1LF6QQ6C0RM1I5GIUWU6/Mass_1.jpg Praying the Mass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602003464350-KGLPKXYJNKD3DXRNGQYS/Mary+R2+Melchizedek%281%29.jpg Praying the Mass The Sacrifice of Melichizedek https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602003587592-QCX3Q9EAH7I6NP2K2T0U/Mary+R6+Crucifixion.jpg Praying the Mass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602003697724-3J7LAGDSPB5T6GKT05IR/Mary+L5+Mary+Meets+Christ%281%29.jpg Praying the Mass Jesus meets His mother on the way to Calvary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602004219018-JU0XYC8KXOKDI4POHOJ2/SH%2B1%2BJesus%2Brevealing%2BSacred%2BHeart%2Bto%2BSr.%2BMary%2BMargaret%2BAlacoque%252C%2BJesus%2Bpanel.jpg Praying the Mass https://saintmaryofredford.church/catholc-family-life daily 0.75 2020-10-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1602118110045-R0GUHTQGV5GDE4GIMTVC/Mary+R5+Father%281%29.jpg Catholic Family Life - A Manual for Catholic Family Life Putting God at the Heart of the Home The following article was written by Joe Moreshead as an explanation of consecration of families to the Holy Family. It offers a vision for what a Catholic home could look like both in terms of externals (like having a crucifix in your home) but also in terms of the rhythm of life in the home (praying before bed, saying grace before meals, etc.) We hope it is useful for you as you strive to make a home for God in the home of your family. https://saintmaryofredford.church/baptism-prep daily 0.75 2021-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1613074084668-YCHY7NMLJ9W340UY58TC/Jesus+baptized+by+John+-+Risen+Jesus+and+Mary+Magdalene+Robert+J.+Scott.jpg Baptism Prep - Baptismal Preparation Session 1: Reflecting on Faith Please reflect on the following questions to prepare for the first class. 1) What was your faith like growing up? How did you view God? What was the role of God in your life then? 2) How has your faith changed since you were a kid? What has remained constant? What is new? What was left behind? 3) What is the role of faith in your life now? How do you view God? What is His role in your life? 4) What sort of faith do you want for your child? Session 2: On Baptism Please watch the following videos. To help facilitate our discussion, answer the following questions. Don't worry about finding answers to the questions the first time you watch: time markers are given so that you can refer back to find the answers once you're done. https://saintmaryofredford.church/request-a-mass daily 0.75 2025-01-07 https://saintmaryofredford.church/tour daily 0.75 2024-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605016970311-DRMGAVBCURANSWBE3JCO/Mary%2BR9%2BScouraging%2BAt%2BThe%2BPillar%2B-%2BCopy.jpg Tour of the Church - The Rosary Windows Immediately on entering the nave, you'll five large stained glass windows to the right. At first you might pick up that they depict scenes from the life of Our Lord. If you pay attention to the order of the windows, you'll begin to notice a pattern. Each window has three panes. The bottom panes are all from the early part of the life of Christ, the middle are all from His passion, and the top are all from His resurrection on. These windows depict the mysteries of the rosary. Tradition holds that the rosary was given by Our Lady to St. Dominic and since then it has been a powerful and very popular prayer among Christians worldwide. The rosary consists of sets of ten Hail Mary's that are prayed while reflecting on some mystery of the life of Christ. Through this prayer, Mary takes us by the hand and introduces us to her Son. We get to see the life of Christ through her eyes and with her guidance. The windows in this church allow you to pray the rosary in much the way you might pray the stations of the cross. As you pray over the mysteries, you can reflect over their depiction in the stained glass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605017062471-BPBUZ038CQXXXOY1IPL4/L9%2BOur%2BLady%2BStar%2Bof%2Bthe%2BSea.jpg Tour of the Church - Mary Star of the Sea To the left, as you enter the nave, you will see four round windows depicting different titles of Our Lady. In order, they are Mary Star of the Sea, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Our Lady of Lourdes, and Our Lady of Loreto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605017579140-Y2I21E2AH5BLMJWKWXAF/Main+altar_1.jpg Tour of the Church - The Altar Our altar is one of the most beautiful pieces of art in the church. Originally it was located where our high altar now stands and in the early 2000's was brought to its current location. On the front center of the altar, you can see the depiction of a lamb laying on top of a book with seven seals. This recalls St. John's vision of Jesus as the lamb of God, who alone is worthy to open the book of the seven seals. Why this image of Jesus as a lamb? In the book of Exodus, God commanded the Israelite’s to sacrifice an unblemished lamb and paint its blood on their doorposts. When the angel of death went through Egypt striking down all the first born sons, he would see the blood on their doors and pass over them. So too, Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice to atone for sin on the cross. He was unblemished by sin, the perfect offering. When judgment comes, all those marked by His blood will be passed over and saved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605017500417-FY92JPHMIWQP1SJZU15H/Mary+R3+Passover%281%29.jpg Tour of the Church - Prefiguring the Sacrifice of Christ Ascending the altar steps and approaching the high altar, you begin to see clear four windows surrounding the altar that depict scenes of sacrifice in the Old Testament. When