This is a very sad day. Times like this can test our trust, perseverance, and faith. We owe a special debt of gratitude to the Transition Team who have taken on a big and difficult responsibility for the last year. Marianne Van Goethem, Mary Sue Coatsworth, Marcia Elasfahani Mehdi and Mark Boyanowski. They have taken their responsibility very seriously and prayerfully discerned very difficult questions on our behalf. Thanks also to Rev. Greg Banazak who has cared for this parish community since his arrival to our family.
What happens to the parish territory of St. Timothy parish?
The territory of that parish is reapportioned among neighboring parish/parishes to ensure that the pastoral care of those families continues. We recognize that people will attend parishes based on their own preferences, but we also ensure that neighborhoods are included in a parish territory so that pastoral care can continue to be provided.
The Archbishop has issued a decree permitting the sale of the building and the property. Church law (Canon Law) prohibits the sale of the property for a use that is contradictory to the moral life we share as a church. Eventually, any remaining assets from the sale of the property will be invested into an endowment fund which will be used for ministry in our Family of Parishes.
What happens to the sacred objects we have used for worship?
We maintain a deep respect for the sacred objects used in our worship. Once the church is closed, access to the space will no longer be available. This is done to respect the sacred objects used for worship in with respect for the faith life of St. Timothy parish community, sacred objects used for worship, are offered to the two parishes which will assume responsibility for the territory of the parish: St. Joseph, Trenton and Our Lady of the Woods. For example, the icon of St. Timothy we venerated at the end of this last mass will be displayed at Our Lady of the Woods parish in Woodhaven. The tabernacle at St. Timothy will find a home at St. Joseph parish. Items not used by those parishes will be stored for use by other parishes by the Archdiocese of Detroit. No items will be claimed for individual use or sold.
What happens to parish records: Sacramental records from St. Timothy Parish will be housed at the archives of the Archdiocese of Detroit, along with the sacramental records of other parishes in the Archdiocese who mission has been fulfilled.
The offertory collection at the closing mass will be given to support the work of the Solanus Casey Soup Kitchen.
Fr. Bob Johnson, SVD and myself are available to listen to any concerns you have. We want to continue to serve you by listening to you, and praying with you, and joining you in sharing good news of salvation that has been so faithfully proclaimed at St. Timothy parish for so many years.
Most importantly, let us keep one another in prayer as we seek to heal to continue to live the faith we have received and cherished here at St. Timothy Parish
Rev. Marc A. Gawronski
Moderator,
Disciples in Mission Family of Parishes
[email protected]