The Malachy Message

Explore all there is to know about our St. Malachy family with the Malachy Message, our official bi-weekly church newsletter! 

Parishioner of the Week

Missed the newsletter? Find your Parishioners of the Week below! This initiative gives our community the opportunity to meet new parishioners and to learn about what makes our Family of Faith so special! 

Interested in becoming the next Parishioner of the Week? Please contact Ursula for more information!
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Rose Queentry has been a member of the St. Malachy Parish Community for 55 years, ever since she and her late husband moved to the area from St. Clair Shores back in the 60s.

Rose’s husband was an usher at the church. This helped her grow more involved with the parish as well, including keeping watch over the doors when Catechism classes were in session, and taking care of the Shrine…since the beginning of it! “You name it, I’ve done it,” she says.

In addition to helping out around St. Malachy, Rose was a ‘lunch mother’ at Black Elementary, and became quite famous around the area! Children and parents alike seem to radiate around her contagious personality, and she adds to the “family” atmosphere at our church.

The best way Rose describes St. Malachy is very friendly and open to new people, especially with all the committees and groups offered. She insists that there is none other like it. “This is my parish; I would not know how to act in another parish, and I love Fr. Joe dearly. He’s a very good priest and he’s good to all of us, especially our youth, and that’s just the way it is.”

Rose says St. Malachy has made her grow in her faith, especially with all the ways she has been involved in the parish community. She attends daily Mass, and is always willing to help out around the church. If you ever see her around, it is guaranteed that she will have a smile on her face! 

“It’s my church! This is my parish, and I love it!”

Tom Torrento has been a member of St. Malachy since 2006, after he left his previous parish in the area. He wanted to join a church like St. Angela, the parish he grew up in, as he was very active there. A coworker of Tom’s was an usher at the 7:30 am Mass, and told him about St. Malachy. “I gave it a try and was hooked from day one,” said Tom.
 
He described St. Malachy as one huge family, like many people do! “The more I got involved, the more people I got to know and now they have become very close friends of ours,” he said. “I was very involved at St. Angela, seeing that I went to grade school there, got married there, had my two oldest children go to school there, and was an usher with my father there.”
 
Now, with being very active at St. Malachy, it seems to have come full-circle. “St. Malachy is my second family and always will be,” he said. 
 
Tom enjoys Fr. Joe, with a great realization at how much the pastor has impacted his life!
 
“In my younger days as a new parent, I had to force myself to go to church,” he said. “The more you get involved, you look at things with a different perspective and that is what happened to me when I finally found a new church home.”
 
Since coming to St. Malachy, Tom wanted to get involved in as many things as he could. He joined the Men’s Club and has been Secretary for the past 10 years! For the past eight years, he has chaired the Festival Pasta Dinner with his wife, and he has been Lead-Usher at St. Malachy for the past six years.
 
This has helped him get involved with the Knights of Columbus, where he is currently the Grand Knight of the John F. Kennedy Council 5460.
 
It is in this way that St. Malachy has helped his faith… being surrounded by the many people and groups of our Parish Family!
 
 

“So in a nutshell, just getting involved and meeting different people with different ideas but having the one same thing in common…the love for God and for our fellow man.”

Rocky Mercier became a St. Malachy parishioner around three years ago, when he came from his childhood church which he was very involved in with the youth group, along with his son, Nick. St. Malachy was very associated through the two youth programs, so Rocky was familiar with both churches. When the youth group at his church disbanded, Rocky saw they weren’t meeting the youth’s needs, but St. Malachy was!
 
“I was familiar with Fr. Joe and St. Malachy because of the way we [the youth groups] have done so many things together, and so we decided as a family that we’d start going to St. Malachy,” said Rocky. “And I’m so glad we did!” 
 
Rocky explained that Fr. Joe delegates to his church, which really helps the youth and their involvement in the parish, and that Fr. Joe is the reason St. Malachy is so welcoming.
 
“I’ve never been to a church where every single week, the priest is there,” said Rocky. “He greets you at the door, and he’ll be in his umbrella and his blanket and his headgear and everything, whatever it takes, and he’ll be out in front of that church.”
 
Rocky is part of a group that brings Eucharist to members of a retirement home when they are unable to attend Mass themselves. When he stops by the church to get the Eucharist, Fr. Joe is already sitting outside the doors waiting to greet his parishioners…at 7 am!
 
The technology at St. Malachy was a turnoff for Rocky at first, but he got used to it and now prefers and admires it. He especially enjoys the livestreaming, especially since he can bring Mass anywhere!
 
Contemporary mass is also something Rocky said he enjoys, especially seeing all the young families, like his own, at St. Malachy. 
 
“It feels like a family because I know a lot of people there now, and I knew some before,” he said. “It’s welcoming, and even if they aren’t talking to me, you can just see in the atmosphere how people are talking to each other and becoming friends.”
 
Rocky explained that there are many things offered to keep his faith-journey going. He especially enjoys the people that Fr. Joe invites to the church for series like Walk Among the Saints and The Cross and the Light. Opportunities like this and others, such as Gordon’s study groups, help keep Rocky’s faith alive.
 
 

“St. Malachy is always running in the background, and I have no choice but to keep my faith going.”

Our Parishioner of the Week is extremely active in our Church, and we are sure you will recognize her!
 
Karen Chimenti has been a part of the St. Malachy community her entire life! Being as this is the only Church she has been a member at, she was baptized at St. Malachy, and made her other Sacraments within the walls here.
 
“The sacraments of First Holy Communion and Confirmation were part of my growth and formation of who I am now,” she said. “The opportunities to serve and minister, to use my gifts to serve the St. Malachy community, has helped my faith journey which has brought me closer to God.”  
 
Through the love, joy, and support she receives in the St. Malachy community, Karen described St. Malachy as her welcoming, caring, sharing, giving, and supportive Family of Faith. 
 
 

“St. Malachy is my home and second family.”

Katie and Derek Miller became members of St. Malachy in 2016 when they started a family! They both grew up in Warren and faith took a strong role in their upbringings. When the couple married in 2014, they committed to each other that they would continue their strong faith as they raise their own children.
 
Shortly after their oldest daughter, Dakota, was born, the priest at their previous church left the parish. Katie and Derek felt that they were due for change as well. Their goal was to belong to a parish that promoted fellowship, youth, and an overall uplifting feeling from attending Mass. “We truly look forward to Mass each week and the positive response we receive from bringing our family here,” said Katie. “Everyone is so kind and friendly!”
 
Katie, Derek, and Dakota attended their first 11:30 am Mass at St. Malachy in 2016, shortly before Katie became pregnant with their middle child, Savannah. “It’s been our home ever since,” she said.
 
Dakota and Savannah are both active in the children’s Catechism program, and Katie said  that their youngest daughter, Rosie, has earned the hearts of all the ushers!
 
Katie first heard about St. Malachy from her neighbor, Geri Malek, when she moved into her first home in a nearby subdivision. Geri was very involved in St. Malachy and always encouraged Katie to try the church. Derek’s parents knew Fr. Joe personally from being politically involved in the area, as Derek’s dad, Art Miller, was a State Senator for many years!
 
While both of these connections have helped a lot with the transition to St. Malachy, the people of the church have created a family for Derek and Katie. “We’ve been through some really hard things since 2020,” Katie said. “There were several people in church that seemed like perfect strangers, but became our biggest cheerleaders and now friends.”
 
Katie and Derek agreed that belonging to a church they enjoy coming to has made the effort of attending every week with three young children incredibly worth it.
 
 

“We continue to wish that more parents would bring their children, as we often don’t see as many young parishioners as we would like.”

Frank Farina has been a member of St. Malachy for 53 years, after his wife and he moved into the neighborhood. They were married about two and a half years, and both became members when Fr. Ghelfi was pastor. 

Frank said St. Malachy truly embodies a faith-family, and our parish is very active compared to others in the area. While it is more difficult to get volunteers, the Church still has so many activities that get the community involved.

“I was very blessed in my business for a while, but this brought me back to what is really important,” Frank said. “After I retired, I decided I was lucky and that I should give back for the many blessings I’ve gotten here.” 

Frank explained that the core group of leadership in the parish is the biggest blessing, especially Fr. Joe. “He is very generous to us, and I think he really feels that we are family to him.”

Frank said he has made most of his friends through St Malachy. He was president of the St. Malachy Baseball Program for the kids in the area, and he was on the Parish Council for ten years! Now, he is the St. Malachy Men’s Club Treasurer, and he always has a wonderful time with his crew at all the events they plan! 

St. Malachy has given Frank many blessings, and he is certain it will do the same for you! 

Mary Anne Kadets has attended St. Malachy since 1978, when she and her husband moved to the area. During their 20s, they lived in Detroit and were very involved in their parish downtown. Her husband was an usher there and she was in the Women’s Society.
 
However, they lived in an apartment together and were looking for a home. They bought a house by St. Malachy and commuted back and forth to their parish in Detroit for about three months. Eventually, the drive became too much to handle, and they decided to change to St. Malachy, which took a lot of adjusting. As many know, the change was worth it!
 
Having described St. Malachy as a very friendly and generous community, Mary Anne worked in the Christian Service Group and has been in charge of the Giving Tree, the Tree of Life, and the School Supply Drive. “I cannot believe that even in times when it is really hard and you wouldn’t think you’re gonna get a whole lot, the pouring in is just unbelievable,” she said. Mary Anne has also Eucharistic ministered for 30 years and was a member of the Parish Council.
 
Mary Anne has met a lot of people attending St. Malachy for as many years as she has. She said she attends the 9:30 am Mass, and has gotten to know the people who sit around her. “The more you get involved, the more you learn about people,” she said. “You get to know them and their families and if they’re not in church you wonder where they are.”
 
When her mother passed away, a stranger walked up to Mary Anne and gave her a hug, saying how sorry she was. After that, Mary Anne got to know her quite well. It is in this way that St. Malachy is a family.
 
Mary Anne expressed that it is hard NOT to talk to people at St. Malachy. “It’s a family…you come into church and you meet people and you greet people,” she said. “I even told my husband, if we ever move, I couldn’t give up this parish…we’d have to come back.”
 
She claimed that even going to Mass up north feels different because it is not Fr. Joe, whose homilies are always personal and informative to his community. 
 
Throughout her life, Mary Anne always attended Church and never wavered, but she said she has never had the same feeling of belonging that she does at St. Malachy.
 
 

“I think St. Malachy has made me stronger…I used to go to church because I had to, but now I go because I want to.”

Steve Smith is one of the rocking faces of our Contemporary Choir! With his talented guitar solos and his dedication to ministering through music, let’s get to know him a little bit more!
 
Steve joined the St. Malachy community three years ago, and he claimed it as one of the best moves of his life!
 
Steve lives close to the church, and he first became interested in St. Malachy when a former guitar student of his told him to come check it out. Luckily for Steve, he did, and his life changed forever.
 
“When I saw the Contemporary Choir play, I watched them having so much fun singing these amazing, uplifting worship songs,” he said. “I had to be part of that!”
 
Steve said he is forever grateful for Fr. Joe, former St. Malachy Music Director, Cat Dacpano, and the rest of the “Contemporary Crew” for letting him be part of the group.
 
He described St. Malachy’s congregation and staff as a warm, friendly, and inviting bunch. “It’s a very cool vibe we have here,” he said. 
 
Being a member of the Contemporary Choir really highlights the “family” aspect of the church for Steve. “Being part of the Contemporary Choir, together we try to bring these amazing worship songs to our congregation,” he said. “The support and love we receive back from them far exceeds all the hard work we put in.”
 
Steve said his faith journey has really taken off since becoming a member of St. Malachy, especially through the songs he plays weekly. He said they help guide, inspire, and remind us just how great our God is!
 
Nick and Emily Kostrzeba have been dedicated members of the St. Malachy parish for a long time! Nick began attending over 20 years ago, because his parents live in the connecting subdivision of the church.
 
Previously, they attended St. Martin de Porres, but visited St. Malachy on occasion. It was not until high school that Nick joined the Youth Group and attended St. Malachy on a regular basis. “I really connected with the community and Fr. Joe’s vision for building that community,” Nick said. 
 
When Nick started dating Emily, they both went to St. Malachy. They were married by Fr. Joe at the church in 2008, and had three children, all of whom Fr. Joe baptized! “One thing we really value about St. Malachy is the community,” said Nick. “There is such a diversity of people who all come together to support each other in their Faith and to be the best person they can be.”
 
Nick and Emily said Fr. Joe has done an amazing job with evangelization. They feel he has found a way to meaningfully incorporate the youth into all aspects of the parish, and that it has made St. Malachy so special. “When Emily and I moved to northern Macomb township, we tried multiple parishes, but always found our way back to St. Malachy, even with the long drive,” Nick said.
 
Nick and Emily agreed that St. Malachy provides multiple opportunities to support its Faith. Their children are enrolled in the Religious Education classes, and as parents, they are still learning and growing as they support their children in developing their Faith. 
 
The couple said they feel there is something for everyone: “From virtual mass and Saint of the Day videos, to committees, clubs, and events like the parish festival or Halloween party.” 
 
With each aspect of the church building on to the concept of community, Nick and Emily explained that St. Malachy allows parishioners to connect, learn, and grow in an environment that best supports their needs.
 

 

“The parish feels energized and relevant.”

While Karen Koval was raised primarily in the Byzantine Catholic Church and attended a Roman Catholic school in Detroit, she left the Catholic Church a little over 50 years ago.
 
However, she enjoyed the peer influence and wanted friends who showed love and acceptance. During the next few years, Karen attended various non-denominational churches and was even trained and given pastoral and chaplain accreditations.
 
She was also involved in teaching at some local non-denominational schools and attended dance classes at a Christian dance school. There, she ministered in dance and eventually learned sign-mime interpretation of worship songs!
 
As the years passed, Karen found herself longing for her Catholic roots. “I wanted to worship with a community where the emphasized core values included gentleness, humility, mercy, living simply,” she said. “Jesus is gentle and humble of heart.” 
 
Karen gave up her pastoral and chaplain accreditations and became more familiar with what was being taught by the Catholic Church, as opposed to what people think they know about the faith. 
 
She began visiting different local churches as she searched for the community God wanted her to be involved in. “When I came to St. Malachy, I felt the most at home,” she said. Karen has been attending Mass at St. Malachy since the fall of 2016. 
 
Karen described St. Malachy as a welcoming community, and she enjoys Fr. Joe’s homilies because they teach the values she was searching for in the past (gentleness, humility, mercy, and living simply.)
 
She began participating in some of the ministry groups, such as helping with the Shrine and assisting with the Hospitality Ministry. However, she found her greatest purpose in the Worship Choir!
 
While it takes time to get to know people, Karen has met a variety of individuals throughout her time at St. Malachy who are truly committed to loving Jesus.
 
“I am so very thankful to have found them and to see them at Mass regularly,” she said. 
 
Being part of St. Malachy has given Karen a home where she can use the many gifts and graces God has granted her!
 

 

“It is a place where I make many mistakes – and through the love and patience of others, I continue to learn how God wants to adjust my heart, attitude, and responses to be more like those of Jesus: gentle and humble of heart, while speaking the Truth of the Kingdom of God.”