the priest offers Mass at the high altar, he can see all these images and it reminds him that he is offering the unbloody sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. The first window depicts the first sacrifice ever made: that of Cain and Abel. The next window depicts Abraham's sacrifice of Isaac. This scene is a special prefigurement of Jesus' sacrifice. God asks Abraham to sacrifice his only, just as He would one day sacrifice His only Son, Jesus. Isaac is made to carry the wood for the sacrifice, just as Jesus would have to carry the wood of the cross for His sacrifice years later. On the right side, the window to the left depicts the sacrifice of Melchizedek. Jesus is our high priest, but was not a Levitical priest. By contrast, Jesus is a priest according to the order of Melchizedek, in fulfillment of the psalm ("You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.) In the book of Genesis, Melchizedek was king of Salem. He famously offered a sacrifice of bread and wine to Abraham's God. When Jesus offered His sacrifice at the Last Supper, He also offered a sacrifice of bread and wine which would become His body and blood. We offer that same sacrifice at every Mass. The last window depicts the Passover sacrifice of the unblemished lamb. The connection between the lamb whose blood warded off the angel of death of Jesus the lamb of God whose blood saves us has already been discussed above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605015754135-1GGHPU91GD5MZUQILAU7/BH0A1004-2-X3.jpg Tour of the Church - Our Lady of Sorrows Altar To the left of the main altar is the Mary altar. The four panels of the altar depict Mary's presentation in the temple, the annunciation, the nativity and her assumption into heaven. The statues at the bottom depict the prophets who spoke of Our Lady: St. John the Baptist, Isaiah, Malachi and Micah. At the top are St. Ann, St. Joachim, St. Elizabeth, and Zechariah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605015856675-TES1CRRRFH7K9G5L6CMA/Mary+L5+Pieta%281%29.jpg Tour of the Church - The Seven Sorrows of Mary Flanking the Mary altar on either side are six stained glass windows depicting the seven sorrows of Mary. On the right side, they are the prophecy of Simeon ("Your heart shall be pierced as with a sword"), the flight from Herod's persecution into Egypt, and the loss of the child Jesus in the Temple. On the left is Mary's meeting Jesus on the road to Calvary, Jesus being taken down from the cross (depicted in the Pieta) and Jesus' burial. The seventh sorrow is Jesus' crucifixion which is depicted in the statue of the Mary altar, showing Mary in the pose of the stabat mater, standing by Jesus at the foot of the cross. Why the focus on the sorrowful mysteries? One reason is that they show us Mary's great faith and great love. In Mary's annunciation, she said "Fiat," "Let it be done to me as you have said." She said yes to God's call without any reservations or conditions. That alone shows her deep trust in God and her deep love of God. We only realize how deep that faith and love go when we see what it cost. Simeon tells Mary when Jesus is just an infant that her heart "will be pierced as with a sword." She get some taste of this when she has to flee with the child and Joseph into Egypt to save Jesus' life. But it costs her most when Jesus leaves for His ministry to ultimately go to Calvary. She loves Him more than anyone ever could and it breaks her heart in unspeakable ways to know that that is where He is going. But she allows it, because of her deep faith, her total yes to God, and her deep love for God and for souls no matter the cost. Such deep love and faith are worthy of our admiration and imitation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605015982056-THMIKSMU5FBS2CRHMWIR/Our+Lady+of+Redford.jpg Tour of the Church - Our Lady of Redford The statue in the central apse of the church is popularly known as Our Lady of Redford. Notice that she is depicted as both mother and queen. She is holding the Christ child, our king, in her arms. It is because she is the mother of our king, that she is queen. What is important for this parish is that Mary is our queen. Our parish is dedicated to her, which means we have a special line to the king through His mother. When our parishioners and neighbors need prayers, they are under Mary's care in a special way. In the heavenly court, she has the ear of Jesus in a way that no other saint does, and so we feel very blessed to be able to claim her as our patron. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1613071959535-S0S6Q25LS8TD4WO5TR0N/Mary+L1+Assumption+Robert+J.+Scott%281%29.jpg Tour of the Church - Assumption of Mary into Heaven The windows surrounding Our Lady of Redford depict her early life on the right side (the presentation in the Temple, Mary being taught to read by St. Ann and St. Joachim, and the immaculate conception) and her later life on the left (the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption, and the Coronation.) The window depicting the assumption is particularly striking. Some depictions simply show Mary being carried body and soul into heaven, but this window shows Jesus coming out to meet her. Imagine what went through the hearts of Jesus and Mary when He ascended into heaven. It's not that He was leaving her completely: He would still come to her in the flesh every time St. John offered Mass for her. Nevertheless, He would come in a poor, humble disguise, in the appearance of bread. For the rest of her life, Mary longed for the day when she would again see her son face to face and Jesus longed for the day when He would be fully reunited with His mother in heaven. And so we can only imagine the tearful embrace as the mother and son who loved each other so much are finally reunited at her Assumption. