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Home / News & Publications / Michigan Catholic News / 2007 / St. Vincent Ferrer marks 50 years, a million memories

Kristin Lukowski of The Michigan Catholic
Published November 9, 2007

Kristen Lukowski | The Michigan Catholic Concelebrants at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish’s 50th-anniversary Mass were Cardinal Adam Maida, pastor Fr. John Esper, Fr. Bernard Dupont, OP, Fr. Steven Koehler, Fr. Gary Schulte, Fr. John Vidmar, OP; Deacon Andrew Fairbanks assisted.

Parishioners of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish from its founding 50 years ago sat together at theanniversary Mass.

Madison Heights — Former priests and past and present parishioners came together at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish, Madison Heights to celebrate "50 years and a million memories."

Cardinal Adam Maida celebrated morning Mass with the parish Nov. 4 to end a year of celebration that also included a picnic, a dinner dance, and the sale of a DVD of the parish's history, which included information about the past 50 years and all the memories that came with it. Founded in 1957 by the Dominican Fathers and named after a 15th-century Dominican priest, archdiocesan priests began ministering at the parish in 1981. The parish also had a school for nearly 40 years, closing only three years ago.

In his homily, Cardinal Maida talked about the day's reading, the story of Zacchaeus climbing the sycamore tree to get a better look at Jesus, and the "deep and intense spiritual fervor" that must have inspired him to do so. "The conversion of Zacchaeus is a wonderful witness and challenge for all of us," he said. "It is always God who takes the initiative; God first loves us. Everything we do is a response to God's gift and God's call."

He also said that we go to Mass to find new reason and new energy to reach out to others, and bring them the Good News. "Your parish patron, St. Vincent Ferrer, is a wonderful advocate and model for each one of us," he said. "May we take seriously the gift and the challenge the Lord confides to us: hearing and proclaiming His Word."

Fr. John Esper, pastor of St. Vincent Ferrer, said the parish is both friendly and welcoming. Many former parishioners visited for the anniversary events earlier this year, he said.

"People are excited to celebrate the event," he said. "It's a very fine community. There is a very strong commitment to faith here."

Fr. Bernard Dupont, OP, shares that sentiment; the parish was his first assignment and he served there for a few years beginning in 1969. "I really felt at home," he said. "This is where I learned to be a priest."

He remembers learning a lot about dealing with people and honoring their customs — such as the traditional Polish blessing of Easter food — during that time, and witnessed how parishioners would help out when the parish needed funds or people to help with a project. "I love these people," he said. "They're sincere, religious, very devoted to the Lord. They would give their right arms for you. You always had helping hands when you started to do something."

Fr. Dupont, who celebrated Mass for the feasts of All Saints Day and All Souls Day while visiting, said he has memories of St. Vincent Ferrer everywhere he goes. One of his funniest memories is when a family with young children was attending Mass, and one of them broke the reverent silence as he incensed the altar: "Fr. Dupont's smoking again!" the child called out.

Rosemary Zbikowski, who with husband Ed has been a member of the parish for almost its whole existence, raised five children in the parish, sent them to the school, and was involved in the parent groups. She also has fond memories of the Dominican Fathers who founded the parish, and their faith and welcoming spirit.

Kristen Lukowski | The Michigan Catholic Cardinal Adam Maida, right, commends pastor Fr. John Esper on his work in the parish at the end of the anniversary Mass.

"They were always so open, and warm, and loving," she said.

Zbikowski, who helped plan the post-Mass reception and hosted Fr. Dupont for the weekend, said the parish has been a home for her, socially as well as spiritually, and said many friendships made in the parish have lasted for 40 or 50 years.

Nancy Mason Bordley, who co-chaired the anniversary committee with husband Robert and also serves as the parish's co-director of religious education and one of the two music directors, has been a parishioner for more than 40 years and a staffer for the past 31. She said that among the things that have kept her at the parish for so long are "the spirit of the community, the graciousness of the people, and the overall charm of St. Vincent Ferrer."

Few people stick with a church for 40-something years these days, she said. "That has a lot to say about the people."

She said the parish often felt like home to her, and the people truly cared about each other. "It's a great place," she said.

Mason Bordley, along with other members and former staffers, is featured in the parish's historical video, which is hosted by parishioner and anniversary committee member Mick Rizzo. "It's hard to fathom how fast the years have gone by," Rizzo said.