Corey Sanborn grew up in Detroit when he was a child, and Fr. Joe was the pastor of the church he attended. He altar served for many years and ultimately grew to know him very well! When Corey was in eighth grade, Fr. Joe left to attend a new church.
 
“I remember being in the basement of the church where we had a farewell party for him and thinking to myself I’ll never see him again,” Corey said. “I was a kid, so it wasn’t like I could follow him.”
 
Years later, Corey graduated from St. Alphonsus High School in Dearborn, moved to Eastpointe, got married at St. Basil, and he and his wife, Jaime, became parishioners there.
 
Together, they started a family of two daughters, Olivia and Brianna. They moved to Sterling Heights four years later. Again, it was time to find a new church.
 
“I wanted a modern church, not the same boring Catholic church that I grew up in,” Corey explained. “I wanted upbeat music, and I wanted my kids to want to go instead of being forced to go.” 
 
He attended a new church in the neighborhood every Sunday in hopes of finding a good fit. “I went to St. Anne in Warren, St. Basil Byzantine in Sterling Heights, and a couple of others,” he said. “One Sunday, it was St. Malachy’s turn.”
 
Without remembering where Fr. Joe had ended up, Corey was completely shocked when he saw the familiar face walking down the aisle. Then, the music started. He was hooked.
 
Corey reconnected with Fr. Joe after Mass, and he went home to tell Jaime that he had finally found their new church.
 
He and his family officially started attending St. Malachy in April of 2008. “Between Fr. Joe’s homilies and the music from the Contemporary Choir, there is no better church,” he said. 
 
Corey and Jaime have brought friends and family members to visit St. Malachy, and have received the same comments on how great it is. “Everyone is so welcoming, and we’ve made some great friends over the years,” said Corey. “I love how Fr. Joe engages with the kids and gets them involved.”
 
Corey and his family really enjoy the Holy Hours, Youth Ministry, Faith Formation program, modern technology, and the website that St. Malachy offers.
 
“I don’t know if we will ever move again,” Corey said. “But we better plan to commute on Sunday mornings because I’m staying at St. Malachy.” 

Lindsey and Ken Jeffers began attending St. Malachy in 2009 when they first met. In fact, they got engaged after 5 o’clock Mass on October 26th, 2010! Ken showed Lindsey all the paver stones on the outdoor shrine that held his family’s handprints before proposing to her with their own stone. “You can find it outside near the fountain, where it reads, ‘Lindsey Dennis and Ken Jeffers engaged 10-26-10,’” Lindsey said. “Getting engaged just outside the church really clenched it for us.”
 
St. Malachy quickly became their permanent church where they got married and had their children make their First Communion and get Baptized.
 
Ken and Lindsey had first heard about St. Malachy through Ken’s grandparents, Joan and Lannie Jeffers, who are highly involved with the parish. They used to live near St. Malachy, and they continue attending even though they moved further away.
 
Lindsey best describes the church as friendly and family-like. “The people here are amazing,” she said. “I love seeing the familiar faces and people coming up and asking how our boys are doing because they remember us coming when they were infants.”
 
The Jeffers family helps out with the festival each year, helping organize the basket raffle, cooking the fish dinner on Friday, and working the ice cream booth! 
 
Ken and Lindsey attend Faith Formation with their children, and their eldest will be joining FROG in a few years. “I like how Faith Formation makes learning about our faith fun and interactive,” Lindsey said. “Our youngest, Paul, is going to be making his First Communion this year!”
 
Ken and Lindsey both agree that being part of St. Malachy has helped them learn how faith can be vibrant and interactive.
 
Diana Tomsha has been a St. Malachy parishioner for over 35 years, when she and her husband, Jeff, moved from Harper Woods to Sterling Heights in 1985.
 
“One reason I decided to become a parishioner here is because I felt comfortable attending Mass,” she said.  “The priest, [at the time], was a good homilist and the music was appealing.
 
Diana expresses that the St. Malachy parish is a caring, generous, faith-in-action community, with opportunities for all ages that encourage them to grow in faith in-person and online. There are many groups and areas to volunteer where people share their God-given talents with the parish.
 
“To me, a family supports each other and works together no matter what,” she said. “I find that here at St. Malachy.”
 
Over many years of volunteering and working at St. Malachy, Diana has met many wonderful faith-filled people who are supportive, kind, and giving. She explained that she is more prayerful than she was before she began working at St. Malachy in the Christian Formation Office with her friends, Pat Whelan, Jo Marjan, and Henri Steiner.
 
“They prayed a lot!!! If we lost something – we prayed to St. Anthony or the Holy Spirit,” she said. “If someone was sick or dying, we prayed for them; If a person came into the office and wanted to volunteer, especially when we were praying for more volunteers, we prayed a prayer of thanksgiving. Prayer is a very important part of my daily life.”
 
Diana said her faith-life has been greatly enhanced (in-person and online) by the many programs offered at this parish. She enjoys attending Holy Hours, Stations of the Cross, First Friday Devotions, Adoration, concerts, Advent Series, Holy Week services, and many more!  Online, she finds God working in her through  Fr. Joe’s different series such as the Saint of the Day videos and Lenten Reflections. She enjoys the live-streamed Masses, Children’s Liturgy of the Word, and the weekly bulletin and newsletter.
 
With so much to be involved in, Diana has truly found her Family of Faith here at St. Malachy! 
 
Donna Cieslak is a brand new parishioner here at St. Malachy! Only registering to the parish less than two weeks ago, we wanted to hear her story!
 
Donna first visited St. Malachy when she attended a family funeral hosted at the church. Although under unfortunate circumstances, she was impressed at what was offered!
 
In addition to the funeral, Donna has also visited Sunday Masses, the annual Summer Fest, fish fries, [and more] at St. Malachy for about six months!
 
She had attended another parish for quite some time before switching to our Family of Faith, but was unhappy there. She explained that she had stayed to fulfill her commitments of volunteering, which ended in March.
 
“My first impression of St. Malachy was the warmth and friendliness shown to me, even as a stranger,” said Donna. “I can see how all the parishioners seem so happy to be a part of this church, and the best way to describe St. Malachy is caring, welcoming and fulfilling!”
 
Donna said people cannot help but feel like part of a family at this parish. She loves the music and sees how it is an important part of the Mass. 
 
Overall, Donna seems to have found the perfect spot in our Family of Faith! If you see her around, make sure to give her a friendly St. Malachy welcome! 
 
Annie Butzu has been a member of the St. Malachy parish her entire life! Her parents were members of the church, and she and her sister were both baptized at St. Malachy.
 
Annie was also part of the high-school youth group, and worked in the parish office. In fact, that was her very first job! “As part of our office staff back then, I got to be one of the first people to meet and welcome Fr. Joe here!” she said. “He’s been a close friend ever since, and I’m blessed to know him!”
 
She made all her sacraments at St. Malachy, and Fr. Joe had the honor officiating the wedding between her husband and her, and baptizing their son!
 
Annie has always been involved in St. Malachy, even as a kid! She played softball for the church and was a member of the high school youth group, ROCK, where she met her lifelong friends. 
 
Once she made her Confirmation, she became a Eucharistic Minister like her mother, and later became a lector. “I love getting the opportunity every month to read during Mass as it’s helped me gain a deeper understanding of the Readings, and in that it’s helped make the Mass even more meaningful,” she said.
 
She has also sponsored several parishioners in their journey to become Catholic. “Those opportunities were such blessings as I was able to share with someone else – a stranger to St. Malachy at first – what it meant to not only be Catholic, but to also be a part of something so much bigger than ourselves.”
 
As others have often mentioned it, Annie couldn’t help but fully agree that St. Malachy is a family…one that walks and grows together. “I love that I feel this way about my church,” she added.
 
Every Sunday, she is greeted by the familiar faces of those who have watched her grow up. Now they watch her son grow up! “Our parish family, led by Fr. Joe, helps me to continue to grow in my faith, learn about God’s love and mercy, and has always been a driving force in my life,” she said. “I love our parish family and I’m grateful to my parents for teaching me about my faith by instilling in me a love for Jesus and Mass.”
 
After she graduated high school, Annie went away to Central Michigan University to complete her undergraduate degree. While she was away, she didn’t attend church regularly. Although her campus had a parish, it just didn’t feel like St. Malachy. “It never felt like home, and I didn’t know many of the people there,” she said. “My friends at school didn’t go to church, so I usually sat by myself – always in a different pew, which is also strange, because at St. Malachy, we all know where we sit…we have ‘our’ pews!”
 
After a while, she stopped attending altogether. 
 
Once she moved back home, Annie knew something was missing for her. Her grandmother had moved in with her family, and she knew that she didn’t have much time left with her. She realized God had given her the gift to finally attend Mass every week with her family for the first time since she could remember.
 
So she went back to church.
 
“That’s when I discovered that missing piece – it was Mass, but it was also being back among family and close friends, all of us praying and worshiping together – that’s what I had been missing,” she explained. “Once I found it, I knew I couldn’t lose it ever again.”
 
She knew that Mass at St. Malachy needed to be part of her life to help her grow and know Jesus better than ever. “Sometimes, you have to miss something for a while to really understand what it means to you.”
 
For Annie, coming back to St. Malachy felt like coming home.
 
Every Sunday, she feels a sense of home and the love of Jesus in the greetings to one another, in the music, in the prayers, and in Fr. Joe’s words, reminding everyone that Jesus is always there…even when you leave for a bit. “He’s there when we come back, and He’s waiting for us with open arms, welcoming us back home and teaching us how to love and follow Him.”
 

Dan Nicholson has been a member of St. Malachy for 31 years, after hearing about it from his wife, Colette. Colette and her family were parishioners at the church, and when they decided to get married, Dan continued his faith journey at St. Malachy!

He became involved in many different ministries at the church, but the first thing he did was  coach his daughters, Rachel and Emma in the summer Girl’s Softball League. After that, he started volunteering for the Summer Festival set-up and teardown, and he still enjoys doing that!

“I was asked to be a sponsor for a young man in our RCIA/OCIA program,” said Dan. “After that experience, I was asked to join the RCIA/OCIA Team, and I continue to help women and men in their journey of faith in becoming Catholic.” Dan has also served as a member of the Prayer Ministry.

“Now that I’m retired, it is a true blessing to attend daily mass and to help make pierogi,” he said. “I even had the opportunity to tell our youth how much daily Mass means to me when our DRE, Julie, asked me to speak at a Family Faith Formation class.”

To Dan, St. Malachy is caring. 

“From Fr. Joe, to the office staff, to the RCIA/OAIC Team, to the Men’s Club, to the Summer Festival Team, to the Women’s Club… they all care about our parish family.”

Dan explained that St. Malachy has made his faith journey rich and full because of the opportunities he was given to get involved.

 

“If there is only one message I can give to someone looking to increase their faith, it is this: get involved!”

We are thrilled to introduce our new St. Malachy Music Director, Eric Taylor, as our Parishioner of the Week! We think Eric is quite talented and will make a phenomenal asset to our St. Malachy Family! Let’s learn a little more about Eric Taylor:
 
Can you give a little background about yourself? Education, job experience, etc.
 
E: I earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Music Education and a Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Wayne State University. Since 2012, I have been a music teacher, working with students from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. I also conduct an adult choir, Aeolian Chorale (Dearborn), during the summer.
 
While this is my first official “Director of Music” role, I have been involved in church music throughout my life, serving as a musician, cantor, choir member, and children’s choir director. Most recently, I was a Tenor for the “Schola Cantorum of Detroit” at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. I have also taught choirs at the collegiate level, teaching a semester at Sacred Heart Major Seminary.
 
How about your faith journey? How did you become so passionate about serving Our God? 
 
E: As a baptized and confirmed Catholic, my journey towards a life of service began when I was young. I’ve always felt a calling to serve the Church in various ways, such as lectoring at school Masses or being an altar server. However, singing in the school choir during Christmas has always been a highlight. My passion for singing and living the faith has stayed with me throughout my life.
 
What is a fun fact about yourself that nobody else knows?
 
E: I’m a fan of game shows like Jeopardy, The Chase, and Wheel of Fortune. I even appeared on one last year and had a memorable adventure meeting Jay Leno on “You Bet Your Life.”
 
In your spare time, what do you like to do for fun/relaxation?
 
E: I enjoy playing tennis, socializing with friends, traveling to new places (just went to the Grand Canyon last summer), and spending time with my dog, Lovey. Recently, I’ve also started playing Nintendo Switch, thanks to the encouragement of my younger siblings (Jonpaul and Malen). And yes, I love sharing puns!
 
What does being a music director mean to you?
 
E: Being a music director means using my passion for music and faith to create a rich, uplifting worship experience for the congregation. It involves selecting and directing music that complements the liturgy, and fostering an environment where everyone feels encouraged to share their gifts in praise of God. As a music director, I see my role as a servant leader, guiding and inspiring others to express their faith through song and contribute to the unity and vibrancy of our Family of Faith.
 
What is your favorite type of music to work with in the church? How about your favorite music to listen to on the radio?
 
E: I appreciate all types of music, having grown up in a musical household. My current playlist includes pop, jazz, Broadway, and classical. I approach church music similarly, aiming to support the liturgy and stir souls with a variety of styles and genres.
 
Can you walk us through the process of why you chose St. Malachy? What made us stand out?
 
E: A colleague introduced me to St. Malachy, and I applied out of curiosity. After my interview and audition, I was deeply moved by the Liturgy and the congregation’s participation in worship. Their powerful, beautiful singing exemplified what it means to be a Family of Faith.
 
What do you hope to gain from becoming part of our Family of Faith?
 
E: By joining the Family of Faith at St. Malachy, I hope to deepen my own spiritual growth and connection to the Church, while also enriching the faith lives of others. I look forward to building strong relationships with parishioners, learning from their experiences and wisdom, and working together to create a vibrant, welcoming community. I am excited to contribute my musical talents and passion for worship to support the liturgy and to foster a sense of unity and shared purpose in praising God.
 
What do you think you will bring to our congregation, both in-person and online?
 
E: I hope to share my love for the Lord through music, serving in various roles during Mass, and even offering some online discussions about lesser-known church music gems. I aim to bring these pieces into focus for our liturgy.
 
What is your biggest goal for this parish in your first year here?
 
E: My primary goal is to support the liturgy and encourage everyone to lift their voices to God. I invite those who love to sing or play instruments to join our choirs or Handbell Choir. I look forward to hearing the voices of our congregation every Sunday!
 
Our Parishioner of the Week looks a bit different in this edition. It’s me, Ursula Krause! I am the creator of this newsletter, and I’ve decided to give a bit more about this ‘wizard behind the curtain.’
 
I am a ‘Cradle Catholic’ and was brought up in the religion by my Catholic parents. When I was too little to understand church, my brother, Erik, and I would go to Mass at St. Malachy with my parents. (I remember eating Cheerios and coloring in the pews like most kids do!) However, when I was in first grade, we attended Catholic school. Therefore, we had to switch parishes.
 