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1613072057478-5GKO4KINTO1D31J9OKRC/IMG_3829.JPG Tour of the Church - St. Joseph Altar The vast majority of art in the church is dedicated to Mary, but St. Joseph does have an altar to the right of the main altar. The altar has two panels depicting the flight into Egypt and the death of Joseph. The life of Joseph cannot be separated from the life of Mary. His vocation was to be her husband, and the foster father and guardian of Jesus, her son. For many of the big events, Joseph was in the background. He was not at the annunciation, but it was his job to protect Mary from attack in the wake of it. He was not there for Jesus' public ministry: his role was in Jesus' childhood when Jesus was still relatively unknown. But Joseph's life was a very blessed one. It wasn't lived in the limelight, but it was a life lived with Jesus and Mary. This was finally rewarded when Joseph became the first man to die with Jesus and Mary at his side. This is the hope of every Catholic, to die and be guided to heaven by Jesus and Mary themselves. For this reason St. Joseph is patron of the dying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605016816533-16LUN80NYB0JV22EO2ZT/Mary+R5+Universal+Church%281%29.jpg Tour of the Church - St. Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church The six windows on either side of the Joseph altar depict on the left the betrothal of Mary and Joseph, the nativity, and the finding in the temple and on the right childhood of Jesus, the death of Joseph, and Joseph patron of the universal Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605017897073-UKAZ223SB5FQ7AUBZDUJ/Sacred+Heart+Altar.jpg Tour of the Church - The Sacred Heart Chapel The Sacred Heart Chapel was donated by Msgr. Cook (who built the church) in honor of his parents. The central statue shows Jesus pointing to His heart, on fire with love for us. His hands are wounded, showing that He loved us enough to sacrifice Himself for us. The panels surrounding the statue all depict healing miracles. The sunburst at the top with the IHS is a symbol for the Holy Name of Jesus (IHS being the first three letters of Jesus' name in Greek.) On the right of the chapel is a former confessional which has been converted into a reliquary. The relics we currently have at St. Mary of Redford include St. Francis of Assisi, St. Anthony of Padua, St. Francis Xavier, Bl. Francis Xavier Seelos, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, the True Cross, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Bl. Marie Catherine of St. Augustin, St. Therese of Liseiuex, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, and St. Pope John Paul II. At the back of the chapel is a depiction of Jesus the good shepherd, His heart on fire with love, carrying one of His lost sheep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605018058855-A79JJCQI1LVFB57PEEBE/SH%2B1%2BJesus%2Brevealing%2BSacred%2BHeart%2Bof%2BSr.%2BMary%2BMargaret%2BAlacocque%252C%2Bdouble%2Bpanel.jpg Tour of the Church - Jesus Reveals His Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque In the 17th century, Jesus appeared St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (depicted at left) and revealed His heart to her. According to St. Margaret Mary, Jesus' heart was a furnace of love. It was on fire, blazing light. The love of His heart was so intense that it burned itself up and would even choose to suffer and sacrifice itself for love of us. Because Jesus loves us so much, what saddens Him most is not that we crucify Him with our sins, but that we do not receive or return His love. He has given all for us, even waiting for hours on end for us in the tabernacle, and there are many souls who do not receive His love or reciprocate it. Hence the call to make reparation to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to love Him for all those who do not love Him, to return His love and love Him as He has loved us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605018244954-83HDB3FA5YMU0L8PZ7TT/Stations_1.jpg Tour of the Church - Stations of the Cross According to tradition, the stations of the cross were started by Mary, who used to retrace the footsteps of Jesus on His way to Calvary every day. By meditating on the way of the cross, we enter into the sufferings of Jesus and see in a clearer way how much He loves even while we crucified Him with our sins. "Crucify him!" Who? And for whom? Jesus, most innocent, for me, a sinner. Oh, what a cruel sentence, a sentence of death without mercy. My most amiable Jesus, you wish to die for me. And I, with my sins, am that witness who accuses you, that judge who condemns you. How ungrateful I have been! You have given me life, and I deliver you to death. I repent of my sins. I despise them. I detest them. And since you have not punished me by making me die on the cross, grant me at least the courage to accompany you in sorrow to Calvary. - St. Leonard of Port Maurice, meditation on the First Station https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605018387967-WTGCC34UOWMPOC85W68E/F+200+Organ+Loft+Queen+of+Heaven+window.JPG Tour of the Church - Mary Our Queen In the Litany of Loreto (the litany in honor of Mary), there is a series of prayers that invoke Mary as queen. In this great rose window she is shown as Queen of conceived without original sin Queen of Virgins (depicted with Cecilia and Catherine of Alexandria) Queen of Prophets (depicted with Isaiah and an unknown prophet) Queen of Confessors (depicted with St. Gregory the Great and St. Ambrose) Queen of Angels (depicted with the Archangels Gabriel and Michael) Queen of martyrs (depicted with St. Stephen and St. Lawrence) Queen of Apostles (depicted with St. Peter and St. Paul) Queen of Patriarchs (depicted with Moses and Noah) Queen of All Saints (depicted with St. Louis, St. Clare, St. Francis, and St. Elizabeth of Hungary) Blessed Virgin Mary Crowned as Queen of Heaven and Earth https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605018586339-6IE9DVVWHW0FJE2LJDW8/Mary%252BR105%252BRobert%252BJ.