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Parish History
In The Beginning
In 1947 Harry S. Truman was president of the United
States. The country was at peace, while recovering from the ravages of
World War II. The returning soldiers came home to pick up the pieces of
their lives, to reunite their families, to marry their sweethearts, to
return to or seek new employment. The Ford Motor Company, General
Motors, and Chrysler Corporation made sure Detroit lived up to its name
as the Automobile Capital of the world. Many factories like Great Lakes
Steel, thrived because of the auto industry. The outlying suburbs, like
Lincoln Park, had a lot of undeveloped land and a great potential for
growth. In his wisdom Cardinal Mooney had a vision. He saw Lincoln Park
as a vibrant, growing community, vitalized by the post-war boom. He
knew he needed an energetic and charismatic leader to meet the needs of
the people and establish a new parish. Thus on June 11, 1947 Cardinal
Mooney issued a decree naming Fr. Joseph Michael Torzewski pastor of
Christ the Good Shepherd.
The plot of land in the vicinity of Lafayette and
Riverbank became the future site of Christ the Good Shepherd. A small
house, with two adjoining lots, at 1526 Riverbank was purchased June
13, 1947 and became the parish rectory. Fr. Torzewski wasted no time
visiting potential parishioners, and met with Dr. Owen Kean, the first
registered parishioner, that same day. The Lincoln Park City Council
gave its permission to use the Hoover School auditorium for services
and by July 13th, 275 families gathered for the first celebration of
the Mass. The very first Sunday collection brought in $211.90, at a
time when many men worked for less than a dollar an hour. The little
community came together every week for Mass. After church, helping dig
each other's cars out of muddy parking places became a frequent
occurrence, and served as a means of people getting acquainted. The
first parish organization, the Ushers Club, was established July 7,
1947. Also during that first year the Ladies Society and Holy Name
Society were organized.
The parishioners were anxious to have a church of their
own. On Sunday, October 5, 1947 ground was broken for a new church. The
building took eight months to complete, and in the interim special
services, like confessions, marriages, and baptisms took place at St.
Henry's parish in north Lincoln Park. The first children baptized were
twin girls, Donna Suzanne and Lynda Louise Kovach on July 20, 1947. The
first parishioner to enter into eternal rest was Donald Toth, whose
funeral was held September 6, 1947. Wedding bells rang three times
during 1947, on September 27th for Haskell Saunders and Ivy Gathercole,
October 29th for Donald Jettie and Margie Magyar, and November 8th for
Neil Mimnaugh and Joan Newman, couples that share their golden
anniversaries with Good Shepherd. On May 9, 1948 Bishop Woznicki
confirmed 55 parish children.
Finally the much anticipated church was completed. After
sweeping up sawdust and setting up folding chairs, the church was ready
for the first wedding. On June 12, 1948 Fr. Torzewski celebrated a mass
joining Edwin Osinski and Iris Yoder in Holy Matrimony. The following
day marked the first Sunday mass in the original church. One week later
28 children received their First Holy Communion. The official
dedication of the church took place September 28, 1948 with Cardinal
Mooney presiding.
Education has always been important at Good Shepherd.
The first religious education was under the direction of Our Lady of
Victory Missionary Sisters, who served through 1950. Seven sisters
lived in a convent at 290 Arden Park in Detroit. The nuns, all called
Sr. Catechist, taught 150 children. In order to prepare the First
Communion class the sisters held a two week summer program for the
children. Of those days at Good Shepherd, one of the nuns, Sr. Liska
Monzano recalls, "I so much enjoyed the weekly ride from Detroit to
Lincoln Park each Sunday. A beautiful group of children were always in
attendance with catechisms in hand, homework one. The parents
cooperated, attended Mass. Children were helped by their parents which
made classes easier for us." One of the "beautiful children" inspired
by the Sr. Catechists is Sr. Rebecca Vonderhaor, the present Religious
Education Director at Good Shepherd.