My brother and I attended Catholic school until we graduated 8th grade, and one Christmas Eve, we decided we didn’t want to drive all the way there for Mass. St. Malachy was only a few blocks away, so we got in the car and went to Mass. It is safe to say, we did not understand the etiquette of holiday Masses at St. Malachy. We were ON TIME for Mass and got stuck in the overflow seats in the Gathering Space. 
 
Without the technology we have now at St. Malachy, it was very hard to see what was going on during Mass, but stepping through the doors into the Sanctuary was just like stepping into a new world…time literally stopped.
 
I was amazed to see the instruments of the Contemporary Choir and the bright colors and the PEOPLE! I never knew Mass could be so exciting! I don’t think I stopped smiling until we left after Mass ended. From then on, it was a silent family-consensus that St. Malachy was our new church (again.)
 
Throughout the years, St. Malachy has always been a lifeboat to me, and I have never felt so connected to a community. After 8th grade, I went to Cousino High School, and the transition from Catholic school to public school was scary. However, on my first day of Freshman year, I met a group of people that would become my best friends (to this day.) 
 
It is ironic that I found the biggest group of Catholics in that school on my first day, and even more ironic when they told me they were a part of the youth group at St. Malachy. 
 
While I didn’t think I needed more church-time (after spending eight years engulfed in it) I refused to go with them. After all, why go to church when you don’t have to?
 
One day my friends just showed up at to house and dragged me to ROCK…and I never left. My first Steubenville Conference is where I truly met Christ.
 
Getting involved at St. Malachy is addictive. You don’t even mean to do it, but it just happens and it eventually becomes the happiest part of your week. I don’t have any other words to describe the parish other than “family”, and seeing as that is a common denominator in everyone’s faith journeys, I can attest that it is one-hundred percent true.
 
I loved being involved in the youth groups and Contemporary Choir so much that I got a job here! Being the Digital Media Manager has been such a blessing, and I have learned so much about many of the people I see every weekend.
 
Receiving my bachelor’s degree in Journalism from Wayne State, and my minor in Public Relations, I am honored to use it for a community such as my family at St. Malachy. 
 
I am thankful to be involved in a church as inviting and loving as St. Malachy. Fr. Joe makes us fall in love with the Gospels, the music takes you away to your own place with Christ, the technology and media reaches people around the world, and the fellowship is like none other. 
 

 

“St. Malachy is truly the best thing that has ever happened to me.”

Dave and Lauren Corbat have been very prominent members of the St. Malachy community for many years. How did it begin?
 
Dave said he joined St. Malachy when he was in second grade, after his parents switched parishes to attend here. Dave got involved in the youth ministry and attended Steubenville. That’s where he met Lauren, and the rest was history. 
 
Lauren was a member of the youth ministry at St. Martin de Porres, and both groups did a lot together. She and Dave attended college at Grand Valley State University, and when they got married in 2016, Lauren joined the St. Malachy community. They both fell in love with ministry life at the parish, and became leaders of their own. 
 
Dave has been in the contemporary choir since 2009 as a founding member, and it led him to invest his time in the Media Ministry. Lauren became Youth Minister for the high school youth group, ROCK, in 2020. 
 
“I became a youth minister because the Youth Ministry helped me grow in my faith, and I want to help facilitate that for others and for my daughter,” said Lauren. 
 
Dave said the most rewarding part of his ministries is that he can use his gifts to serve the people of St. Malachy and to help bring them closer to God. “I do it, and it’s just whatever happens,” he said.
 
This past spring, Dave and Lauren had a very important addition to their tiny family. Their baby girl was born and has already won over the hearts of St. Malachy!
 
Having both parents in ministry at the church is a wonderful way for her to acclimate to her faith, and we are so excited to see what this community has to offer her. 
 
“Having a baby brings a new challenge to serving here, but it is rewarding because we are building these ministries up so that she can grow in her faith in these ministries in the future,” said Dave. 
 
The Corbats truly believe that St. Malachy is a great and welcoming community, and they are both proud to be bringing people and themselves closer to God. 
 
“I don’t know where I would be in my faith life if my parents didn’t end up coming to St. Malachy,” Dave said. 
 
Having gone through so much in the parish regarding his faith journey, it makes him think that their lives would have been much different.
 
“Second grade was so long ago, and I went through Religious Ed, Steubenville, and got involved at Malachy,” he said. “If we didn’t come here, would I have gone to Steubenville?” 
 
Would he have kicked off his faith journey? And in turn, would he have met Lauren?
 
“Regardless, here we are,” he said. “Thank God for that.”
 
Pat and Bob Alexander met in the early 70s, when they both were a part of the Folk Group at St. John’s Student Parish at Michigan State University. Together, they were long-term choir members at a church in Warren, but declining membership and finances diminished the music program. Knowing they couldn’t worship without singing, Pat and Bob had to find a thriving choir and a church that felt like home. 
 

 After church-hopping for a few months, they visited St. Malachy one Christmas Eve at the Midnight Mass. Immediately, they were drawn in. “We loved the warm feeling of children singing carols on the altar while Fr. Joe played the cello,” Pat said. “We were impressed with the Worship Choir, reminding us of the group we sorely missed.” 

Pat and Bob officially joined St. Malachy in 2010, and they were warmly welcomed into the Worship Choir. Feeling very blessed and honored to participate in the St. Malachy Music Ministry, the couple gradually joined the ranks of cantors.

“Much of the music is directly linked to the Scriptures, and this enhances our faith journey,” Pat said. “On a lighter note, we also feel the occasional terror when the voice becomes froggy and we have to drink some hot ginger tea, eat a Chimes cough drop, and send a quick prayer to the Holy Spirit for assistance!”

Not only do they feel their fellow choristers are extended family, but the sense of family also comes from other parishioners at St. Malachy. 

“Our security and hospitality teams make a point to smile, chat and be welcoming,” Pat said. “Our Men’s Club and Women’s Club put in many hours to host events we can all enjoy, and those who help with religious instruction and the sacraments are behind-the-scenes heroes.”

Pat and Bob feel that a big draw to those considering joining our Family of Faith is the respect and nurturing that St. Malachy shows to the children of its community.

“There are so many ways our youth are involved in church liturgies, groups, and

outside activities,” Pat said. “This helps make the church more relevant to the kids, and keeps them engaged and wanting to remain involved long after they become adults.”

Although Pat and Bob’s two daughters were adults before they arrived at St. Malachy, their three grandchildren from Toulouse, France were all baptized here by Father Joe!

“We are grateful to St. Malachy for embracing us,” Pat said. “And we, in turn, will do our best to live up to the Marty Haugen song, All Are Welcome In This Place.”

Brad Brown grew up in the St. Malachy parish for almost 27 years! His family moved into the area and became parishioners at the church before he was born, where they became permanent residents of the St. Malachy Family!
 
One of the first things Brad became involved in at the parish was the Vacation Bible Camp program. He was still in elementary school, but eventually helped work the program when he was older with his closest friends.
 
Not only did Brad grow up in St. Malachy’s Faith Formation crowd, but he also became part of the church’s middle- and high-school youth groups: FROG and ROCK. 
 
He explained that being a part of the Youth Ministry introduced him to some of the best people he ever met! “Every meeting was a blast, there was always something new and exciting to do, and it was great to learn about my faith with other people my age, some of whom I am still best friends with today!” he said.
 
When Brad went into college, he realized he needed to find work. He quickly knew what he had to do…join the St. Malachy Staff. “Already having an established connection with a lot of parishioners and Father Joe made it easy to fit right in,” he said.
 
Brad’s favorite part of being on staff at the parish is the people he works with. “We work great together, work through problems to the best of our abilities, share many laughs at lunch, and always have each others’ backs!” he said. 
 
St. Malachy has always felt like a family to him, and he recognizes that the parishioners, volunteers, and staff love what they do, and that they love being around each other.
 
“Being here my entire life, it was easy to make friends, get involved with the various events, like our SummerFest, and be excited to practice my faith,” said Brad. 
 
Growing up in the St. Malachy Family has helped in his faith journey immensely. He said he owes a majority of it to being part of the youth groups, as they made it easy to learn about the faith. 
 
“Going on the annual Steubenville trip with the ROCK Youth Group opened my eyes to what our faith really means,” he said. “It’s a powerful experience, and something I will cherish forever.”
 
Christina Wouters joined the St. Malachy Family and became a parishioner of the church 12 years ago after occasionally joining her grandparents and parents for Mass here. Christina explained that she loved how relatable Fr. Joe’s homilies were, the music, and the involvement opportunities. 
 

“Our children were beginning school and we wanted to get them enrolled in a good catechism program,” she said. “We loved our prior parish and priest, but for all those reasons we felt the switch to St. Malachy was the right move for us.”

Christina is currently a minister in Hospitality at St. Malachy. Her goal for the ministry is to ensure every person entering our church knows that he or she belongs. 
 
“I hope the ministry has helped to create a truly welcoming environment for everyone,” she said. “Nobody should leave church feeling negative; our role in Hospitality is to support God, the priest, and the Music Ministry in refreshing and motivating churchgoers so that they leave church feeling better equipped to carry out God’s Will.”
 
She became involved because the ministry was looking for volunteers, and she felt compelled to teach her children the importance of volunteering their time for others.
 
“Frankly, I did not have much ‘free time,’ and it started as a low-commitment role that would get my family to Mass regularly,” Christina explained. “The bonus was that my kids enjoyed helping and ‘sneaking out’ of Mass right after Communion to set things up.”
 
About a year later, staffing changes took place and Christina was offered the leadership role. She has been there ever since!
Having met so many wonderful people and having had an opportunity to remain involved in the parish during the very busy child-rearing years, Christina is thankful for the safety of St. Malachy.
 
“Oftentimes, in our busy lives, the family dynamic felt stressed,” she said. “But attending, participating in, and contributing to the Mass was like a weekly reset, a reminder to focus on what really matters and to be more kind and forgiving.”
Christina’s husband, Brian, and the rest of her family have pitched in for various volunteering needs over the years, such as ushering, loading donated clothes into the trailer, sorting Thanksgiving food donations, getting stuck vehicles out of the mud and grass on Christmas Eve, volunteering at the summer festival, and so much more!
 

Their son, Devin, began altar serving around 10 years old, and had just graduated high school in May! Their daughter, Avery, was in the Genesis Choir, altar served and participated in FROG activities.

Though we all have literal family, neighbors, and friends who are parishioners, through volunteering, Christina said she has met so many wonderful people within St. Malachy… people she feels are an extension of her family. 

 
“Sunday morning is like a weekly check-in with friends; we chat a bit before Mass, celebrate the Mass together and then have a cup of coffee and chat a little more afterward,” she said. “Our kids were able to celebrate their sacraments with some of their best friends, and we have run into so many friends from school and athletics, work colleagues, and so many others over the years.”
 

She explained that if they walk into church for Mass, they will definitely have friends inside somewhere. By standing at the doors greeting others, she gets the opportunity to catch them all as they enter and exit. “Now when we’re out in the community we enjoy seeing church friends around town,” she added.

Christina believes that faith is definitely a journey…one that should never end!

 
“If I’m being honest, as much as we love St. Malachy, we don’t always want to go to church as we have many other things in our lives competing for our time and attention,” she admitted. “But, through our attendance and involvement, we’ve come to understand that while all those other things are fun and good, they are also an opportunity for the enemy to drive a wedge between us and God; to distract us from the benefits of being in a relationship with God.” 
 
One of her favorite parts of being Catholic is receiving Eucharist. She knows this creates a positive experience at church, serving as a great weekly opportunity to refocus, and leads us to seek God in other areas of our lives. “Hopefully,” she added, “eventually leading us to seek God first in every area of our lives.”
 

“When your job is to greet people with a smile and kind words, it’s nearly impossible to be grumpy or angry. So I believe the Ministry has been integral in teaching me to be more patient, kind and forgiving.”

Pam and Joe Schuirmann joined the St. Malachy Family when their eldest son, Kyle, started the Faith Formation Program in first grade! The couple enjoyed how the program was beneficial to both the children and the parents, and they felt it gave them more time with their kids!
 
While looking for a church, Pam and Joe explained that St. Malachy offered many different opportunities to be involved as a family, something very important to them! As their kids got older, they became more involved in the youth groups, music ministry, and altar serving. Pam and Joe also got more involved. 
 
“I first started volunteering when our youngest daughters were three-years-old at Vacation Bible Camp,” Pam said. “I was able to bring all six of our kids to Set-Up Week, where they could help me decorate our site, and then the following week they were able to participate.” 
 
Once their youngest children, Abby and Chloe, started Religious Education in first grade, Pam started teaching Third-Grade Catechism and hasn’t stopped volunteering since! She has also taught Children’s Liturgy during the 11:30 am Masses!
 
Joe had a similar story. “I first became involved with coaching baseball at St. Malachy,” he said. “Then I was asked to be a lector, and at the Summerfest, Charlie Piscopink asked us to run the Kids’ Game Tent ‘because we have so many kids.’”
 
After that, Joe joined the Men’s Club. “We believed that it was important to give back and set a good example for our kids,” he added.
 
Pam and Joe ran the Kids’ Game Tent for many years at the Summerfest. “Once Charlie decided to step down as one of the chairpersons, I thought it might be fun to step up and be the first female chairperson,” said Pam. “So, I talked it over with Fr. Joe and he thought it was a great idea!”
 
Joe remained at the Kids’ Game Tent for two more years, then stepped up to chair the festival with Pam. “I like to tell him I have more seniority running the festival than he does, and he has to answer to me,” she joked. “He humors me and lets me be in charge.”
 
Since they started volunteering, Joe has always been a part of setting-up and tearing-down the Summerfest, so he already knew what to do when Pam stepped up to the plate. She said she was very fortunate to have dedicated volunteers who were always willing to help and answer her questions.
 
The Dynamic Duo believe the best parts of their positions as Festival Chairpeople are the other committees. “They are pros at running their areas, which makes our jobs much easier,” Pam said. “Also, we all get along so well, and everyone is willing to help each other out when needed.”
 
However, the most difficult part of this position for them, is the time spent planning the Summerfest. They began planning the process in early February, meeting once a month with the other committee chairpeople to make sure everyone had what they needed, such as licenses, tents, vendors, and more to ensure a great festival. Their biggest accomplishments thus far have been getting everything ready to go! 
 
Pam’s and Joe’s biggest goal this year is to have a fun, safe and successful festival that involves the parishioners and the community. Though they might not get to relax much over the weekend, they sure do have a lot to look forward to! 
 
Pam is most excited about the homemade pierogi! “I also love that Carol, who runs the Polish Booth, has started selling veggie burgers and veggie brats,” she said. “Being a vegetarian, eating cheese pizza all weekend gets a little boring.” She also loves seeing how excited the kids are running around with their prizes from the Game Tent!
 
Joe looks forward to the fun and camaraderie with all of their friends and fellow volunteers!
 
The Schuirmanns hope the 2023 Summerfest invites others to get involved in the parish, and they ensure that many friends are made in the process. “They are with you for the good and bad times,” Pam said. “We love our St. Malachy Family!”
 

 

“A huge shout out to Fr. Joe for having confidence in me when I told him I wanted to step up and run the festival!”

~Pam Schuirmann

“A big shout out to all of our volunteers! YOU are the reason our festival is so successful!”