%252BScott.jpg Tour of the Church - The Clerestory Windows If you look towards the ceiling, you will find a series of windows with various symbols. Some of these are symbols of Mary, others of Jesus, and others of other religious themes. The symbols depicted are the woman clothed with the sun cedar tree a western-style church a ciborium the branch of Jesse the Fleur-de-Lis Lily of the Valley a Baptistery the fount of living water the mystical rose a crown an eastern church the Ark of the Covenant the Immaculate Heart of Mary the papal throne the olive branch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605023709655-QC1R0NMXZVKS4XSS3TR3/Ceiling_1.jpg Tour of the Church - The Barque of Peter The ceiling of the church is in the form of an upside ship. This represents St. Peter's barque (or boat) which symbolizes the Church. When Peter drew in thousands of fish into his boat, Jesus told him to follow him and become a fisher of men. Just as Peter brought fish into his boat, so too would he spend his life bringing souls into the Church. The image of a ship as a symbol of the Church is also prefigured by Noah's ark. When God judged the world, only those in Noah's ark were saved. So too, when the final judgment comes, it is those who have taken refuge in the Church who will be saved. For a full meditation on the Church as the barque of Peter, click here https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1605023903408-GG24FZVL1JDDTHOIDROO/Baptistry_1.jpg Tour of the Church - The Baptistry In the back left of the church is our baptistery. The two stained glass windows depict the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan and the appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene after His resurrection, depicting His victory over sin and death. The ceiling is painted with various symbols. The font itself originally had a pipe that drained the holy water and chrism used in baptism directly into the ground. The door beyond the baptismal font leads to a bridal room where brides to be could get ready before their wedding. https://saintmaryofredford.church/the-missionary-chronicles daily 0.75 2021-06-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1610470310202-TV2T2PYVN74FAX8331MX/IMG_3807.JPG The Missionary Chronicles - The Missionary Chronicles Wondering what a Become Fire Missionary actually does or what the life of a missionary is like? Wonder no more! Every month missionaries write letters to their benefactors, telling them about their year and the work we have been doing. Below are the monthly letters from missionary Joe Moreshead to his benefactors chronicling all the work, the graces, and even the shenanigans. https://saintmaryofredford.church/stjoseph daily 0.75 2021-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1611249630239-8QYK2IQNWWX2F9TWL743/St.+Joseph_1.jpeg Year of St. Joseph - Year of St. Joseph Novena to St. Joseph March 10th - 19th Every Wednesday, Mass will be offered at the St. Joseph altar at 7:30 AM March 19th is the feast of St. Joseph, Husband of Mary May 1st is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker https://saintmaryofredford.church/prolife daily 0.75 2021-01-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1611242938459-3CB3HP2DTW0G7U4P7H6T/March+for+Life_1.jpeg Pro-Life Ministry - Pro-Life Ministry at St. Mary of Redford It is a matter of justice that the innocent be guarded and protected. It is a matter of natural law that parents be the first line of defense in protecting their children from harm. And so we see how damaging abortion is. St. Mary of Redford is committed to countering abortion in a variety of ways: By collaborating with crisis pregnancy centers and helping mothers who are pregnant and afraid, or who may not have the resources they feel they need to provide their children. By advocating for the unborn through events such as the March for Life. Through prayer. We hope you join us in our continued efforts against the damage done by abortion in our country and especially in our neighborhood. Upcoming Events Michigan March for Life - January 27th at 1 PM in Lansing Meet at 11 AM at St. Mary of Redford to carpool or at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Lansing by 12:45 PM to march with us. Day of Prayer and Penance for an End to Abortion - January 29th from 8 AM to 4 PM Adoration from 8 AM - 3 PM Stations of the Cross at 3 PM https://saintmaryofredford.church/the-church-st-peters-ship daily 0.75 2021-02-11 https://saintmaryofredford.church/the-rosary daily 0.75 2021-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615225166398-9SHOVI1VHOBVQ7A7RCK2/Fatima_2.jpg The Rosary - What is the Rosary? The Rosary is a powerful prayer given by Mary to St. Dominic in the 12th century. The prayer originally of 150 Hail Mary’s; for each set of ten Hail Mary’s, the person praying the rosary would meditate over a different part of the life of Jesus (the Joyful, the Sorrowful, and the Glorious). The fruits of praying the rosary are tremendous. Of course, first and foremost, Mary uses the rosary to introduce us to her Son and to His life. She takes us by the hand and draws us deeper into the mysteries of what He accomplished while He was on earth. There are also fifteen