Just as the parish was anxious to have a church, it was
just as anxious to have a school. Fr. Torzewski wrote in The Vigil from
November 7, 1948, "The new school which we want and need as much will
present many difficulties. But we can have it for a price of hard work,
sacrifice, and prayer." Construction for the school began in April of
1950. From their motherhouse in Garfield Heights, Ohio, the Sisters of
St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis agreed to come to Good
Shepherd. By September 13, 1950, Sisters Irmina, Aquinata, Angeline,
Perpetua, and Virgianne, Mrs. Phyllis Robin and Miss Jeanne Hurley, and
330 children were ready to start the school year. However neither the
school nor convent were ready for them! The building delays did not
dampen the enthusiastic spirits. The sisters stayed at local missions.
Make-shift drapes sectioned off the upper and lower church into classes
for grades one through seven. By April the school was ready and
students and teachers moved eagerly to their new quarters.
The driving force behind the enthusiasm, the building,
and the fellowship was, and always will be, the devotion to Our Lord
and our Catholic faith. The familiar 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 10:30 am and
12:00 noon masses were celebrated each week in 1948, although the Mass
schedule went through many changes over the years. Fr. Frank Zdrodowski
helped out with the Sunday services. A mission for women was held
during the week of March 6, 1948 with a mission for men held the
following week. The first men's retreat was held January 14-16, 1949.
By September 16, 1950, with over 700 families to minister to, Fr.
Arthur Fauser came to Good Shepherd as the first assistant pastor.
The young parish, like a young growing family, had to
contend with the financial difficulties of providing for its members
and needs. The first parish festival was held in June, 1948. One of the
more creative endeavors to raise money was the Lady Lincoln Home
project. In 1951 the parish had a home built and sold tickets, giving
participants the chance to win a beautiful new home for the price of a
raffle ticket. The parish saw a $56,000 profit, thus undertook Lady
Lincoln II in 1953.
Building the Parish
At its dedication September 28, 1948 the original church
accommodated 450 people. A ceramic depiction of the Good Shepherd,
designed by Sr. Helene of Sienna Heights, marked the entrance. In 1954
with 2,000 families registered and the church overflowing, the need for
a larger place of worship was undeniable. With the parish expanding so
quickly the plan called for a temporary church, to be eventually used
as a gymnasium when yet another, permanent edifice would be built. With
a budget of nearly $250,000 work was underway on St. Patrick's Day,
March 17, 1955. The planned large glass windows were downsized in April
when vandals broke four windows in the school resulting in $500 damage.
The first Mass was celebrated in the church September 4, 1955. The
first air-conditioned Sunday was June 24, 1956.
Fr. Torzewski commissioned artist Jean Charlot to paint
an interpretation of the Twenty third psalm, the Good Shepherd psalm.
Mr. Charlot described his work, "The Christians are represented by the
lambs that are under the care of the Shepherd...the valley of death is
suggested by lambs lost in the thorn bushes. The means are shown by two
angels. One carries Veronica's veil...suggesting that our suffering can
be done in union with the Passion. The other angel with a chalice,
suggests how the Eucharist will take us out of the valley of death,
into the fullness of grace." Fresco, an old world craft, is painting on
fresh lime mortar. Just as artisans did in the twelfth century, Mr.
Charlot drew the images on paper, then etched them into the wall. The
colors were all ground by hand in water before they were applied. The
work began December 10th and was completed by Christmas 1955.
The pipe organ was obtained in 1961 for $5,000, the cost
of moving and assembling it. The Austin Organ, with 16 ranks, was
originally in the Christ Episcopal Church in Detroit, then moved to a
church Mrs. Henry Ford had built on the Ford Fairlane Estate. Mr. John
McKenzie, the first full time church organist, watched over the
painstaking installation. The pipes are situated in the sacristy at the
left side of the altar. The blower is in the basement under the
stairway.
The statues of Mary and Joseph, hand carved in Italy,
were placed in the church in 1981. The present altar was obtained from
Mt. Carmel in Wyandotte. The Stations of the Cross, designed by
Melville Steinfels of Sienna Heights, are from the original Church.