~Joe Schuirmann

Do you ever find yourself visiting something that you had no expectations for, but left feeling transformed? Sue Wojcik can relate! 
 
Sue became a parishioner at St. Malachy after attending one of the Evangelization Ministry’s weekend programs: Light of the World. She attended all three days of the workshop, loved it, and decided to officially devote her time at St. Malachy. 
 
“I didn’t know anyone here,” she said. “I guess you could say I took a ‘leap of Faith!’”
 
It was after that meaningful and prayerful weekend of meeting so many wonderful people that she knew becoming a parishioner at St. Malachy was the right choice. 
 
As many before her, Sue gradually became involved in MANY groups in the parish. For not knowing anyone coming in, she has made a great amount of friends and family here in our parish!
 
Sue joined the St. Malachy Women’s Club, and was even Social Chairperson for a year! She is also a very active member of the Prayer Ministry that meets in the Gathering Space each month.
 
During the annual Summerfest, Sue works in the Vegas Hall selling chips and helping out whenever, and wherever, it is needed. 
 
Vacation Bible Camp is an event we hold every summer at St. Malachy, bringing the youth in our community together to learn about Jesus and parts of the Bible. We always need many volunteers, and Sue is always willing to help out there as well. 
 
Like all events, a lot of planning is needed. The kitchen in the Currier Center is always full of people preparing delicious food for whatever might be happening. Sue has helped behind the counter many times for these events! 
 
Like most of us, Sue came to St. Malachy with curiosity ablaze, and found a place where she truly belongs…in our Family of Faith.
 
Karen Colley has been a parishioner of St. Malachy for 32 years! When she was 15 years old, her parents were looking for a new Catholic Church. “I remember we attended one Mass, and my family and I felt instantly welcomed,” she said. “The music and choir, even back then, was so uplifting and beautiful, and everyone was so welcoming.”
 
Karen and her family didn’t know anybody yet, but they quickly felt that they were part of a big family! 
 
She and her husband, Scott, were married at St. Malachy after she sponsored him through St. Malachy’s RCIA program. All three of their children currently attend Catechism and make their sacraments at St. Malachy! “I enjoy attending all the events that St. Malachy offers,” she added. “Fr. Joe is wonderful, along with all the members of the church and everyone that works very hard to keep it a great place to worship!”
 
As the Colley family attended St. Malachy more regularly, Karen started to get involved. For about ten years, she played her clarinet with the Music Ministry on different Holy Days and holidays, including Lent, Easter, and Christmas! “It was so fun to meet new people,” she said. “This truly brought me closer to God and prayer.” 
 
She began helping out with the Summerfest at different food booths and the Kids’ Game Tent. When McRest visited the church for a week, she volunteered to ensure the community had the best experience possible!
 
Currently, Karen is a member of the Hospitality Ministry and educates for Children’s Liturgy during our 11:30 am Masses! “I love volunteering,” she said. “It’s a great way to serve the Lord and help others, and I always get to meet so many members of our church!”
 
Karen’s biggest advice for anyone wondering if they should become involved in a ministry at St. Malachy is to pray about it and to ask God what He wants them to do! “Think of the talents that God has given you,” she added. “Try out a ministry and see if it is a good match for you.”
 
She also urges anyone in this position to talk with the ministry leaders to learn more about what they do, and to understand that all of the other members will help guide them! “Volunteering is such a fulfilling way to live your life with purpose,” she encouraged. “It feels great to help serve our Lord and to help others!”
 
Becoming so involved in the parish community, Karen has gained the confidence in herself to try something new, meet new people, make friends, and increase her Faith by spending more time at church than just strictly attending Mass! 
 
Karen has received so many blessings while being involved in her Faith that she would love to share with our parish community one of her biggest miracles! 
 
“I was very sick in the hospital for 17 days during my last pregnancy with my daughter, Ava. She was born three months early, and was in the NICU for 40 days due to me having severe preeclampsia. I remember praying the Rosary nonstop, and I could see Jesus and Mother Mary at my side…that felt so comforting. There were so many people that helped us during that very difficult time. From that point on, I do everything I can in my Faith to give all of my service for Mary and Jesus, and I give all the honor and praise to God. I’m so thankful for Ava and me to be alive everyday. Ava is ten-years-old now and is one amazing miracle girl!”
 

 

“Faith can start out as little as a mustard seed. That’s all you need to grow closer to God. God loves you, and He wants you to be joyful in all your days. Prayer is powerful…always say a prayer.”

As a couple, Kevin and Lucia Smolarek have been attending St. Malachy for almost eight years. They both spent a lot of time growing up at the parish, and it was important for them to build a good foundation and to continue practicing their Faith together in a supportive community.
 
Lucia’s family moved back to Michigan when she was just two years old, and they soon became parishioners at St. Malachy. From such a young age, her first memories of the parish were of Catechism classes, Vacation Bible Camp, and Children’s Liturgy during Mass. “When I was in fourth grade, I was able to start altar serving alongside my older brother, Vinny, and later my younger brother, Marco,” Lucia said. “Both Kevin and I also have great memories of the St. Malachy Baseball program.” Her dad, Ron, coached the softball team, where she would play with her cousin!

Kevin grew up in Warren and attended St. Malachy at a young age as well! “Actually, Kevin and I, without knowing, both made our First Communion by Fr. Joe on the same day (different times) at St. Malachy 22 years ago!” Lucia said. “It’s been fun looking back at photos from that day to see us in pictures!”
 
Being an altar server for eight years, Lucia enjoyed being involved in the Mass and learning about the different parts of the ceremony. “As a young person, it helped me stay engaged in Mass while learning responsibility and independence along the way,” she said. “I found comfort in the ritual and learned more about my Faith and found myself wanting to continue to learn more.”
 
Lucia’s mom, Marlene, is the sacristan at St. Malachy, so after Masses, Lucia would help change candles, collect linens, add holy water to the fonts, and help keep the altar clean. 
 
More recently, Kevin and Lucia helped her parents at the Main Raffle Booth at the Summerfest! Lucia added that they always have a great time and that being involved has allowed them to get to know other parishioners better and to build a stronger sense of community!
 
The Smolareks agree that St. Malachy feels like family because of the people. Seeing familiar and friendly faces when they go to Mass or to a parish event makes them feel welcomed, and it gives them a sense of belonging. 
 
“Fr. Joe has been a huge reason we keep coming back to St. Malachy,” Lucia explained. “His life experiences are relatable and his travels around the world are so insightful into the life Jesus lived.” She added that the parish is able to learn how to be more like Jesus every time they come to Mass.
 
Recently, the Smolareks welcomed a beautiful new life. Their baby boy, Luca, was born into the St. Malachy Family, and Lucia and Kevin hope he will gain the same sense of community they had growing up in the parish. “I really think it is what makes me who I am today, and I hope he feels the love of St. Malachy’s parish as well,” Lucia added.
 
Lucia and Kevin agree that it has become more apparent how connected they are, especially since they had Luca. “So many parishioners have come up to us to congratulate us on his birth,” she said. “It’s an incredible and warm feeling to be in such a loving parish.” 
 
One of Lucia and Kevin’s favorite memories is being married by Fr. Joe in November of 2021 at The Inn at St. John’s. “He prepared the most beautiful and personal homily for us, played the cello, and brought us up on the altar to prepare the gifts with him” Lucia reminisced. “It was special being on the altar with Fr. Joe in front of all our family and friends…and then I realized he had me altar-serve at my own wedding!” 
 
This funny and special moment is something the couple will cherish forever. 
 
When Collin Schy’s parents moved to the area before he was born, they attended St. Malachy because it was the closest church to them.
 
However, as time went on, and he grew up in the parish, they all fell in love with Fr. Joe, the community, and how engaged the youth was! 
 
In elementary school, Collin wanted to be an altar server more than anything! That longing sparked an interest in becoming more involved. He then joined the middle school youth group, FROG, and later moved up to the high school youth group, ROCK. After that, he started volunteering in the Media Ministry.
 
The Youth Ministry is what really shaped Collin, both in his Faith and who he is as a person. “I have developed an everlasting group of my core friends here because of St. Malachy,” he said. “We have all played such a vital role in each others’ lives that I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
 
Some of Collin’s core memories come from ROCK! “All the lock-ins and lock-outs, the fall retreats we went on every year, and most importantly Steubenville!” he said. “The late nights, the daily walks around that campus, the holy hours, and most memorable, the not-so-good food.”
 
After graduating high school, Collin attended Michigan State University, and going away to college took him away from attending Mass as frequently. However, every time he visited home, he was welcomed back as if he had never left! “Being away made me appreciate and remember how important St. Malachy is to me,” he added.
 
Collin truly feels St. Malachy is a family because the core of the parish holds a sense of belonging and care for each parishioner. “So many of my friends are at this church, and I have St. Malachy to thank for bringing us all together,” he said.
 
Collin explained that St. Malachy has given him an accepting and understanding group of people to really discuss his Faith with. “Like every journey, it is not always clear and smooth,” he said. “When those rocky paths come along, I can talk to the people at this parish and have a genuine conversation about these rough topics in my journey…This is crucial in developing a healthy relationship with your Faith!”
 

CONGRATULATIONS to newlyweds, Zach and Autumn Murphy! While you’ve probably seen them around the church, we wanted to get a little inside on how they feel being married in the parish they both grew up in! 
 
Zach Murphy has been a parishioner at St. Malachy since 2008 after his parents moved to the area. His grandparents were members, so naturally Zach and his family joined as well. Autumn (Billingsley) Murphy joined in 2013, and quickly became involved in the parish!
 
Autumn was a member of the middle school youth group, FROG, and afterwards joined the high-school youth group, ROCK. She was a member of the Music Ministry Bell Choir a few years back, and once she graduated high school, she helped out as a FROG leader.
 
Similarly, Zach was a member of FROG, ROCK, and started off his career in the Media Ministry volunteering as Slide Operator in 2013. Once he became employed at St. Malachy in 2016, he ran the Media Ministry, which is where he received his title of Tech Director today. Last year, Zach also became Worship Director of St. Malachy! 
 
Zach was also a member of the Music Ministry in 2013, where he sang in the Contemporary Choir. Recently, he joined the Knights of Columbus, John F. Kennedy Council 5460.
 
The Murphy’s believe that St. Malachy is truly a welcoming and great community full of fun people. “It’s a great Family of Faith,” Zach added. 
 
Zach and Autumn agreed that the best thing about being married at St. Malachy is the fact that Fr. Joe performed the ceremony. It was special to both of them because they grew up with him included in their Faith journey.
 
“We love this parish, we have grown up here and we call it our home,” said Zach. “We are happy to be a part of it and continue to deepen our Faith journey together.”
 
Marci Hurst likes to think of herself as a “founding member” of St. Malachy! Her parents attended the parish before the first church building was built. Masses were held in an elementary school! She was born the same month as the new church was dedicated, but was baptized at her mother’s childhood church – St. Gertrude – in St. Clair Shores. 
 
Marci and her husband attempted to switch churches when they lived in St. Clair Shores before their daughter, Rebecca, was born, but failed to find another parish that felt like St. Malachy. Therefore, they stayed proud members of our parish and have never looked back! “We have brought friends and family into the parish also,” she said. “We are proud members!”
 
Marci made the rest of her Sacraments at St. Malachy (First Communion, Confirmation, and marriage!) Both of her kids were baptized, made their First Communions, and were confirmed at St. Malachy as well! 
 
When her kids, Rebecca and Brady, were young, they joined the Genesis Choir. That led Marci to meet the Music Director and join the Worship Choir in 2001! She began Cantoring in 2006, and feels she has come a long way. “I had no formal knowledge of music at all,” she explained. “I was a professional shower singer!”
 
Joining the choir and singing on Sundays has taught Marci a lot about herself. “I love people, and singing with them is absolutely the best form of therapy!” she exclaimed. “The bigger bonus is that I am singing for God and singing with like-minded people!” She believes that every choir-season is a joy, and that the commitment is easy. Everyone comes to church, so why not be involved in something that brings absolute joy to myself and others?!”  
 
Marci’s favorite part about getting so involved in this ministry is the community-aspect of it. 
 
While she sees all of St. Malachy as a community, she also sees it as a family who truly cares about each other. “Our new director, Eric, says ‘pray the music’ – I feel like I am really doing that when I sing at church,” she said.  “I would love to see more people join the choir – the rewards are truly endless!”
 
You might have seen Marci around the annual Summerfest, as she began working the Vegas Tent in 2008, and now has been running the Vegas Hall since 2019! She is also lucky to own a graphics business that allows her to get involved in other aspects of the festival – from printing tickets and creating the festival flyers, to making signs and banners. “Festival season is busy for me!” she added.
 
Marci is also a proud member of the Finance Council at St. Malachy, learning a lot from others on the team. “Being aware of how the money in our parish is spent and seeing the good is quite amazing,” she said. “I like to think that as a business owner, I bring a different perspective to the table.”
 
She rests assured that the community of St. Malachy always has her back, and that realization has gotten her through both the rough and the wonderful times in her life.
 
“From praying for the health of my husband, my kids, and my own health problems, to being grateful for everything I have in life and now watching my parents and others battle aging and health problems, knowing that I have St. Malachy and my ’Faith Family’ in my pocket is a reassuring feeling,” she said. 
 
Marci considers herself very blessed to be part of the St. Malachy Family, and is grateful for all it has to offer. 
 
“We are blessed with a wonderful sanctuary (our actual church building and the grounds), blessed with a knowledgeable, loving, caring priest and leader (Father Joe), and blessed with such a wonderful community – people we truly love and care about!” she said. “They are our friends, family and our future.”
 
 

“Your Faith can bring you through anything! I have seen it and lived it and will feel blessed to continue living it.”

Diane Carrier has been an active part of St. Malachy since she was three years old, when Mass was held inside Frost Elementary School. She and her parents attended Mass weekly, and she got to know the many amazing priests throughout the years. Fr Ghelfi, was very special to Diane. “I actually got engaged the day he passed away,” she said. “I like to think he was watching over me on that special day.”
 
Diane was a member of the St. Malachy Women’s Club years ago, when her boys were younger, and she attended several women’s retreats with her mom and sisters. She also helped her parents run the Doll Booth at the annual Summerfest for many years.
 
Diane describes St. Malachy as warm and welcoming. “It doesn’t matter how long you are away, when you walk in the doors you are welcomed with open arms and lots of hugs,” she said. “The fact that Fr. Joe stands outside to welcome us in is like having your dad stand at the door, glad to see you coming home.”
 
Because she grew up in the parish, Diane made many friends of all ages. Some of those friends are no longer with us, but those that are feel like second family members to her. “I never go to an event without getting at least one hug from one of the members,” she added. “I find myself looking for certain people when I attend Mass.”
 
With the support of her Family of Faith, Diane knows that regardless of what life throws her way, she can handle it. “I’ve watched many members rally around my parents through the years, and I know that if I need that extra support or strength, I just have to walk through the doors to receive it,” she explained. “I know that if I need someone to talk to, Fr Joe’s
door will always be open.”
 