promises of Mary associated with the rosary, including that those who recite the rosary will not die without the sacraments and will have the entire heavenly court praying for them at their death. At St. Mary of Redford, we have the fifteen mysteries of the rosary depicted in our stained glass. The images of these windows along with a meditation from Ven. Fulton Sheen may be found at the links further down on this page. Instructions on how to pray the rosary and the corresponding prayers may be found directly below. The steps to praying the Rosary are: Make the Sign of the Cross and say the “Apostles’ Creed” Say the “Our Father” Say three “Hail Marys” for Faith, Hope, and Charity Say the “Glory Be” Announce the First Mystery and then say the “Our Father” Say ten “Hail Marys” while meditating on the Mystery Say the “Glory Be” (Optional: Say the “O My Jesus” prayer requested by Mary at Fatima) Announce the Next Mystery; then say the “Our Father” and repeat these steps (6 through 8) as you continue through the remaining Mysteries. Say the closing prayers: the “Hail Holy Queen” and “Final Prayer” Make the “Sign of the Cross” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615226918773-NPCV5YWRCK8C0QMM3P9P/Mary+R6+Coronation.jpg The Rosary - Prayers of the Rosary Sign of the Cross In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Apostles’ Creed I believe in God, the Father almighty creator of heaven and earth and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of God, the Father almighty. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Catholic Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen. Our Father Our Father, who art in heaven hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen. Hail Mary Hail Mary, full of grace. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, And blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us sinners, Now and at the hour of our death. Amen. Glory Be Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. O My Jesus O my Jesus, forgive us of our sins. Save us from the fires of hell. Lead all souls into heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen. Hail Holy Queen Hail Holy Queen, Mother of Mercy, our Life, our Sweetness, and our hope. To thee we cry, poor banished children of Eve. To thee we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then most gracious advocate, Thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this, our exile, show unto us, the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus. O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary. Pray for us O Holy Mother of God, That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ. Amen. Final Prayer Let us pray. O God, whose only begotten Son, by His life, death, and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech Thee, that meditating upon these mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ Our Lord. Amen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615226851551-K09QLEO6PYKQPHB06EMT/Mary+R10+Annunciation.jpg The Rosary - The Mysteries of the Rosary Joyful Mysteries The Annunciation The Visitation The Nativity The Presentation in the Temple The Finding in the Temple Sorrowful Mysteries The Agony in the Garden The Scourging at the Pillar The Crowning with Thorns The Carrying of the Cross The Crucifixion Glorious Mysteries The Resurrection The Ascension The Coming of the Holy Spirit The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Luminous Mysteries (added by St. John Paul II after this church was built) The Baptism of Jesus The Wedding of Cana The Proclamation of the Kingdom of God and the call to conversion The Transfiguration The Institution of the Eucharist https://saintmaryofredford.church/the-sorrowful-mysteries daily 0.75 2021-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227669502-7I8WFKCY3VXIGJZ7WQ7N/Mary+R10+Agony+in+the+Garden.jpg The Sorrowful Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227726675-4HZMHULVEFHNO62OV1GG/Mary+R9+Scouraging+At+The+Pillar+-+Copy.jpg The Sorrowful Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227800297-MQCLYQA1UC847JDVW04G/Mary+R8+Crown+Thorns.jpg The Sorrowful Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227872220-VUOKBL7GJBF6P18GQ1PM/Mary+R7+Carrying+Cross.jpg The Sorrowful Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227974158-XH5YVYWSON2PKVZJ6M7L/Mary+R6+Crucifixion.jpg The Sorrowful Mysteries https://saintmaryofredford.church/stations-of-the-cross daily 0.75 2021-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615230054800-0ZJWHY98UPR48JUVMKFQ/7W0A0446-2.jpg Stations of the Cross - The Stations of the Cross According to the Method of St. Francis of Assisi +In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Preparatory Prayer: Most merciful Lord, * with a contrite heart and penitent spirit * I bow down before Thy divine Majesty. * I adore Thee as my supreme Lord and Master. * I believe in Thee, * I hope in Thee, * I love Thee above all things. * I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, * my only and supreme God. * I firmly resolve to amend my life; * and although I am unworthy to obtain mercy, * yet looking upon Thy holy Cross * I am filled with peace and consolation. * I will, therefore, meditate on Thy sufferings, * and visit the Stations * in company with Thy sorrowful Mother * and my holy Guardian Angel, * to promote Thy honor and to save my soul. * I desire to gain all indulgences granted to this holy exercise * for myself and for the souls in Purgatory. * O Loving Jesus, * inflame my cold heart with Thy love, * that I may perform this devotion as perfectly as possible, * and that I may live and die in union with Thee. Amen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615229678313-3A5BQ53N1SX44MJ42F5L/BH0A0888.jpg Stations of the Cross - First Station – Jesus Is Condemned to Death V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world. Jesus, the most innocent of beings, is condemned to death, yes, to the shameful death of the cross. In order to remain a friend of Caesar, Pilate delivers Jesus into the hands of His enemies. O fearful crime, to condemn Innocence to death and to displease God in order to please men. O innocent Jesus, * I have sinned and I am guilty of eternal death; * but that I may Live, * Thou dost gladly accept the unjust sentence of death. * For whom then shall I henceforth live * if not for Thee, my Lord? * If I desire to please men, * I can not be Thy servant. * Let me, therefore, rather displease the whole world * than not please Thee, O Jesus! Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. V. Lord Jesus, crucified. R. Have mercy on us. Through her heart, His sorrow sharing, All His bitter anguish bearing, Now at length the sword had passed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615230343299-IF3BGMDAUB9P3LMI3TMK/BH0A0889.jpg Stations of the Cross - Second Station – Jesus Carries His Cross V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world. When our divine Redeemer beheld the Cross, He most willingly reached out to it with His bleeding arms. He embraced it lovingly, kissed it tenderly, took it on His bruised shoulders, and, exhausted as He was, He carried it joyfully. O my Jesus, * I can not be Thy friend and follower * if I refuse to carry my cross. * O beloved cross, * I embrace Thee, * I kiss Thee, * I joyfully accept Thee from the hand of my God. * Far be it from me to glory in anything * save in the Cross of my Lord and Redeemer. * By it the world shall be crucified to me, * and I to the world, * that I may be Thine forever. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. V. Lord Jesus, crucified. R. Have mercy on us. O, how sad and sore distressed Was that Mother, highly blest, Of the sole begotten One! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615230511896-ZMJ6XGS2GNU9V2OPUT44/BH0A0890.jpg Stations of the Cross - Third Station – Jesus Falls the First Time V. We adore Thee, O Christ, and we praise Thee. R. Because by Thy holy Cross, Thou hast redeemed the world. Carrying the Cross, our dear Savior was so weakened with its heavy weight that He fell exhausted to the ground. The Cross was light and sweet to Him, but our sins made it so heavy and hard to carry. Beloved Jesus, * Thou didst carry the burden and the heavy weight of my sins. * Should I then not bear in union with Thee * my light burden of suffering, * and accept the sweet yoke of Thy commandments? * Thy yoke is sweet and Thy burden is light. * I willingly accept it. * I will take up my cross and follow Thee. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be. V. Lord Jesus, crucified. R. Have mercy on us. Christ above in torment hands: She beneath beholds the pangs Of her dying glorious Son. https://saintmaryofredford.church/the-joyful-mysteries daily 0.75 2021-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227020616-L887YT45T1S5UBPV6ZU1/Mary+R10+Annunciation.jpg The Joyful Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227070170-Q6HLHH4P3Z8JEG57YZYX/Mary+R9+Visitation%281%29.jpg The Joyful Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227125697-I1CPRQ93SM4K7Q9QK5M0/Mary+R8+Nativity%281%29.jpg The Joyful Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227219397-H7VXEJ5NG284U23CV7FT/Mary+R7+Presentation.jpg The Joyful Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615227279395-A9OG7WKYGFQVVA049QGN/Mary+R6+Finding+in+Temple.jpg The Joyful Mysteries https://saintmaryofredford.church/the-glorious-mysteries daily 0.75 2021-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615228146153-9JRPUIF82PFWGBQWA2RL/Mary+R10+Resurrection.jpg The Glorious Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615228202754-CJW9Q0LNONPTKOHDRVJC/Mary+R9+Ascension.jpg The Glorious Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615228261581-RNTZQRLWA56WCMUV0EGG/Mary+R8+Descent+of+Holy+Spirit.jpg The Glorious Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615228330751-WJZRPD2UWZQI4TGIWNDO/Mary+R7+Assumption.jpg The Glorious Mysteries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615228388322-0L8K7X5HZ7HRBVILQEY3/Mary+R6+Coronation.jpg The Glorious Mysteries https://saintmaryofredford.church/st-joseph-reflections daily 0.75 2021-03-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615476475427-OOJZAFRW2GM56LIR0G9J/St.+Joseph_1.jpeg St. Joseph Reflections - St. Joseph Reflections Leading up to the Solemnity of St. Joseph on March 19th, we offer these reflections on the life of St. Joseph and the lessons they can teach us. Novena, Day 1: Joseph son of David St. Matthew opens his gospel by recounting the genealogy of Jesus beginning with Abraham and ending with Joseph. Why is the genealogy important? Because Jesus claimed to be the Messiah, the promised heir to the throne of David. Imagine being a Jew at the time of Jesus' birth. God had promised King David that the rule of his successors would never end, yet Herod sat on the throne as a puppet of the Roman Empire and there had been no Davidic king for centuries. It could look like God had forgotten His promise. But there at the beginning of the Gospel, we find Joseph, the heir of David, hidden in obscurity, about to become the foster father of the promised Messiah. God had not forgotten. We may think God forgets His promises, but God is faithful. He always fulfills His promises, but He fulfills them in His own time. There will be times when we, like the Israelites, will have to wait to see His promises fulfilled and our prayers answered, but we can always trust that He will keep His word. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615476564811-RO1B7LL5F4TL5N0CO79B/Mary+R4+Marriage+of+Joseph+and+Mary%281%29.jpg St. Joseph Reflections - Novena, Day 2: Joseph, husband of Mary Imagine St. Joseph when he first met Our Lady. He had found a woman of incredible beauty and great virtue. How could he help but be drawn to her? At first blush, it probably seemed like any other love story, where the young man fell in love and was prepared to declare before the world that his beloved was the fairest flower known to man. We know eventually an angel would appear to him and let him know that God had special designs on this relationship, but that would come later. In beginning, all he knew was that he had found the woman of his dreams and would make her his wife. It might have been tempting to reduce the courtship to mere romanticism but providence was at work. Maybe he didn't realize it at first, but in courting Our Lady, he was entering into a noble vocation in which the salvation of the whole world was tied. An ordinary thing like falling in love led him to become the guardian and protector of the Son of God and his mother. Husbands and fathers: never underestimate your vocation. God has designs not just for you but your families. By saying, "I do" to your wife," by being a committed father, you play a necessary role in all the things God hopes to accomplish through your family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615479150060-2VX71L4876ENATMAKFI8/Mary+R5+Universal+Church%281%29.jpg St. Joseph Reflections - Novena, Day 3: Joseph, the chivalrous man After the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary and she conceived, St. Matthew writes that Joseph was "unwilling to put her to shame" and tried to divorce her quietly. Joseph knew the child could not be his since he had not had relations with Mary. Though he probably struggled to accept it, conceivably there was only one conclusion: that somehow Mary had been unfaithful. You can imagine how this thought must have hurt him. How could this woman whom he loved so much, whom he knew to be so good, have done something like this? It didn't make sense, but what else could have happened? The confusion would be cleared up shortly by the angel Gabriel, but before then you could imagine there was a real crisis. Feelings of pain and betrayal tend to blind us to everything but ourselves. The temptation to seek revenge, to push people away, to abandon them to their fate and declare them dead to us is strong. But this is not how St. Joseph acted. Even in his hurt and confusion, he was unwilling to put her to shame. This is the mark of real man: he treats women (and people in general) with dignity, even in the worst of circumstances. A boy will tend to make everything about himself, but the man forgets himself and acts with grace even when he is hurt. May St. Joseph be our model for Christian chivalry, that our hearts might be noble and selfless like his. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615479236662-XFZAGTK1LR4QD16G4RCQ/Mary+L4+No+Room+at+the+Inn+%282%29.jpg St. Joseph Reflections - Novena, Day 4: Do not fear Fear often gets in the way of responding to God's call. When God makes a big ask, we worry that the risks are too big, that something will go wrong. It takes a leap of faith to move beyond that. The same was true of St. Joseph. "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife." Why would he be afraid? First, because he was unsure of where this child came from. What if she was unfaithful? Second, if this child was conceived by the Holy Spirit, he was surely wondering what he was signing up for. No details were given about what life as the foster father of the Son of God would be like. He could only imagine, and doubtless that was an overwhelming thought. "Do not be afraid." God called St. Joseph out into uncharted territory and he took the leap. There was no model for how to be the spouse of Mary and the foster father of the Son of God: Joseph had to simply trust God and step out into his vocation. This pattern would repeat through the Gospels. The apostles would be asked to leave everything they knew behind to follow Jesus, going to someplace they did not know to do things they did not yet understand. But they went. St. Peter would be asked to do something no human being had ever done before: walk on water. To do so, he had to set aside his fears, take a leap of faith and trust Jesus knew what he was doing. Such should be our response when God calls. Do not be afraid, trust Him and take the leap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615479329301-AR4VDN80ZO6OPVEJ7Q80/Mary+R4+Nativity%281%29.jpg St. Joseph Reflections - Novena, Day 5: He did as the angel commanded him "When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him." People would like to think that if they ever got a direct call from God, they would obey promptly, but in fact, human beings are more complicated than that. The prophet Jonah is a prime example. The problem was not that Jonah did not know what God wanted from him: he knew perfectly well, but Jonah was not prepared to submit his will to God's. It takes time and discipline to stretch our souls so that our wills are conformed to God's will. That St. Joseph was prepared to obey God immediately, speaks to his virtue. St. Joseph has the humility to do what he is told because he trusts God. We should always remember that God knows best. We can have our ideas about how things should go, and these might even have some merit, but we also need to be ready to set aside those ideas when God says otherwise. Joseph