Over the years the church was repainted, recarpeted, and refurbished.
The altar top and tabernacle stand were created by parishioner
Mieczyslaw Pawlowski out of wood from pews no longer needed. A new
lobby/gathering space was built in 1992. In short, the Church has been
stripped of its temporary designation. It is our permanent,
long-standing Church.
The house at 1526 Riverbank served as the first rectory.
In 1951 the parish bought the Grucharcz-Zirkoloso family home for
$16,000 and spent another $40,000 on an addition. It still serves as
the parish rectory. The house at 1526 Riverbank was then moved across
the street to serve as a temporary convent.
Two thousand eleven homes were built in Lincoln Park
during 1949. The parish tripled in size and the need for a school was
evident. The Archdiocese loaned the parish $170,000 to construct a
school and work began April 4, 1950. Ten classrooms were erected to
house grades one through eight. In 1952 eight more classrooms were
added, followed by another eight in 1956 and six more in 1961 as the
grade school population grew by leaps and bounds.
Construction of the convent began in December 1959. The
plans called for 32 cells. To keep costs down 18 were completed and 14
built in shell form to be completed at a later date. In the midst of an
economic recession and financial woes the project was almost aborted in
1958. A parish festival bailed out the project and the sisters moved
into their new home in time for Thanksgiving. As the number of Sisters
declined in the 1980s, the convent was utilized for parish functions,
like the preschool program and computer classes for the school
children. In 1991 the building was converted to the Parish Center, a
place for meetings, ministry, and fellowship. Hundreds of meetings and
parish gatherings a year are now able to utilize this re-furbished
space, including our high school Youth Group who have fixed up the
basement area for their own use.
Forty acres of land on Northline Road near Interstate 75
was purchased as the site for a high school, initially a joint venture
between Good Shepherd and St. Pius parishes. In July 1964 the
Archdiocese gave permission to build Aquinas High School. A fund drive
was organized as the cost of constructing and equipping the new
facility was estimated at $2,000,000. Ground breaking occurred November
14, 1965. Fr. Edward Scheuerman, the first principal, with a staff of
ten teachers welcomed the first students in 1966. In 1970 the first
class graduated from Aquinas Catholic High School. 1997 saw the
graduation of its 28th class.
Leading the Way
Our Pastors
Fr. Torzewski
Joseph Michael Torzewski was born in Detroit to Polish immigrant
parents Ladislaus and Stella Torzewski on September 15, 1903 and was
baptized five days later at St. Casimir's Parish. He attended Sacred
Heart Seminary High School and College in Detroit, and completed his
preparation for the priesthood at Mt. Saint Mary's Seminary in Norwood,
Ohio. He was ordained on April 6, 1930 and celebrated his first Mass
the next day at his sister's convent. The formal celebration of his
first Mass was at St. Casimir's in Detroit, his home parish and the
place he received the sacraments and attended grade school. His first
assignment was at Sweetest Heart of Mary Church in Detroit, where he
had the opportunity to serve with his cousin, mentor and godfather,
Bishop Joseph Plagens. Prior to being appointed Pastor and Founder of
Christ the Good Shepherd in Lincoln Park, he also served as an
assistant pastor at St. Stanislaus and Transfiguration Churches in
Detroit and St. Florian's in Hamtramck. He served as pastor of Good
Shepherd for 25 years. He then requested and was granted an associate
pastorship, staying on at Good Shepherd. October 1, 1973, he retired
and was granted the title "Pastor Emeritus." He entered into eternal
life February 8, 1987 at the age of 83. His friend and former
assistant, Fr. John Phelan, celebrated his funeral Mass.
Fr. Torzewski will always be remembered at Good Shepherd for his
dynamic leadership. On the occasion of his 25th anniversary to the
priesthood, he wrote in the Vigil, "I should like to return to Sweetest
Heart of Mary Church on April the sixth to celebrate Mass as
thanksgiving to God for granting to me the greatest of all His gifts,
namely to share in His Divine priesthood." On the occasion of his 50th
anniversary to the priesthood, he recalled the highlight of his career
as being appointed pastor to found Christ the Good Shepherd Parish.