Because the parish has always been so welcoming, Diane feels it kept the parishioners coming back, enabling the community to gain lifelong friendships. “It made me want to raise our sons in the church, so that they would know those values and experience the same friendships,” she added. “I have belonged to other parishes throughout the years, and although they all have some amazing parishioners, I just never had the feeling of being a part of the family, like I do at St. Malachy.”
 
Diane has experienced many life events within St. Malachy – some happy, and some extremely sad. However, whenever she walks through the doors, she has no better feeling. “I only hope the upcoming parishioners can experience half the joy I have throughout the years,” she said. “It’s like getting the best gift – peace and contentment!”
 
 

“It’s hard to put into words just how much the church has impacted my life.”

When Karen Cole and her husband, Chris, were newly married, they bought their first home together in Sterling Heights. They were both raised Catholic, and wanted to find a church to continue their Faith journeys. St. Malachy was a perfect place to start! They joined the parish in 2000.
 
Karen and Chris have three sons, Noah, Evan, and Adam. All three of the boys have grown up attending the 9:30 Masses, and have been involved in the Faith Formation classes for their entire lives!
 
“I LOVE the Family Faith Formation program. It wasn’t always easy to attend meetings with the other parents, because of busy schedules, but it was always fulfilling,” she added. “Not only did I learn how to support my children’s Faith journey, Chris and I got to continue to be learners in our own faith!”
 
The boys have also made lifelong memories in Vacation Bible Camp, where they have each been students, campers, and volunteers at different points. Evan and Adam help out with altar serving, and Chris helps in the Vegas tent every year at the Summerfest!
 
Karen and her family look forward to seeing all of the familiar faces that have become like family to them at St. Malachy. “We sit in the same section of the church each week and have gotten to know the members we sit around very well,” Karen said. “My kids have ‘extended family’ because of the relationships that we have formed over the years.”
 
Karen explained that St. Malachy has been present for their family through all of the ups and downs of the past 23 years.
 
The church and its community have been there to celebrate the best of times, including Baptisms, choir concerts, sports, First Communions, Confirmations, and so much more.
 
Father Joe and the parishioners have also held the Cole family up during some of their most difficult days.
 
“Our youngest son had a brain tumor at three weeks old, brain cancer at seven and leukemia at 10,” said Karen. “We have had moments where our Faith has been tested, but we continued on with the support of the St. Malachy community.”
 
When the family couldn’t come to church, Fr. Joe came to them. When they needed prayers, they could count on the families of St. Malachy. 
 
Karen admitted that their lives would be drastically different if they hadn’t found St. Malachy. Ten years ago, we moved from our first home on Groth, and we had to decide where our next home would be,” she said. “Would we stay in the area or move to another community? A driving force in our decision was St. Malachy.” Not wanting to leave their church, they decided to stay in the area!
 
The Cole family is grateful to be part of an amazing community like St. Malachy. And just like them, we are grateful too!
 
 

“Our church is an extension of our home. It is the ‘calm’ to start each new week.”

Heather and Pat Small met in Massachusetts, where Pat grew up and Heather lived for a short period of time. However, to be closer to family, they moved to Michigan in 2005, where they attended Heather’s mother’s church: St. Athanasius in Roseville.
 
Wanting to be closer to their home in Sterling Heights, Heather and Pat found St. Malachy in 2007. “Pat and I felt instantly welcome with the church’s energy and Father Joe’s enthusiasm during Mass since day one,” Heather said. “We moved to Macomb in 2018 and looked for a parish closer to our new home, but could not find a church that had the ‘same feel’ as St. Malachy.”
 
After attending Masses at multiple churches, and even having their children, Olivia (16) and Joe (13), enrolled in catechism at a local church, the Smalls could not find one where they felt connected. During the COVID-19 pandemic, their family attended a St. Malachy Mass online, and decided to come back home (in-person) to our parish!
 
Olivia and Joe are currently enrolled in Faith Formation and will be receiving their Confirmations in 2024! “To the credit of the Faith Formation classes, kids are encouraged to be part of the church and even local community by having to obtain volunteer hours,” explained Heather. “Olivia and Joe have both recently decided, on their own, that they want to serve the church by volunteering to be altar servers along with, and working with, the children at church-sponsored parties.” You can see Olivia and Joe altar serving on Sundays at the 11:30 Mass!
 
One of Heather’s highlights of attending Mass is walking through the front doors on Sunday mornings, where she and her family are greeted with Fr. Joe in his rocking chair while the ushers hold doors open for them with smiles and heart-warming “hellos.” 
 
“No matter how stressful Sunday mornings may be getting everyone up, eating breakfast, getting dressed and in the car for our 30-minute drive, we let our shoulders drop and instantly feel at peace when walking into the church’s Gathering Space,” Heather said.
 
Heather, Pat, Joe and Olivia feel that St. Malachy is truly a community. With so many ways for parishioners to be involved, they can do as much as their family time allows! “Seeing familiar faces every week and learning more about people in the parish, either through the weekly bulletin or conversations before or after Mass, we feel like we are part of a large family,” Heather added.
 
The Small family’s Faith journey has been tested at multiple intersections. In 2016, Olivia was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, flipping their world upside down. “As a family, we all needed to learn about Type 1 Diabetes and support her as her life was about to change forever,” explained Heather. “To Olivia’s credit, she never complained and has become a more responsible young lady because of it.”
 
Also in 2016, shortly after Olivia’s diagnosis, Heather was given the terrifying news that she had breast cancer. “As a parent, you always want to be strong for your family, especially your kids, and that was difficult as I went through chemo and radiation,” she said. “To my family’s credit, they were super-supportive, and that support allowed me to strengthen my Faith in God.” 
 
Heather frequently prayed for herself and for her family while she was sick. “You hear that God works in mysterious ways, and I can attest that having cancer and testing our family’s Faith along the way only made us stronger, and our Faith has become more present in our lives,” she said. “By the way, I have been cancer-free since June 2017!”
 
Pat and Joe also have medical conditions with a rare genetic disorder called Tuberous Sclerosis (TS). “TS causes benign tumors to develop in different parts of the body, mainly the brain, potentially causing seizures,” explained Heather. She said that Pat struggled with seizures when he was younger and has lived his entire life with the disorder. “He has not had a seizure in more than 25 years and he lives a normal life with daily medication,” she said. Joe also takes daily medication to prevent seizures and continuously monitors the disorder.
 
Regardless of the hills and valleys the Small family has faced, St. Malachy has helped them strengthen their Faith. “Having young children makes life a little crazy,” said Heather. “That craziness can suck up all the time in your day, and can open the doors for excuses, especially when it comes to attending weekly Mass.” Because of their family’s devotion to St. Malachy, and with Olivia and Joe’s recent commitment to altar serving, getting up and making the drive on Sunday mornings has become easier.
 
“Pat and I would like to take credit that Olivia and Joe are becoming more involved in their Faith journey, but the reality is that St. Malachy is the big reason,” Heather said. “They saw for themselves what other churches looked like on the inside, sat through Masses, and even attended catechism at other churches, but nothing has that ‘family feel’ of St. Malachy.”
 

 

“The St. Malachy community, from Fr. Joe to all of the parishioners, draws you in.”

Julie Doral and her family have been a part of the St. Malachy community for 16 years! She and her husband, Phil, wanted their oldest son, Tyler, to make his First Communion with his friends, and St. Malachy was their church! 
 
Julie wasn’t Catholic when she joined St. Malachy, but that all changed when she started working at the church. Julie and Phil got married in 2000 at St. Clement in Romeo, and they raised their three boys, Tyler, Trevor, and Nathan in the Catholic Faith. 
 
“It wasn’t until my boys were teenagers that I decided to become a full member of the Catholic Church in February of 2021,” she said.
 
Her children attended Catechism and Vacation Bible Camp as they grew, and Julie learned more about the Faith by attending the Family Faith Sharing programs. She welcomed Catholicism into her life by receiving the sacraments of Baptism, First Eucharist, and Confirmation. “It was so special to have Father Joe, my family, and my work family be a part of it,” she explained.
 
Julie eventually started working in the Faith Formation department as Office Assistant in 2017 with Diana Tomsha, who was the Director of Religious Education at the time. “In September of 2022, I stepped in as Interim Director of Religious Education, and with the support of Fr. Joe, I accepted a position as Director of Religious Education in March of 2023.”
 
She has been taking online classes through Catechetical Institute Franciscan University of Steubenville to work toward her DRE certification!
 
Julie said the favorite part of her job is working with the families in the Faith Formation program to help them on their Faith journeys. “It’s great to see the kids that go through Catechism and make their sacraments come back to then volunteer in the program,” she added. 
 
Being part of the Faith Formation program is such a resourceful way for younger generations to grow in their Faith, and Julie hopes its members will feel a sense of family whenever they gather. “We try our best to meet people where they are at and to listen to them to see how we can work with them and bring them closer to God,” she said. 
 
As a parent, Julie’s favorite memory of raising her family at St. Malachy is Vacation Bible Camp. “I loved bringing my boys when they were little and watching the closing program that they put on for the parents and grandparents, and seeing how much my children learned about God,” she explained. “Now that I run it, it’s important to me to make those memories for the campers, parents, and volunteers at St. Malachy.”
 
Though it takes a lot of hard work and preparation, each year she looks forward to seeing the volunteers pour their heart into their work, bringing the Word of Christ to the little ones.
 

 

“Everyone from the staff, to the catechists, to the many different ministries we have here at St. Malachy, has been a huge part of my Faith journey!”

Julie and Joe Garrisi attended a local church where they got married and their two kids, Joseph and Elise, were baptized. When they began feeling disconnected from their parish, they went on to find a better fit for their family.
 
They found themselves at St. Malachy, where they instantly felt a sense of community and hospitality. “We love Father Joe’s homilies, and as a family with young kids, we love the contemporary music and Band,” Julie added. “We already had a love for contemporary Christian music walking in!”
 
The Garrisi family is very involved in the St. Malachy community, making it even more special to be part of the parish! Julie helps teach Children’s Liturgy, and she is a Eucharistic Minister at the 11:30 am Masses. Joseph and Elise both attend Catechism through the Faith Formation program, and Joseph joined the Genesis Choir this year!
 
“St. Malachy provides a variety of fantastic ministries for all ages to get involved with; there is something for everyone,” Julie said. “Each ministry I have joined has given me a sense of purpose, importance and a deeper love for my Faith.”
 
Julie has witnessed a closer connection to Christ and His calling to follow Him and to spread His good news. She loves that her kids are growing up with Jesus and their Faith family, giving them a firm foundation in this crazy world.
 
“I also love giving Jesus to others by our involvement, whether it’s through teaching our children, giving the Eucharist, or watching my Joseph bring joy to others through his incredible voice,” she added. “Our church inspires me to be better, to do better, to be more like Jesus, and to do more of what He would do.”
 
Julie describes the church as a vessel of God’s community and family. “Our parishioners are the best of the best,” she explained. “As I get to know more of them, I’m amazed at the longevity of our parishioners and how far they still come, even if they’ve moved away, to be a part of our family.” 
 
The Garrisi family sees St. Malachy as a safe and special place where they can talk and rest with Jesus together without distraction. “Recently, my husband, Joe, was able to make a change with his work schedule, which allows for him to be with us at Sunday Masses,” Julie added. “This has been a positive shift for us as a family!”
 
St. Malachy provides a wonderful place to worship and to celebrate the Eucharist, but it also offers room for many great memories.”Our hearts were so happy watching our Joseph sing his heart out at the Christmas concert,” Julie said. “Also, personally, my first Sunday Eucharistic ministering was a very emotional moment…pure joy for me.” She said she will never forget that feeling, and she always looks forward to the next time she can give Jesus to our parishioners.
 

 

“Open your heart to Jesus, go to Him in times of joy and sorrow. He never fails us. Get involved where and when you can, even if it’s in the smallest way.”

Diana Tomsha, director of the Special Needs Adults Program at St. Malachy, took over the ministry originally started by Jo Marjan. Jo had started a Faith Formation program for special needs children, and she eventually became moderator of the program for adults. 
 
The Special Needs Adults Program consists of people 18 years of age and older who have special needs. The group meets once a month for Faith Formation,
socializing, and service. “The goal of the group is to have a good time and to be a support group for each other,” added Diana. 
 
Diana said the most rewarding aspects of being part of this ministry is the opportunity to become friends with the members of the group, to watch them grow in their faith, and to become a Family of Faith together. 
 
“We support each other like a Faith Family should, and they become a living example for others,” Diana said. The group participates in service activities, such as making greeting cards for residents at Arbor Inn Nursing Home, helping prepare for the St. Malachy Halloween Party, filling goodie bags for the children on Easter Sunday, and so much more!
 
Brian Lada is a proud member of this ministry. He was born into the St. Malachy Parish 49 years ago, and is extremely involved in the church community. Brian enjoys ushering and altar serving at weekend Masses, and he is a member of the St. Malachy Men’s Club! He also does a lot of work at the annual St. Malachy Summerfest. 
 
Brian describes St. Malachy as being a loving family, with everyone very welcoming and friendly. “Being around other members of the parish is encouraging and a good example for a faith-filled life,” he added. 
 
Brian always has a smile on his face, and is an extremely hard worker. If you see him at church, be sure to say “hello!”
 
Anyone interested in becoming involved should contact the Christian Formation Office at (586)264-1220 x1200!
 
Andy Marjan has been a part of St. Malachy his entire life! He was baptized here, and he helps out in various ways around the parish!
 
Andy is a member of the Special Needs Adult Program at the church, a ministry his mother, Jo Marjan, had started when she worked in the Christian Formation Office. The group meets once a month for fellowship, support, and service projects to help others! 
 
One of Andy’s favorite activities to partake in through the Special Needs Adults Program is packing candy bags for the annual Halloween parties and putting together the Easter bags for the parish children. “When my mother was in charge of Vacation Bible Camp, I would help her shop for supplies,” he added. 
 
One exceptional aspect of being part of such a great group is that its members understand Andy and help him through tough times. “When my parents and brother passed away, they supported me,” he explained.    
 
Andy looks forward to his meetings with St. Malachy’s special needs group, and some of his favorite core memories of being involved include their trips to the cider mill and baseball games at Jimmy John’s Field. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the group would meet at a local park to keep in touch!
 
We are fortunate to have such an exceptional group of adults who share in the passion of supporting one another and helping those around them! 
 
After attending another local Catholic Church for over 20 years, Teresa Stawinski and her family found that they were ready for change. In May of 2019, a dear friend of the family, and a long-time parishioner of St. Malachy, invited Teresa to a Holy Hour. “I experienced such peace and joy in this Eucharistic Adoration that I was moved to tears,” Teresa said. “I truly believe God had a plan and there was a reason for this invitation.”
 
After this realization, she felt that St. Malachy was the best place for her family to grow in their faith and to deepen their love for the Lord. Teresa, her husband, Dan, and their youngest son, Daniel, had begun attending Sunday Masses.
 
In June of 2019, Daniel was invited to attend ROCK, the high school youth group! He was welcomed with open arms by the teens and young adult leaders…even though he and his family weren’t parishioners at the time! The Stawinski family officially became parishioners in May of 2020.
 
After only one youth group meeting, Daniel had committed to attending Steubenville, and became very active with the group until he graduated from high school. Daniel also played drums with the Teen Choir in the Music Ministry! 
 