probably pictured something very different for his marriage than what the angel is asking of him, but Joseph set those ideas aside and did as he was asked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615479403584-5RTZGE64OUFGWDHYLRN2/Mary+L4+Flight+to+Egypt.jpg St. Joseph Reflections - Novena, Day 6: Rise, take the child and its mother, and flee to Egypt. Obedience is a hard won virtue. It can take time for us to get on board with God's ways and plans. Sometimes, just when we have fought through all our objections and have said yes to what God is asking for us, circumstances change and he asks for something new. If it was hard to say yes the first time, it can be much harder to say yes the second. Something like this happened to St. Joseph. He had said yes to taking Mary as his wife and was settling down to the life of a husband and father. According to orders, he went to Bethlehem, Jesus was born, so everything from here on out should be fine, right? Just when he thinks he's done everything he was asked, an angel appears to him in the middle of the night and tells him he needs to leave immediately. St. Joseph must have wondered, "Did I get this wrong? Did I misunderstand the angel the first time? I did everything I was supposed to, why am I being asked to leave now?" We know about Herod's plots, but St. Joseph was just finding out. There was no time to ask questions, no time to process was happening, it was imperative that he leave immediately. Had he not, the Holy Family may not have escaped. There is a good lesson for us here. Sometimes God calls us to a particular place for life, but sometimes it is only for a time. If things change, we should resist the temptation to get discouraged but instead trust Him and obey promptly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615479516360-2KUW99U0PU3VPPCEYMD2/IMG_3831.JPG St. Joseph Reflections - Novena, Day 7: Remain there until I tell you to leave The angel of the Lord instructed St. Joseph to flee to Egypt and "remain there until I tell you to leave." You can imagine what it was like for St. Joseph, waiting in exile in Egypt, wondering when he would be told he could go back. The temptation to think maybe he misinterpreted the angel could easily have crossed his mind. The temptation to begin desperately looking for signs to go back could easily set in. ("That pyramid we past faces east, which is towards Israel, therefore that must be a sign from God!") But Joseph doesn't fall to those temptations. He does wait and he only goes back when he is told. Sometimes people say things like, "Why won't God just tell me what he wants me to do?" After talking to them, it becomes clear that God has told them what they need to do and they're doing it. They've been doing it for a while. Because they've been doing what they're supposed to do, they've been given no further instructions. They have all they need for now. This is hard to take. Nevertheless, it is part of trust in God. He will tell us what we need to know, when we need to know it. In the meantime, it is for us to be patient and live for His greater glory wherever He has placed us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615479597588-OSWIVLNXORMA6YOK5SZS/Mary+R5+Father%281%29.jpg St. Joseph Reflections - Novena, Day 8: Is this not the carpenter's son? When Jesus begins his public ministry, he causes quite a stir in his hometown. He preaches with authority, as if He were from God. He performs great miracles. He gives signs that He is the Messiah. And so, the people of Nazareth ask, "Is this not the carpenter's son?" Shouldn't we expect a man like this to be born of a prominent family? How could a man born of an ordinary, blue collar father be so great? The answer? Because God uses the weak things of this world to shame the proud. Joseph gives us hope precisely because he is not great in the eyes of the world. God chose a man who was virtuous but ordinary in the eyes of the world to be the foster father of his son. If God would use a man like Joseph for such great designs, he can use us too. Most of us are not the greats of the world and we can be tempted to think that that disqualifies us from being God's instruments. But that is not how God works. Yes, Jesus was the son of a carpenter, and very proud of it. He could have chosen to be the foster son of a king, but He chose the carpenter instead. Such are the ways of God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ddd50176b0d875c2d896883/1615479666687-GVSOMX2K3VJKBT5SBRQJ/Mary+R5+Happy+Death%281%29.jpg St. Joseph Reflections - Novena, Day 9: From that hour, the disciple took her into his home While Jesus hung dying on the cross, He looked down and saw His mother and St. John standing there. St. Joseph had passed away a long time ago. Now Jesus was also about to leave her. The thought of leaving His mother alone was unbearable to Him. She who loved more deeply than any person ever had before deserved to be loved in return. That role had originally belonged to St. Joseph, who took her into his home and into his heart. Now Jesus entrusts that role to St. John, to love Mary, to take her into his home, and care for her. Jesus is calling us to love His mother with the heart of St. Joseph and St. John. We too should take her into our homes, into our hearts, and not be afraid to pledge ourselves entirely to her. We'll certainly be overshadowed with her and the Christ child under our roof, just as St. Joseph was. Everyone's attention will be directed towards them and away from us. But we'll be privileged to be there in the background, always nearby, though rarely noticed. Such was the great privilege that St. Joseph had. 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