Fr. Redwick
Anna and Adolph Redwick were blessed with three sons, Stanley, John,
and Adolph, Jr. Two of the boys, Stanley and Adolph, became priests.
Fr. Adolph Redwick was born in Detroit August 28, 1932. He graduated
from St. Hyacinth's Grade School and St. Mary's of Orchard Lake High
School. He attended the University of Detroit for one year before
enrolling in St. Mary's College. The examples of priests he knew
sparked his vocation. He graduated from St. John's Seminary and was
ordained June 6, 1959. He served as an assistant pastor at St. Thomas
the Apostle on the eastside, then Sts. Peter and Paul Parish on the
westside of Detroit before coming to Christ the Good Shepherd.
Fr. Redwick served at Good Shepherd from 1972 through 1990, first in a
co-pastorate with then assistant and classmate Fr. John Leo Phalen and
continuing as sole pastor after Fr. Phalen was appointed founding
pastor of Our Lady of the Woods, Woodhaven, in 1975. Under Fr.
Redwick’s direction the parish debt was finally paid off. He recalled
his fondest memory at Good Shepherd as, "the people's concern for
Catholic education and the ability to maintain the schools amidst the
crisis of school closings in the area." Fr. Redwick loved the schools.
Once on vacation in Florida he caught an 83 inch Sailfish and proudly
brought his trophy back home. His "Name the Fish" contest caused
excitement at the school and hundreds of kids submitted their entries.
To this day the fish is known as Buddy Blue Eyes. Fr. Redwick said he
will always remember "the goodness of the people", and "felt fortunate
and happy to serve the people of Good Shepherd." Since 1990 Fr. Redwick
has been pastor of St. Joseph's Parish in Dearborn.
Fr, Buersmeyer
Cyril and June Buersmeyer welcomed the third of their five children,
David, to the world October 28, 1953. Fr. Buersmeyer attended St.
Anselm's Grade School and University of Detroit High School. He
graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a degree in
mathematics prior to enrolling at St. John's Seminary, Plymouth. He was
ordained to the priesthood June 20, 1980, and served as an associate
pastor at St. Christopher’s in Detroit, chaplain at Bishop Borgess High
School in Redford Township, and assistant professsor of theology at
Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, prior to being
appointed pastor of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish in 1990.
Like Fr. Torzewski and Fr. Redwick, this parish was his first as
pastor. Looking at that fact, as well as at the many newly-ordained
associates and deacon-interns who have been assigned to the parish over
the years, Fr. Buersmeyer remarked that "Christ the Good Shepherd
should be commended as a parish that welcomes its priests, helps them
to learn what it means to be a priest and pastor, and should be proud
of the ways it has helped form young priests over the years."
For a parish of fifty years, the number of priests who
have been part of its history is relatively few: three pastors,
twenty-three assistant or associate pastors, several long-time weekend
assistants. (see the Staff Cronology Page)
The Parish Council
The Second Vatican Council concluded in 1965 with Pope
Paul VI presiding. In response to Vatican II Archbishop Dearden turned
to the people to stimulate study in an approach to incorporating the
changes in the church locally. Input from all archdiocesan parishes was
considered. The changes were officially set into place May 25, 1969. In
following with the Decree on the Apostolate of the Laity, Christ the
Good Shepherd elected a Steering Committee to set up temporary
guidelines for a proposed parish council. After many months of study
the first Parish Council was elected April 26, 1970. Four Commissions
were established: Administration and Finance, Education, Social
Services, and Liturgy. Three at large members and 12 zone
representatives were elected along with the commission heads. The
pastor, assistant pastors, and a representative from the Sisters of St.
Joseph completed the group. The 22 member council was formally
installed on September 20, 1970. Change did not come easy and, while
many good leaders and programs emerged over the years as a result of
this new structure, the Council dissolved in the mid-1980s and the
structure of a parish council with commissions became inactive.