Throughout the years, Teresa has happily assisted Mary Anne and Norm Kadets during Advent and Lent by delivering the Giving Tree and Tree of Life donations to the Pope Francis Center in Detroit. She has been a weekly volunteer at the center for over seven years, and it brings her joy to deliver the generous donations from our parishioners to their guests!
 
Teresa also assists Linda Corbat and the Decorating Committee in preparing the church for each liturgical season. “It always amazes me how quickly we can un-decorate and re-decorate the church,” she added. “Many hands do indeed make light work!”
 
Teresa has helped out in the Craft Beer Tent at the Summerfest, and in the upcoming weeks, she looks forward to assisting the Media Ministry by taking photos during Holy Week Masses and at other parish events!
 
“When I think of family, I think of feeling loved, safe, supported, and welcomed,” Teresa said. “Every Sunday, rain, shine, or snow, Fr. Joe waits with joy outside the church, welcoming each person that walks through the doors!”
 
She added that once inside the doors of St. Malachy, the love of Jesus is evident in so many ways.
 
 

“We feel blessed to call St. Malachy our Church Family!”

Max Uridge has been a parishioner at St. Malachy for quite some time! His mom joined the parish in 1997, his parents were married at St. Malachy in 2003, and he was baptized at the church in 2010. Most recently, he made his First Holy Communion here in 2019!
 
Max is a member of FROG, our parish’s middle school youth group, and he also attends Religious Education classes. He is always willing to help out around the church and volunteers at the Men’s Club Fish Fry and Summerfest each year! 
 
“My Poppy is an active member of the Men’s Club, and he took care of me when I was younger while my parents worked,” said Max. “He would bring me with him while he prepared for the Fish Fry, and I enjoyed that time with him, so I continued to come with him each year.” So far, Max has been a helping hand around the Fish Fry for about ten years! 
 
Max explained that volunteering at St. Malachy helps him feel closer to God. “It makes me feel good that I am helping our church, which in turn helps God,” he added. As he grows up, one of Max’s biggest goals at St. Malachy is to eventually become the Kitchen Leader for the Men’s Club!
 
Max views our parish as a church that offers many opportunities for people to get involved. “In all of the groups everyone is very close,” he said. “When you walk into church, people recognize each other.”
 
It is so important to make new friendships with people in our Family of Faith, and as a parish community, we are called to lift the younger generations up! 
 
Thank you, Max, for all you do here at St. Malachy!
 
 

“We are the future of our church.”

Growing up, Elizabeth Mors was raised Lutheran and received her Baptism, First Communion, and Confirmation at St. Peter’s in Eastpoint. About two years ago, she began regularly attending Mass at St. Malachy with her boyfriend, Joe, and his family. She made the important decision to become Catholic in order to continue her spiritual journey, and she looks forward to building a stronger relationship with God!
 
As she and Joe began discussing their future together, it became apparent that they wanted a strong faith-foundation in their relationship. “Being raised Lutheran already gave me a strong foundation, and I wanted to keep building my relationship with God,” Elizabeth said. “In September, I chose to go through the OCIA process.”

Upon becoming a regular member of St. Malachy, Elizabeth found that she loved the community. She explained that everyone is friendly and that there are many connections she already has with other parishioners. “I grew up in Warren, and many families of the people I grew up with still attend St. Malachy today,” she added. “It is wonderful to see everyone on Sunday!”
 
A popular opinion among the parish, Elizabeth agreed that St. Malachy is a warm and welcoming community. “There is always someone who desires to get to know you or find a way to support you,” she said. “I always feel respected and uplifted leaving Mass.” Already having many connections, she said it truly feels like a family. “It is wonderful to see everyone I already know and I have had an overwhelmingly warm reception by others whom I have met.”
 
Having a consistent space to worship and a safe place to discover more about the faith allows Elizabeth the freedom to continue her journey without feeling judged. At the Easter Vigil Mass this year, she made her First Communion and Confirmation in the Catholic Church!
 
Leading up to the special day, Elizabeth said she was excited and felt a sense of peace and serenity about completing the process, and she looks forward to what comes next. “I am not sure much will change once I am sealed into the faith…I already feel like part of the community and parish,” she explained, “But I look forward to discovering more about my faith.”
 
Throughout this important process, Elizabeth has had a village of support behind her.
 
“My family, Joe’s family, and my closest friends have all been incredibly supportive,” she said. “I cannot thank them enough for always showing up for me during this process, either by coming to Mass or just by checking in on me throughout this past year.”
 
Congratulations, and welcome to the Catholic Church, Elizabeth!
 
Though she attended public school in Detroit, Janet Schmit was raised Catholic and attended Catechism for 12 years. “My mother was my biggest influence in my faith,” she explained. “She converted to Catholicism when she married my dad, and she always made sure my brothers and sisters and I were ‘good’ Catholics.”
 
Jan eventually moved from Detroit to St. Clair Shores and attended a parish near her. “Unfortunately that parish closed not long after, so I knew I had to find another one,” she explained.
 
Jan’s daughter, Jean, and her family had been attending St. Malachy and were very involved in the parish’s ministry life. She decided to come to a few Masses with them. “It only took a few to realize it was exactly what I was wanting, so shortly after, I joined the parish,” she said. “Everyone was so welcoming.” Jan has been a parishioner for about 12 years!
 
Jan enjoys attending Mass with her St. Malachy family. However, she wanted to become even more involved. Having a family history in law enforcement, she found the perfect way!
 
“Father Joe decided to have a security team formed to protect our church, and I happily volunteered,” she said. “Being a member of that team for five years was icing on the cake for me.” She recently retired from those duties, but has maintained strong friendships and respect for what the team does.
 
When she is not traveling the state in her RV or spending time with her family and friends, Jan enjoys attending classes with the Evangelization Ministry, live-streaming different events the church offers, and helping out when she can! 
 
A highlight of her week, Jan always looks forward to attending Mass with her daughter and seeing the many friends she has made there. “I also enjoy seeing my granddaughter, Ursula, minister in the Contemporary Choir,” she added. “I admire the people who work so hard to sponsor events and to volunteer for various activities the church holds – I believe we are a unique parish in that regard.”
 
Having joined such a welcoming and upbeat parish has allowed Jan to dive deeper into her faith and her relationship with Christ and those in the community.
 
Catherine Mozal was born and raised Catholic, attending Catholic school in Cleveland, Ohio until the eighth grade. She and her family eventually moved to Michigan where she attended public school. However, that didn’t stop her from growing in her faith! “I have attended Mass my whole life, and I raised my four children in the Catholic community,” she explained.
 
“We attended Mass and they attended Religious Formation classes, which I also taught.” Catherine started the Vacation Bible School for children at their local parish, and she was a facilitator for a program called Rainbows for All Children, which helped children dealing with grief.
 
Catherine is currently a member of St. Malachy, joining our parish a few years ago. “I joined because I was looking for a church that was vibrant and active,” she added. “I have found that here.”
 
She said her faith journey has grown since becoming a member. “I have gained a thirst to learn more about my Catholic faith, and am actively involved in several Bible study programs.”
 
Some of the programs Catherine enjoys in the parish are Father Joe’s Saint of the Day series and the different programs offered throughout the liturgical seasons. She is usually found attending the Contemporary Mass because she enjoys the uplifting music. “I also attend First Friday Mass, which brings me closer to Mary and Jesus,” she said. Catherine is also a member of the Women’s Club and enjoys the Evangelical series offered at the church.
 
She enjoys sharing her love for Christ with others by attending Mass weekly with her father, and playing Bingo at the annual Summerfest with her mother.
 
“As my faith walk grows stronger, I would love to become more involved in the parish community,” she said. “I would like to become a Eucharistic Minister, get involved with the parish festival, and continue to attend programs that enrich my spiritual journey.”
 
 

“I would recommend attending this wonderful parish to people looking for a welcoming place to worship and to grow closer to God.”

Gabrielle Miller and her family have been attending St. Malachy for about three years. Wanting to get more involved, she joined ROCK and attends Mass weekly!
 
“My brothers did Youth Group at my old church,” she explained. “They had a lot of fun, so when I found out that St. Malachy had a youth group, I wanted to join because I thought it would be a fun thing to experience!”
 
Joining ROCK has helped Gabrielle a lot in her faith life. Attending retreats and participating in the activities provided by the ministry have helped her grow stronger spiritually. “One of my favorite memories is either going to Steubenville or Fall Retreat,” she said. “Both were lots of fun and really helped me in my faith.”
 
In the near future, Gabrielle looks forward to going to Steubenville again! “I’m also looking forward to attending more Masses and other church activities,” she added.
 
Sometimes, attending school away from your church makes it difficult to build your faith, but once she graduates high school, Gabrielle plans on finding a church near her college to attend on the weekends and revisiting St. Malachy when she’s home! 
 
“I’ve gotten to know so many people at St. Malachy that I feel they’re more like family,” she said. “I feel like everyone has been so nice, and just seeing them being so welcoming has made me feel like I’m a part of the church family.”
 
Gabrielle believes St. Malachy is a welcoming and lively church environment with activities and ministries for people of all ages to participate in. She also thinks that going to Mass and getting involved helps young people like her find out just who they are.
   
“I honestly would not have believed myself if I told my younger self that I cared more about my faith,” she said. “I never really cared for church when I was younger, but it changed when I got into high school and started going to St. Malachy.”
 
Sigmund Harder has been a member of the St. Malachy parish since 2015, when he and his family first moved to the United States from the Philippines. 
 
His entrance into the St. Malachy Family was a memorable one: he and his mom were jogging along 14 Mile Road on a weekday during the summer. They hadn’t packed enough water and decided to go into the daily Mass to enjoy the air conditioning.
 
“Being a daily Mass near midday, we didn’t expect the booming voice emanating from the one-and-only Fr. Joe, without a mic at the time.” 
 
After seeing that kind of energy being expressed on a slow day, the Harders knew they had to attend on a Sunday – and that’s where it all began.
 
Sigmund became more involved in the parish by volunteering in the Tech Room with the Media Team, managing the slides and sound system during Masses. He also joined the middle school youth group, FROG, and later graduated onto ROCK. 
 
“Honestly, it was first a bit of parental pushing from my mom, but eventually I did grow to appreciate both my fate and my friendships in both ministries,” he explained.
 
Sigmund noticed an improvement in his faith while participating in the Youth Ministry, and said retreats like Steubenville really strengthened his connection with other young people who share the same passion for the belief. “I cannot emphasize how much Steubenville can really show a young person that they are not alone in their faith,” he added. 
 
As time goes on, he said he would enjoy expanding the ministries he is involved in, in particular, the Music Ministry. 
 
Although Sigmund is currently in college, he attends weekly Sunday Masses as an anchor in keeping his faith alive. It is crucial to encourage others to pursue their faith, especially as they start moving through the real world.
 
“Church, apart from giving a sense of belonging among young people, also breeds a sense of morality for young high school and college kids when they need it most,” he said
 
Phil Dinsmore is the Maintenance and Grounds Supervisor here at St. Malachy! 
 
Considering himself blessed, he lives with his wife Cindy, daughter, Sarah, two ducks, Ludmilla and Rocky, a chicken, and their dog, Uh-Oh! 
 
He grew up attending Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church in Hamtramck. 
 
Phil knew Ken Czarny, St. Malachy’s Business Manager before he worked here. “He let me know there was a job opening and I interviewed for a part-time maintenance position,” he said. “I am grateful to be hired, and after Frank Piccinni’s retirement, I became a full-time manager.” Phil enjoys his job and remains grateful for Ken’s invitation to apply.
 
As the Grounds and Maintenance Supervisor, Phil oversees the upkeep and maintenance of the church. 
 
This includes housekeeping, repairing and maintaining lighting, plumbing, appliances and property. “For those repairs, I am not licensed to maintain them, but I coordinate with contractors like Greater Detroit Heating and Cooling, Grasshopper Landscaping, Lone Pine Electrical, etcetera,” he said. “In addition, I am the Currier Center’s kitchen Serve-Safe Manager, meaning I work directly with the Macomb County Health Inspector during kitchen inspections and the Sterling Heights Fire Marshal during Summerfest inspections.” 
 
Phil also coordinates state regulators and insurance inspectors, implementing any corrective actions they require. “My office is open to those who have questions or want to discuss what is going on with the grounds and building maintenance,” he added. 
 
Phil loves working on maintenance projects because of the progression and the sense of satisfaction when they are finished. He said his favorite part is when people he has never met before comment on how nice the grounds look!
 
Phil said his faith life has matured since he started here at St Malachy.
 
He has attended adult Catechism classes and learned more about theology. “But what has matured in my faith the most is watching all these people around me living out their faith,” he said. “These people have shown me how to live as a Christian.”
 
Phil made sure to share that there are three ladies that help clean the church before every weekday Mass, and sometimes before Saturday Masses!
 
They sweep, pick up any trash left in the pews, clean cobwebs, set up chairs for First Friday Devotions, and from time to time, they prune the rose bushes and clean the Shrine of Mary.
 
“These three ladies are Maria, Cathy and Arlene, and it is their love for God that motivates them,” Phil explained. “From these ladies, I have learned the powerful lesson of simple unwavering commitment to serve the church!”
 
St. Malachy has a core group of volunteers who do what they do for the love of God! To Phil, this has been a powerful reminder of what he is doing for God and His people! 
 
“It has been spiritually rewarding to work alongside dedicated staff and volunteers, all working toward the common goal to love God, our neighbors, and to spread the Good News of our Lord, Jesus Christ!”
 
Seeing the dedication of our leadership in following Christ’s command to spread the Gospel is such a positive force for Phil and for others in our community.
 
“Fr. Joe, with the help of our parish Coordinator for Evangelization, Gordon Peck, have responded to the command to evangelize by providing ongoing adult catechism and videos,” he added. “Fr. Joe has invested a lot of time, energy and resources into making it his passion!”
 
After some research, Nancy Zieah decided that St. Malachy was the right fit for her young family and herself. “I am Chaldean American, and we are generally Eastern Rite Catholics,” she explained. “But I believe my children will understand and relate better to the Roman Catholic Church because they do not speak Arabic or Chaldean.” She also wanted to provide them with a religious experience that has a more culturally diverse following.
 
Nancy searched through community posts on Facebook and noticed that St. Malachy
was frequently recommended for families with children! This led her to our church website. 
 
“After reading about the events St. Malachy has held in the past, I realized it would be a good fit for my family and me,” she said. “It is important for my children to learn about their faith in a manner that children can understand.”
 
The first things Nancy noticed about St. Malachy were the inviting atmosphere, the kind-hearted people, and the understanding of people and their backgrounds. “People have been so helpful and understanding, and have taken time to speak with me about the church in great detail,” she added. “I also appreciate how well the church communicates and keeps people up-to-date on events that are taking place.”
 
The moment she felt St. Malachy was family was through the patience given during the process of registering for the parish. “This has been a very busy time, and while I had been meaning to submit some registration forms, no one pressured me or rushed the process,” she said. 
 
