Saint Clare of Montefalco Parish — Attraction in Grosse Pointe Park

Amazing architecture, a gorgeous interior with original murals and stained glass windows, and the friendliest parishioners around! This is old school Catholicism- the way it should be! Father Andrew is the prototype of what Catholic priests should be. He is an authentic pastor and his army of volunteers makes this church very, very special.

Timeline:

1923 - Father James A. McDonald, O.S.A., pastor of St. Augustine Church in Hamtramck, was chosen to lead the building of the new St. Clare Parish. 1926 - The first Sunday Mass, held at the Colony Theater (located on Mack and Balfour) on October 3, had over 500 new parishioners in attendance over three Masses. Weekday Masses were said in a duplex at 3444 Bedford in Detroit, purchased as a temporary chapel and rectory. In November, Father Joseph Mullins arrived to assist Father McDonald. 1927 - St. Clare School building was completed and opened in September, with the Dominican Sisters from Columbus, Ohio in charge. Initial enrollment of 300 students swelled to 420 by the next year. 1929 - The Rectory, Convent and 4 additional classrooms were added. Father John L. Regnery arrived as the 2nd Pastor of St. Clare. 1931 - Father John Barthouski became the 3rd Pastor. 1936 - The 1st class to have completed all 8 grades at St. Clare graduates. 1938 - Father Philip L. Colgan is appointed the 4th Pastor of St. Clare Parish, a position he held for 29 years. 1941 - Property south of Mack between Audubon and Whittier was purchased for a new church. 1951 - Construction began on the new church. The Dedication on May 10, 1953, was performed by his Eminence, Edward Cardinal Mooney, who also laid the cornerstone. 1963 - School enrollment soared to 1,184 children. Grosse Pointe Park approved the closing of Audubon between Mack and Charlevoix so St. Clare could expand. Ground was broken for a new school building and gym, across the “street”, named The Sweeney Center in 1978. 1996 - Convent closes and is demolished, and Memorial garden and new Parish Office is dedicated the next year. 1999 - Restoration and remodeling of church, including newly-located Baptismal Font, takes place 2001 - Parish celebrates 75 years in the Community 2012 - After 86 years, the Augustinians depart and the Michaelites arrive to take charge of St. Clare Parish 2016 - Parish begins a year-long celebration of 90 Years in...

St Clare is a truly remarkable community of faithful people who make it their mission to be bold, holy, and Catholic in both their ministry and daily life. This is truly the most welcoming and friendly parish I have ever been part of, and is based out of a beautiful and historic church building. I encourage anyone who is interested in learning more to join us for a Mass or attend one of our many events. I promise that when you come as you are, you will be welcomed with open arms,...

Went to this joint for a baptism and it was a bit of a snooze fest to be honest. Don't get me wrong I respect the religion and all but come on you can make things a little more entertaining. I think the priest should crack a few jokes during mass y'know? That's...