Since 1991, however, the Parish Pastoral Council was
resurrected and has functioned as the leadership body for the Parish
ever since. All parish activities fall under the framework of the
Education, Service, Stewardship, and Worship Commissions. Many people
work in their specific areas of interest or expertise to keep the
multidirectional endeavors on course. All organizations and activities
relate to the Council because it is the unifying body of the parish.
Commissions
Many lives are touched not only in the parish but in
the community because of the works of the Commissions. One of the most
popular undertakings, the Giving Tree, allows parishioners the
opportunity of making a brighter day for those whose holidays are bleak
because of physical or financial woes by donating a Christmas gift.
This program is one of many activities coordinated by the Christian
Service Commission under the pastoral leadership of the parish’s first
full-time pastoral minister, Sr. Marge Zacharias. Sr. Marge is a native
of Detroit and a member of the Franciscan community in Sylvania, Ohio.
Her ministry in and with the parish reflects the changing face of
parish ministry: much more diversity in leadership, calling forth the
gifts of more and more laity. For example, the process of becoming
Catholic (the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) has a parish
member as coordinator, Mr. Scott Anastasia, as well as many parish
sponsors and catechists.
The Worship Commission helps the parish plan for and
evaluate its many liturgies, as well as encourage the various roles
necessary for good liturgy: Eucharistic ministers, lectors, cantors,
servers, ushers, and sacristans. The Stewardship Commission advises the
pastor on administrative, financial, and building issues but also tries
to approach that whole area from the much broader perspective captured
by its name. Stewardship is about all the ways we have been blessed and
can give back to God: time, talent, and treasure. Finally, while there
is no formal Education Commission at this time, there is an active
School Board that advises the pastor and principal on school-related
matters, as well as an informal Religious Education Committee that
helps the Director of Religious Education plan activities for that area.
The Parish Pastoral Council, then, does not oversee
all these many activities. Rather, it acts a visioning group for the
parish, encouraging the various commissions, organizations, and
pastoral leaders to live out our Parish Mission Statement: "Christ the
Good Shepherd Parish rejoices in being a diverse community united in
faith in Christ Jesus. Rooted in the Eucharist, we continue to be
molded into the Body of Christ as we witness to the Gospel through our
sharing of resources and service toward others, our commitment to
Catholic education and our friendship with one another."
Educating the Children
The first teacher of the Catholic faith, Jesus, not only
taught his disciples and followers, but called the children too. The
tradition of spreading the Good News and teaching young and old has
survived centuries. The Religious Education department at Good Shepherd
has been teaching parish children for 50 years. During the first three
years, 1947-50, the Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters taught the
children in grades one through nine. By the 49-50 school year 342
children were enrolled in classes. A high school program was added in
1950. As the parish grew so did the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine
program. Satellite centers were set up at Mixter and Crowley Schools in
1960 to reach the 1,500 children enrolled in CCD classes. Eventually
preschool classes were added for four and five year olds. The nineties
saw the addition of Vacation Bible School.
Since opening its doors in 1950 the parish school has
taught the faith along with reading, writing, and arithmetic. From Sr.
Irmina to the present principal, Mr. Thomas Caruso many changes have
occurred but the philosophy, as stated in the mission statement "...to
serve as an extension of the educational ministry of Christ the Good
Shepherd Parish by providing a complete program in academic curriculum
and faith formation appropriate to the learning abilities of
children...", has remained constant.
In 1955 when the parish wanted to purchase an organ for
$6,100, half the cost was funded by the school children's weekly paper
drives. By 1968 the Parent Teacher Guild was formed and helped with
fund raising endeavors, like the Morley candy drives and Christmas
cookie walks. Enrollment peaked in 1961 with 1,548 students. Four
hundred sixty children currently attend school.