The biggest challenge Nancy faced in church-shopping was finding a church with a modern approach to engage children. “St. Malachy broke that barrier by having both traditional and contemporary Mass options,” she said. “I also appreciate how easily accessible and current the event information is because then I can plan ahead for events I know my children will enjoy.”
 
Nancy thinks that becoming part of St. Malachy will benefit her faith journey in the way that the community provides family-friendly activities that give her an opportunity to include her children. “For me, my faith journey is one that ensures my children are given an opportunity to learn about their faith and that is what I hope to gain,” she said.
 
Jodi Mercurio and her family have attended St. Malachy for eight years, but officially joined about five years ago!
 
“We always liked Father Joe,” she explained. “My boys played football for Cousino, and we had our team dinners every Thursday at St. Malachy and Fr. Joe would pop in.” When they decided to switch churches, they remembered how much they liked this parish.
 
Since joining, the Mercurio family has gotten involved in helping out. Recently, Jodi helped teach the second grade Catechism class with the Faith Formation team. “I enjoyed being part of their Holy Communion,” she said. “It was so special.” She also helped out this June with Vacation Bible Camp.
 
Jodi and her daughter, Sabrina, enjoy volunteering together to decorate the church as the seasons change. Her family’s business, Mercurio Food Specialties, plans on sponsoring the Summerfest this year! 
 
“The best way I can describe St. Malachy is welcoming,” she said. “It feels like family because everyone is so friendly.”
 
Jodi confessed that before they attended St. Malachy, they went to Mass out of obligation. Now, they look forward to their time together as a family while receiving a great message each week at Mass. “Fr. Joe keeps it short and simple,” she explained. “It always hits home, making it relevant to our lives.”
 
Fr. Joe has a great habit of greeting his parishioners outside the main doors (rain or shine) before each Mass. This is Jodi’s favorite part about walking into the church. “I also absolutely love the music at the 11:30 mass,” she added. “Eric does a great job and I leave singing for the rest of the day!”
 
The Mercurios appreciate and love the dedication to Mary at St. Malachy, and they feel that the May Crowning service is very special. “I love the shrine outside,” Jodi said. “It’s so beautiful that I visit Mary each week.” She prays the Rosary daily, and Mary is a very important part of her family’s faith. 
 
Though her children are grown up, Jodi appreciates how the church makes it easy for parents to be involved with their kids. “I remember at my old church when my kids were small, everything was so hard,” she said. “There was no flexibility, lots of rules, and it was very rigid and a huge turn-off.”
 
Being so involved in the Faith Formation ministry, she believes that St. Malachy’s Catechism classes do a great job in working with busy families, giving them options that make it fun and easy to be involved with their children!
 
As she and her family expand into their faith at St. Malachy, Jodi hopes to gain even more involvement, and in return, get to know more of her church family.
 
“I’d like to continue my faith journey in the way that I feel St. Malachy makes being Catholic fun and easy,” Jodi said. Her oldest son was married in April, and her daughter will be married in October. Though the preparations for them have been great, she wonders if others have had the same wonderful experiences in other parishes.
 
“Fr. Joe has been so great by letting them do anything to make the day easy and special, and nothing is a problem,” she said. “Besides, what other church has a cello-playing priest at their wedding?!”
 
Carla Schultz and her family became parishioners of St. Malachy three years ago, when they moved to Warren. Although they had loved their previous parish, Carla and her husband, Dave, wanted to find a parish closer to their home for themselves and their kids, Isabelle, Bridgette and Jack.
 
“Our plan was to check out different parishes each weekend, but on the second weekend, we went to St. Malachy and have been attending Mass there ever since,” said Carla. “Both my husband and I agree that it felt like we had always been going to St. Malachy.”
 
The Schulz Family attends Mass weekly, and with each year that passes, they try to find more ways to volunteer and get involved. “Instead of just attending the summer festival, some of my family is also volunteering this year,” she explained. “My oldest has also attended the youth group.”
 
Carla best describes St. Malachy as home. “At St. Malachy, there is a sense of love, faith, and acceptance that comes from each person,” she added. “It is a special place that allows you to grow in your faith as a family and as an individual.” 
 
Carla feels that St. Malachy provides many ways to grow no matter where a person is in their faith journey. “For each person in my family there is something, such as Fr. Joe’s homilies, the Youth Ministry, a digital presence, and more,” she said. “Most recently, we have loved the Saint of the Day and daily gospel {video} texts.” 
 
Taking time to focus on her faith during the hectic day of being a mother and a teacher is very important to Carla. She and her family also share what they learn at Mass and in the online series with members of their extended family!
 
Sunday Mass is the Schulz Family’s favorite part of St. Malachy. “From the greetings of Fr. Joe, to his homilies, the music, the environment, and the respect for all of my children, it is just beautiful,” Carla said. 
 
While St. Malachy provides many opportunities for their children to choose their faith, Carla and Dave want them to grow in Catholicism and take ownership of it. “They all attend Catholic school because we believe so strongly in deepening their faith,” she added. “St. Malachy allows them to grow in their faith in a wider community beyond their home and schools.”
 
In the upcoming years, Carla and Dave hope to develop a strong community of faith for themselves and for their kids.
 
Heather Ziegenfelder and her family have been members of St. Malachy for about seven years. They were previously members of the parish, Our Lady Queen of All Saints, which was one of the three parishes that closed and merged into St. Pio.
 
“My husband, Steve, and I were disheartened by the division the merging had caused and wanted a fresh start,” Heather explained. “I had decided that it was up to God where he wanted us to go and that he would have to put it on my husband’s heart.”
 
Also affected by the change, the Ziegenfelders’ neighbor had just joined St. Malachy. She had the welcome packet out when Heather and Steve went to say hello one day. “She had shown Steve all the opportunities St. Malachy had to offer, and it stirred up something in his spirit,” Heather added. “We joined the church immediately after that.”
 
Having joined the St. Malachy family, the Ziegenfelders wanted to become involved in the parish. Heather currently cantors at Masses, teaches the 8th Grade Confirmation classes, leads Stations of the Cross during Lent, and most recently, has taken leadership in overseeing Christian Services! 
 
Steve has joined the Knights of Columbus, runs the Tenebrae Services on Good Friday, and helps Heather teach the Confirmation classes.
 
Their children Grace, Zachary, Elijah & Faith all grew up as altar servers, serving since they were in 3rd grade. “Zachary, Elijah and Faith were still in middle- and high- school when we joined St. Malachy, and had the privilege of serving with Father Joe!” Heather said. 
 
To Heather, the best way to describe the St. Malachy Parish is vibrant. She feels that there is so much to get involved in to really be a part of the community. 
 
“I’ve always been involved in church one way or another since I was a little girl, so when we joined St. Malachy, we jumped right in, joining what we could even though we didn’t know anyone,” she explained. “I would encourage anyone who has been thinking about participating more in the community to not let fear hold you back – just say yes to God’s calling and see how fulfilling and rewarding it will be all the while meeting some great people!”
 
St. Malachy is known by many as a “Family of Faith,” and the Ziegenfelders find that to be true!
 
As with any family, there is a stronger connection when everyone is involved and active. “My husband and I had joined the choir right away and made some great friends, and it’s the same with whatever and wherever we are helping out in our church family,” Heather said. “We are truly blessed to have so many wonderful church members, and I guess I’ve always been an old soul because I love hearing the stories from the elder members and witnessing their faith walks – it makes me strive for a faith like theirs.”
 
St. Malachy looks to strengthen the community’s faith in Christ through many available opportunities.
Some of these resources include Fr. Joe’s YouTube videos, Gordon Peck’s Evangelization podcasts and teaching series, a parish library shelf with copies of books such as Rediscovering Jesus & The Saints, and occasional guest speakers and events such as The Cross and the Light.
 
When the Ziegenfelders joined St. Malachy, Heather had been a stay-at-home mom for over 18 years raising their four children – and then she joined the workforce full time.
 
“Having these resources available for all stages of life; whether you have time or are limited, St. Malachy provides us with the tools we need to grow in our faith-walk,” she said. “A shout-out to our Tech Team who works to give us access to these faith-enriching tools!”
 
Heather’s favorite part about St. Malachy is that it embraces everyone and is versatile to their needs. “We celebrate traditional and contemporary Masses, we have women’s and men’s clubs, youth groups, and there are several organized events that appeal to every age group,” she said. “Whatever you are looking for you can probably find here!”
 
St. Malachy has graciously welcomed Heather and her family in the years they have been members. “Grace was in college when we joined, and the church was a big support in helping fund her mission trip to Mexico where she truly experienced God’s love,” she explained. “Zachary, Elijah and Faith all had the opportunity to go to Steubenville, be part of the Youth Ministry, and got to know Fr. Joe by serving at Masses.”
 
She believes God uses all of these opportunities to shape their lives, and she knows these things are all written on their hearts. 
 
The Ziegenfelders hope to continue growing in their faith and answering God’s call to help and serve their church community!
 
Tina Homer came to St. Malachy in 1976 when she and her family moved to the area from Detroit. Previously parishioners of St. David, they joined St. Malachy to be closer to home! 
 
After her first marriage, Tina’s parents moved to Florida. She had begun attending her late husband’s Byzantine Catholic Church, but after he passed it was not the same. “I returned to St. Malachy when my daughter was about four years old, and I felt like a Prodigal returning home,” she said. “One time during Mass, my daughter whispered to me ‘the Angels are here,’ and I knew then I was glad I had returned.”
 
When she was young, Tina was always told she had to attend Mass on Sundays. St. Malachy helped her to truly understand why this is so important. “It helps us start our weeks renewed with Christ at our side so that we can face any of the challenges ahead,” she explained.
 
With its family-aspect and the generosity of its people, St. Malachy has helped Tina and her daughter grow in their faith. “I am proud to say my daughter Caroline has grown to be a kind and giving person,” she said. “For most of her life I was a single parent, and I believe St. Malachy helped educate her through the Religious Education program.” 
 
After years of attending our parish, Tina has grown accustomed to helping out as much as possible in the different ministries we offer. She is an active member of the Festival Committee where she helps her family with the Doll Booth and the Craft and Vendor tent. She is also a member of the COEL and Contemporary Choirs!
 
Tina’s hope for her future here at St. Malachy is to reach people who are lost and in need of finding Christ. “I pray to end division and that we learn to compromise,” she said. “I want us to remember to live as Christ and with Him.”
 
While her parents have been parishioners for 15 years, Makenzie Palm has been a member of St. Malachy her entire life; She was baptized and made her First Communion with none other than Father Joe!
 
Makenzie has enjoyed getting involved in the parish by becoming an altar server, attending catechism, and participating in Vacation Bible Camps over past few summers! “I got involved because my brother is an altar server, and I wanted to be up on the altar with him,” she explained. “I also wanted to help out Fr. Joe.”
 
Becoming part of the St. Malachy Family has assisted Makenzie in her faith journey. “I believe in God even more and it has also taught me many things about God and Jesus,” she said. “Now, I try to pray before bed every night!”
 
One of Makenzie’s favorite memories at St. Malachy is altar-serving for her brother’s Confirmation. “I thought it was so cool and it was very special to me,” she added. 
 
When she gets older, Makenzie looks forward to continuing to help and serve the church. 
 
She describes the community as VERY friendly, loving, and always welcoming. “St. Malachy feels like a family to me because of all the friendly and kind people especially, Fr. Joe,” she said. “He is always so nice and welcoming to myself and others!”
 
Makenzie plans on sharing what St. Malachy offers by talking about Fr Joe’s kindness, the music, and all of the amazing people at the parish. “I think it’s important that young people go to church because they need to learn about God and Jesus, and so They’ll watch over them and protect them and their families and friends,” she said. 
 
Evan Walper and his family have been members of St. Malachy for over 10 years after switching parishes for our Faith Formation program! “From there, we found we really liked Father Joe and the whole St Malachy family,” Evan said. “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming, we decided it was the church for us.”
 
Evan is a member of the Faith Formation program and is in his Confirmation year! “I am excited to help out and volunteer more where I can,” he explained. “I like the idea of helping out with the younger kids and helping show that faith in God is fun and a good thing!”
 
Joining the St. Malachy Family has strengthened Evan’s faith and has created a yearning for him to learn more about God. He looks to Mass and his Faith Formation classes to help him. “My parents have always taught me that part of believing in God and Jesus is to try and make God proud of me and to be like Jesus and help others,” he said. “I really believe that, too.”
 
Evan’s experience in Faith Formation has taught him how Jesus lived His life, and he has become more confident to share what he knows with others.
 
During Mass, Evan finds that Fr. Joe’s homilies about real-life experiences hold a special connection to his understanding of faith. “I think it makes the message easier for me to understand and I can think of ways in my life that relate,” he said.
 
Being in 8th grade with lots of change happening, Evan hopes to stay a part of St. Malachy for as long as he can. “As I get older, I would like to try to find ways to be more involved, like helping with the Summerfest,” he explained. “It would be great if I could bring my kids to St. Malachy one day.”
 
Evan believes that people at St. Malachy are always welcoming and kind to everyone. “The Faith Formation teachers and support people have always been very nice to me and I feel like they really care about me and my learning about God,” he added.
 
Having such a strong foundation for his faith life, Evan thinks that young people should attend Mass to hear the stories of Jesus and to start building their own faith. “Being involved at church helps teach you right from wrong and how God and Jesus will help you even if you make mistakes,” he said. “Church helps you understand how you should try to live like Jesus every day, try to help others, and try to be the best you, like God made you to be.”
 
Evan’s faith is strong, and he is proud to share it. “I thank my parents and St. Malachy for that.”
 
Indy Rowe is new to the parish (and life.) At just six months old, he is full of energy…for the Holy Spirit of course! 
 
His mom, Ursula, always seems to be at the church, so he thought it must be pretty great! Last month Indy’s dad, Alex, even brought him to a special Pet Blessing held by Fr. Joe outside the church doors!
 
Although Indy wasn’t able to set foot inside the building, he knew there was something remarkable about the place. The atmosphere and the people seemed so welcoming; They wouldn’t stop smiling! And the dogs were great too! He made so many friends in just that small amount of time, that he knew St. Malachy was something special. 
 
Indy appreciates the family aspect of the church community, and was especially happy to see how many people were alive in their faith…so much so that they brought their favorite pets along to experience it! 
 
Indy enjoys hearing his paw-rents talk about the church and what they learn about when they come home. They even talk about God, who Indy LOVES listening about! (He must be pretty great!) 
 
Indy hopes that in the future, even more pups like himself can experience the love of Christ through the St. Malachy Family!
 
Introducing two of our newest parishioners! Cheryl and Marzett Stakley moved to Sterling Heights from Sacramento, California after Marzett’s job brought them to the Motor City! “We traveled more than halfway across the country by car with our five fur babies and made it in one piece!” Cheryl said. 
 
It has been an overwhelming adjustment, especially since the couple had lived in Sacramento since 1989. “Leaving our daughter is the biggest adjustment,” Cheryl said. “Leaving our parish of almost 30 years is another.”
 
The couple had searched Catholic churches located in the Detroit area while they were still in California. When they found out what their temporary living situation would be, Cheryl and Marzett focused on St. Malachy, since it happened to be located nearby. 
 
