St. Mel's celebrates 50 years
Joe Kohn of The Michigan Catholic
Published May 12, 2006
Dearborn Heights – Saying "yes" to the Lord takes a lot of time, effort and prayer, as the community of St. Mel Parish can attest.
Last weekend in an anniversary celebration with Cardinal Adam Maida and pastors, educators and parishioners from years past, the parish marked 50 years of a singular commitment – saying "yes" to the Lord through the actions and unity of their community.
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St. Mel Parish celebrates the Liturgy of the Eucharist in a Mass marking its 50th anniversary. Presiding over the liturgy were Cardinal Adam Maida (center) with pastor Fr. Thomas Kramer (right), and former associate pastors Fr. James Profata (left) and Fr. Jacob Samonie. | "That's what we've been struggling to do for 50 years," said Fr. Thomas Kramer, pastor of St. Mel Parish. "Each in our own ways, and all of the organizations and groups (in the parish) have been struggling by their words and actions to say, 'Yes, Lord.'
"What a privilege it is to say it together."
At the May 6 Saturday afternoon liturgy – celebrating Christ the Good Shepherd Sunday – Cardinal Maida said it was providential that the Dearborn Heights parish would celebrate on such a day.
"Today's occasion and today's readings remind us of our call to unity," the cardinal said during his homily. "We know the Lord in, with and through our relationship with each other in the community of faith. In the setting of this parish, we come to know Christ as our shepherd as we gather to listen to His Word and allow it to console and challenge us each weekend."
Indeed, St. Mel Parish has experienced many consolations and challenges throughout its history. During a time of rapid growth in the surrounding area, the parish was commissioned by Cardinal Edward Mooney in 1956 and was pastored by Fr. John Furlong for its first 20 years. The Felician Sisters, based in Livonia, in 1962 opened a grade school at the parish, which educated thousands of children until it closed last year.
At a reception after the Mass, founding parishioners recalled the parish's beginnings.
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Grace Topolewski (second from right) helps Donna Trudell (left) and her daughters, Kristen (next to her) and Katie (far right), show off a quilt the parish made as a project to celebrate St. Mel Parish’s 50th anniversary. More than 250 families, priests and religious communities contributed to the quilt. | "We took this place – it was just a field – and what we built was beautiful," said Martha McAllister. "I grew up here. Two-thirds of my life is right here."
Frank Rouland, who with his wife Barb joined the parish shortly after it was founded, said the love of the community is what makes St. Mel Parish special.
"The people are the strength of this parish," Rouland said. "It's just a loving, caring community and I want to be a part of this."
A parishioner for 44 years, Janet Sebok recalled all the celebrations that forged a familial bond among parishioners.
"It's always a community that's stuck together, and it's always pulled together," Sebok said.
There were many memories, too, of the parish's mission bringing the community together.
At the celebration were Felicians, Srs. Mary Adonia and Mary Euphrasia, the first two principals of St. Mel Elementary School. And they remembered the parish's fervent commitment to giving their children a quality and loving Catholic education.
"They were beautiful people right off the start, and very welcoming," said Sr. Adonia, who served as principal 1962-66. "I remember the beauty of it. They gave so much of themselves, in service and company and all different ways."
Sr. Euphrasia, who was principal 1966-71 and started the higher grades of the school, had similar memories of the parish community.
"They were always doing something to benefit the school," Sr. Euphrasia recalled.
The spirit of willingness continues at St. Mel Parish today, said Grace Topolewski, who organized a year's worth of events to celebrate the parish's golden jubilee. Topolewski said a 50th anniversary is a testament to the parish's ability to persevere.
"Fifty years is an accomplishment," she said. "Every time someone passes away or moves away, someone always steps up and fills in … the personality here is one of survival."
And getting the job done – spreading the Good News of Christ's love to the community – has reaped countless rewards for the community, Fr. Kramer added at the end of Mass. After he and the cardinal thanked the parish's spirited choir, ministers, former pastors, educators and parishioners, Fr. Kramer alluded to the manifold blessings showered on the parish.
"God always returns 30- and 60- and 100-fold," Fr. Kramer said. "For the last 50 years, we've been trying to put into action our 'Yes' to God – and God has said 'Thank you' in so many ways."
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