Christ the Good Shepherd has always prided itself in
encouraging children to reach for their potential, academically,
spiritually, and athletically. Children have always scored well on
standardized tests. Many local high school salutatorians and
valedictorians started out at Good Shepherd. Dean's lists from many
universities include Good Shepherd grads. Thousands of graduates are
now productive members of society and leaders in the Catholic
Community. It is impossible to quantify the quality of education at
Good Shepherd.
The spirit and dedication of the teachers has persisted.
The first school staff, primarily the Sisters of St. Joseph, put their
hearts and souls into teaching. Among the last of the nuns were Sr.
Maurelia, who greeted all the children in the library as she shared the
joys of reading, and Sr. Angellette, who taught first grade. By 1985
the Sisters were completely replaced by lay teachers, who brought
different dimensions of caring. In 1980 Mrs. Rita Kozma brought the
first kindergarten experience to Good Shepherd. Fr. Redwick proudly
officiated at kindergarten graduation the following June. Computer and
art classes entered the curriculum in the mid 1980s. Hundreds of
students labored over science projects, then beamed with pride at the
Detroit Science and Engineering Fair ribbons. Kids went to camp with
their teachers and student counselors from Aquinas High School. Many
students flew for the first time on the popular Washington, D.C. 8th
grade trips in the 1980s, and stood before the Capitol Building for the
class photo.
Boys and girls learned sportsmanship playing for the
Green and White at Good Shepherd. Proud parents watched C.Y.O.
championship teams bring home trophies. The same pride and enthusiasm
was shared by all, including assistant coach Fr. Joe Gembala, when a
winless football team finally scored a touchdown. No child has ever
played for the school team that has not heard, "when you do your best,
you are a winner."
Mr. Tom Caruso, who walked the halls at Good Shepherd
School as a student, teacher, and principal, wrote in the 1997
yearbook: "Many things have changed during the lifespan of our school
during the past fifty years within our parish. One constant that was
present when our school was founded and continues today is that our
school focuses on the essential philosophy of the education of a child
should be centered on FAITH and FAMILY. CGS School believes that
parents are the primary educators of the child and that the parents are
the living examples of faith in God and service to the faith community.
Our school has always operated with the intent of offering education
centered in the belief of the Good News of Jesus Christ focusing on the
individual growth and development of each child in mind, body and
spirit."
Nurturing the Community
Ushers Club
The Ushers Club was founded July 7, 1947. The
organization has maintained its constant presence over the past 50
years, assisting parishioners during services. Today the Ushers are
Ministers of Hospitality, greeting the people as they enter the church.
In the early years the Ushers helped with many projects and fund
raising events for the parish. In 1955 the first parish picnic was held
and the Ushers hopelessly lost their baseball game but not their
spirit. In December the same year the Ushers took over the gala Feather
Party, i.e., a card party with turkeys for prizes, which was a great
success. The Ushers have always had a philosophy of "Share the Wealth"
and to this day still sell 50/50 tickets to benefit the parish.
Booster Club
In December 1957 the Booster Club was organized to
promote athletic programs for the parish children. The Club grew with
the parish, donating much appreciated financial support and volunteer
time to work with the kids. The Boosters encourage all the children to
participate in the Junior Olympics and Parish Picnic annually. The Club
provides athletic equipment, uniforms, and coaching for the various
sports teams, which over the years have grown to include basketball,
soccer, football, volleyball, baseball, softball, and cheerleading.
Club membership now includes men who once wore the familiar green and
white uniforms. Over the years the Booster Club has been the helping
hands of the parish, preparing playing fields, constructing the Tot
Lot, finishing the Shepherd's Room, and transforming the first
temporary church to a gym. The friendships that developed through the
Booster Club have remained strong throughout the years.
Knights of Columbus
The Knights of Columbus is the largest order of Catholic
men today. The Robert H. Jones Council, established in October 1947,
and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, is the largest council
in Michigan. Originally started as a club for Catholic immigrants, the
organization has evolved with multifaceted, family centered activities.
The Knights are well known for their works of charity, including
building wheelchair ramps, raising funds for the mentally and
physically challenged, and supporting pro life causes. The Council has
always been committed to Catholic education and supports Good Shepherd
Grade School and Aquinas High School.
Holy Name Society
The Holy Name Society was established in 1949 and
revitalized in 1956 with a membership of over 600 parish men. The men
attended Mass together one Sunday a month and men from the organization
served at the Mass in lieu of the altar boys. By the 1960s, however,
the Holy Name Society dissolved. In 1952 the St. Vincent de Paul
Society was formed at Good Shepherd and has been helping people in the
parish ever since. When the Society receives a referral, a team of
volunteer workers makes a home visit, then interviews and intervenes as
needed. The family may receive a gift certificate for a supermarket,
voucher to use at the vicariate food depot, or money to help with a
delinquent household bill. In 1996 the Society made 108 home visits and
distributed 45 Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets. The Society meets
the needs of so many through the generosity of the parishioners annual
collection, the poor boxes, and the food collections.
Women of Good Shepherd
The Ladies Society was founded during the parish's first
year. In the early days the group did much fund raising work for the
parish. Christmas card and rummage sales supported projects like the
school library. In 1958 the Ladies Society affiliated with the
Arch-Confraternity of Christian Mothers. After Vatican II the role of
the laity changed and so did the role of the organization. Now called
"The Women of Good Shepherd", open to all women of the parish, married,
single, and religious, the organization connected itself to the Council
of Catholic Women. While the Women of Good Shepherd still raise money
through the rummage sales, salad luncheon, Arts & Crafts Fair, and
card party, they are now intertwined with the Ministries of the parish.
They organize evenings for education and reflection, visit the sick,
prepare funeral luncheons, and do the altar care. They continue to be
an integral and vital part of the parish community.
Senior Citizens
The Senior Citizens officially organized as a group in
January 1971. The group was intended as a social organization and still
serves that purpose, providing friendship and companionship for its
members. Over the years the Seniors have seen many of its original
members pass away, but they continue to be a supportive network of
friends.
Choir
From Mr. John McKenzie to the present Music Director,
Ms. Linda Fox, the Choir at Good Shepherd has always practiced very
hard, brought spirit and joy to parish celebrations. Since the 1990s
Cantors have lead the parish in song at weekend masses.
Scouts
Over the years Girl Scouts and Campfire Groups have been
at Good Shepherd. The Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts however have been
constantly present since 1951. Originally Troop L 10, the troop split
into two units in 1956, creating Troop 1381. While never a Boy Scout
himself, Fr. Torzewski accompanied the Scouts on campouts and said Mass
in the woods for them. Over the years several young men have earned the
Ad Altare Dei Medal, the Catholic award for scouting, and have achieved
the rank of Eagle Scout. Fr. Redwick, a Star Scout himself, continued
the tradition of supporting Scouting at Good Shepherd, a tradition that
continues to this day.
Looking Ahead
What the future holds can never be known for certain,
but change and growth and challenge will be part of it.
New parish offices were just completed that allows for
fully accessible offices as well as separating the office space from
the living quarters for the first time. In 1999 a new Activities
Building was completed with the support of over 1100 families
contributing. It includes a full-size gym attached to the school, along
with a cafeteria for the school students.
The school has opened a pre-K 4 year old program and a
pre-K 3 year old one. A Parish Endowment has been established to help
subsidize the tuition of those who need extra help.
In 1999 Aquinas High School had to be closed due to
severely declining enrollment. In 2000 the old Aquinas building and
grounds were sold to the Archdiocese of Detroit and Christ the Good
Shepherd and St. Pius split the proceeds. The parish council set aside
about ½ the money for the parish endowment and the other half
for general purposes, including the possibility of renovating the
Church.
In 2001 the parish became a one priest parish for the
first time in fifty years, due to the shortage of priests. A lay
pastoral minister came on board, Mr. Scott Anastasia, to help with the
pastoral ministry. Also, in 2002 the parish is looking toward a change
of pastors for the first time in 12 years.
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