The Stakleys wanted to belong to a parish sooner rather than later to create some normalcy and to establish a routine. “Our first impression was a good one,” Cheryl explained. “Fr. Joe greeting everyone outside last year on a chilly December morning with snow flurries was a good way to start.” 
 
One thing the couple noticed was the welcoming atmosphere of St. Malachy. “There seems to be many friendly people on Sundays greeting us as we enter the church,” said Cheryl. “We hope to gain that same ‘warm and fuzzy’ feeling we had at our parish in Sacramento sometime in the near future!”
 
The family plans on checking out the ministries that are available here at St. Malachy to find a good fit when their schedules allow. “We were both ushers back in California and I was involved with the Altar Society as well,” Cheryl added. 
 
Cheryl and Marzett are originally from Connecticut, and they are happy to be closer to ‘home.’ We look forward to having them be a big part of our St. Malachy Family, and we pray they find exactly what Christ has in store for them here!
 
Steve and Linda Monacelli joined the St. Malachy parish in 1980, when they married and moved to Warren. Originally, they became parishioners because their home fell within the boundaries of the parish, and neither of them had any strong ties to their previous parishes. “At St. Malachy, we found a welcoming parish family,” Steve said. “In 1992, we moved to Sterling Heights and tried several other churches, but never enjoyed them as much as St. Malachy, so we returned.”
 
Upon joining the parish, Steve and Linda quickly saw how important it was to become involved. Linda is a member of the Women’s Club and enjoys the camaraderie, while Steve is involved in the Security Ministry. “I enjoy greeting the congregation as they enter and exit the church, but more importantly, keeping them safe and being able to assist with any accidents or medical events that may occur,” explained Steve. “Both of us know that service to the church community is an important part of service to the Lord.” 
 
Steve and Linda believe the ministries at St. Malachy are all equally important. “We believe our Music Ministry to be one of the best in the area, and helps keep God in our daily lives,” Steve said. “I often find myself humming the songs sung the past Sunday, later that week.”
 
He continued, saying that the Ushers are always helpful and friendly, and the Hospitality Ministry, who arranges for coffee and snacks to be available at the end of Mass, promotes the “family” feeling. He also stated that the Tech Team brings the Mass to those unable to physically attend, an important part of evangelization!
 
“St. Malachy does not only feel like a family, it IS a family,” said Steve. “Most of us are more familiar with each other than the cursory ‘good morning’ greeting; We know each others’ celebrations and challenges, and are quick to share in their joys and sorrows.”
 
Steve and Linda agree that being members of St. Malachy is more than just attending Sunday Mass. It has brought them both closer to God, closer to each other, and closer to the congregation. St. Malachy is full of people caring about each other and spreading God’s love. “It may be a simple hello, an embrace, or long conversations about things that matter to them,” said Steve. “I see parishioners stopping to help someone else with a cane or a walker navigate their way into and throughout the church.”
 
When asked about St. Malachy, Steve often tells people that we have a family that starts with our pastor. “I don’t know of another church, of any denomination, where, regardless of weather, the pastor is outside prior to each service to personally welcome everybody that enters,” he said. “That kind of caring and devotion is contagious in our parish.”
 

 

“I see people loving each other.” 

Kelly Loring and her family have been part of St. Malachy for 10 years!  “I went to Our Lady of Good Counsel in Detroit for grade school and Regina for high school,” she said. “When my family moved to Warren when I was 19, we all became members of St. Clement.” Her three children made their sacraments at St. Clement in Center Line, and she taught Religious Education there for 15 years! 
 
When Kelly’s oldest child started high school, the family began looking for a new parish that offered more for the youth. “Our youngest joined St. Malachy’s softball team and my husband coached,” Kelly explained. “We, as a family, made the decision to attend St. Malachy.” All three of their kids became part of the Youth Ministry and have had the chance to attend some of the Steubenville Retreats!
 
Kelly is currently a Eucharistic Minister, something all of her children have shared with her. The family has also been involved in helping at the annual festivals, fish fries, and the spaghetti dinners the ROCK youth group used to host. “Being involved has helped us to build friendships in the church and to feel more part of the church family,” Kelly added. 
 
“After being so loved on and cared for by the youth groups at St. Malachy, my son went on to lead a campus ministry at Michigan State University where he led retreats and bible studies for college students,” said Kelly. “My oldest daughter has now graduated from MSU and is living and working in Chicago, continuing to serve as a Eucharistic Minister and helping to run the social media page for her church.”
 
Their youngest daughter is currently at MSU and is involved in campus ministry and bible studies. “I really believe strongly that being involved as children and teenagers in the youth groups sets a foundation for them to continue practicing their faith as adults,” she said. “My son is even considering ministry as a career.”
 
St. Malachy makes the Loring Family feel that they are part of a bigger family; from being greeted by Father Joe, to the Security and Hospitality teams opening doors for them as they enter the church.
 
“St. Malachy has helped my family and me to be at the hands and feet of Jesus by allowing us to serve the church community,” Kelly said. “My faith has grown from listening to Fr. Joe’s videos online.” During COVID, she said the online services really helped her family feel connected to the church community in such a scary time. 
 
“A time when our St. Malachy family really showed up for us was when our 19 year old son was diagnosed with thyroid cancer,” Kelly said. “We were gifted several gift cards for gas to drive back and forth to U of M.” They were also gifted meals and groceries from their fellow parishioners because she and her husband had to take time off from work. “My son was prayed for by so many people in the church and we really felt a sense of peace during this difficult time,” she added. 
 
Kelly has been asked about how she likes St. Malachy. She always tells her friends that it is very welcoming, that there is a vibrant youth ministry, and that everyone is always trying to do better as a church community to spread God’s love. “I have had several friends join the church and they love it!” she said. “Some of our neighbors have left other churches to come to St. Malachy because we are so family oriented!”
 
 

“We love that there is so much youth in the church.”

Today we get the chance to hear from one of our youngest members of the St. Malachy Family! Two-year-old Edward Mercier comes to Mass with his parents, Nick and Robyn Mercier, and his grandparents, Rocky and Robin Mercier. His best friend, Ursula, also sings in the Contemporary Choir, which is definitely a bonus for Edward!
 
Here’s what he has to say about our parish! 
 
Q: Who do you go to church with?
E: Mama and Dada.
 
Q: What is your favorite part about going to church?
E: Ursula is singing lots of songs.
 
Q: What is your favorite song at church?
E: ABCs… and Holy Holy Holy.
 
Q: Do you love God?
E: YES….that much (with arms stretched all the way out). That’s so cool!
 
Q: Do you think God loves you?
E: YES, God loves Mama and God loves Dada too.
 
Q: Do you love going to church?
E: YES THAT MUCH (with arms stretched all the way out.)
 
Jessica and Philip Adderley have a wonderful story on how they ended up here at St. Malachy! Although Jessica is a Michigan native, Phil is from England! The couple met in an online support group on Facebook. They got to know each other for over a year, and decided to put their new lives to the test. 
 
Phil came to the United States for a visit to see America for the first time. He wanted to see if he could adjust to the American way of life. “Soon after, I went to stay in the UK for 5-6 months in the summer/fall of 2015 to see the British way of life,” Jessica said. “I have to say I fell in love with the English countryside and would have been willing to move there.”
 
However, after much consideration of Jessica’s teenage daughter and her parents, Phil came to Michigan on a K-1 Visa, which was approved in December of 2015, a year after his first visit. They were married nine years ago at St. Lawrence in Utica!
 
Jessica and Phil have been visitors of St. Malachy on and off for years! “In fact, upon Phil’s first visit here in December of 2014, we actually attended Midnight Mass at St. Malachy!” said Jessica. “However, we have been parishioners for approximately a year.”
 
The Adderleys live near St. Malachy, making it convenient for them to get to Mass. “We began to see that Fr. Joe is great; his style and his homilies are quite captivating, wise, and they have just the perfect balance between levity and conservatism,” Jessica explained. “The parish is very welcoming and the people are very down-to-earth.” They both love attending the 5pm Saturday Masse!  
 
Jessica and Phil have contributed in general initiatives of the parish by giving when it is needed, especially during the food drives and the Giving Tree. Phil has attended Eucharistic Adoration a couple of times, and they both have attended the Summer Festival. “I am looking to get involved with being a Eucharistic Minister and one day making it to the prayer group!” said Jessica. 
 
Attending the same Mass each week, Jessica and Phil see many of the same people, along with new faces. “I must say, we feel like a family celebrating the Holy Mass each week with them,” Jessica said. “Simply smiling at them or a simple ‘hello’ is all that is needed; we love our 5pm Mass family!”  She feels it has also been interesting to finally put names with faces in the St. Malachy Family, whether they are lectors, ushers, musicians or other members of our faith community!
 
Phillip, being born in England, was raised and baptized in the Church of England. “The best way I can say that the Church of England differentiates from Catholicism is simply that the Church of England’s head figure isn’t in Rome or the Pope, but rather the Archbishop of Canterbury and The Queen or King of The United Kingdom,” said Jessica. “But, many of the basic Christian tenets are retained.”  She explained that the differentiation happened simply for political reasons when King Henry VIII wanted a divorce, but couldn’t get one from Rome. He then separated from Rome and the Pope.
 
The Church of England holds the basic tenets of the Nicene Creed and the Lord’s Prayer during each service, and they distribute Communion as well. “The church Phil and I went to each Sunday was established all the way back in approximately 1091,” Jessica said. “It was very quaint, and I quite loved it and enjoyed it.”
 
She also explained that many of their churches are named after saints. “For instance, the church we went to was named St. Peter and St. Paul, and we attended Bible study each week as well in the Vicar’s home,” Jessica said. “He would provide lovely tea and we sat in his living room with the rest of the group studying Corinthians.”
 
Contrary, England’s Catholic parishes are still under Rome and the Pope for those who remained Catholic. “I didn’t attend any Catholic parishes while I was there, but Phil was baptized in the Church of England,” she said. “I was baptized Catholic and have remained a practicing Catholic my entire life.”  One difference she saw with the Church of England is that despite naming churches after the Blessed Mother, there is not as deep a devotion to her as Catholics practice. “My impression is that they view her as an important saint, but that devotion isn’t really there…It should be,” she added.
 
Simply attending Mass at St. Malachy each week has strengthened the Adderley’s relationships with God. “I know Phil enjoys learning from hearing Fr. Joe’s homilies,” said Jessica. “It is so true that one needs the Eucharist as much as possible to cope in life.” She also believes getting involved with the select groups and services within the church are also enriching to one’s faith experience.  
 
“I hope to join and to get more involved in service-oriented groups the parish offers, and to interact with more parishioners to accomplish helping the needy,” Jessica said. “We are very happy God has led us to St. Malachy…we do feel at “home” here.”
 
 

“St. Malachy is a welcoming parish community with many hard-working people who are ‘down to earth,’ unpretentious, and faith-filled.”

Maria Osinski and her family have been members of St. Malachy her entire life…all 28 years of it! Her parents, Anita and Dave, did a wonderful job instilling a strong foundation for the Osinski children to build their faith. “They taught us all the basic prayers and said them with us, took us to church every week (even though it meant living in the cry room for a bit), reviewed our Catechism material with us each week, and enrolled us in Vacation Bible Camp,” she explained. “Most importantly though, they showed us by example to always rely on God through good times and bad, and how both can strengthen our personal faith.”
 
Maria said her parents are the reason she got so involved in the church! She even attended 8am Mass every weekend at St. John’s when she was at Michigan State University, and she continues to grow in her faith at St. Malachy!
 
Maria has been involved in our parish in many ways over the years. 
 
“I used to be an altar server, participated as a student in Religious Ed, volunteered at VBC, and participated in both of our middle school and high school youth groups,” she said. “I was a member of the Contemporary Choir in highschool and have returned for the past couple years.” Currently, she also helps in the Tech Ministry, leads the Italian Booth at the annual Summerfest, and teaches 5th Grade Religious Education on Wednesdays!
 
“I always thought watching other kids altar serve at Mass was so cool, and in 4th grade I asked my parents if I could join, which they were thrilled about,” Maria said. “As I started volunteering at the festival, I heard about how much fun FROG was, and I joined in 7th grade.”
 
Being involved in the parish has helped Maria grow deeper in her faith. She has especially noticed this through Catechism, and is grateful for the opportunity to help the youngest members of our community. “I learn more too as I teach the kids,” she added.”Being involved also helps me keep my faith more present in the forefront of my mind, and I try my best to be conscious of all my blessings and seek God in the world around me.”
 
Maria feels there are many tools at St. Malachy to help its people grow in faith and spread the Good Word. “For me, Mass will always be the primary tool,” she said. “I also really appreciate the Women’s Young Adult Bible Study and being introduced to the “Every Sacred Sunday” journal.” It has been a goal of Maria’s to increase how frequently she reads and reflects throughout the week.
 
Having been so involved in the parish, Maria has many fun memories. Her favorites, and the most comforting to her, were when she altar-served at her great-grandmothers’ funerals. She also sang at her grandparents’ funerals, all of which were held inside the walls of St. Malachy. “While these may be sad on the surface, having the privilege to honor my loved ones in these additional actions was so important to me, they deepened my faith, and emphasized the importance of the Catholic sacraments,” she said. “Being surrounded by our Family of Faith was such an additional blessing that I am forever grateful for.”
 
In the years to come, Maria looks forward to deepening her relationship with God in all moments of her life and learning more about her faith. “I have been blessed to make all of my sacraments so far at St. Malachy, and hope to make future ones here too.”
 
Maria and her family have made many lasting and meaningful connections at St. Malachy over the years. They even have family friends from their days in the Cry Room! As she got older, Maria made many friends with the other members of the youth groups. “These are friends near and dear to my heart who I have remained friends with even 15+ years later,” she added. “Friends that I see frequently both at church and outside of it.”
 
Most meaningfully, Maria met her boyfriend, Grant, through St. Malachy. “I am so blessed to have him in my life.”
 
Maria feels that all are welcome at St. Malachy, and that it is easy to grow in the faith and experience God’s love through Mass and Father Joe’s homilies. The church has additional digital resources and different opportunities to get involved in and to deepen the community connection.
 
Being a young person, Maria feels that it is so important to build a firm foundation with Christ. “So much of your life changes when you are young and it’s important to have constants you can rely on throughout your life,” she said. “The biggest constant is God and you can lay a strong foundation of faith by going to church and getting involved; and you’ll make so many friends along the way!”
 
Jean Krause grew up Catholic, her parents and grandparents helping to shape her faith. She attended Catholic school for 12 years and learned how to rely on God through both the good and the bad times. “I remember being young and going to Mass with my grandparents in a little church up north, and knowing it was special,” she said. 
 
Jean attended St. Malachy several times when her family moved to the neighborhood 26 years ago, since it was so close. She recalls how impressed she was with the way Fr. Joe said Mass and spoke his homilies. Her children, Ursula and Erik, attended Catholic elementary and middle schools, where they had to become parishioners at the connecting church. However, the Krause’s would occasionally attend St. Malachy on Christmas and Easter. 
 
“After the kids left the school, my daughter met some friends in high school that brought her to the Youth Ministry at St. Malachy,” she explained. “Then my son joined a couple of years later; As they became more involved, I did too.”
 
Jean and her family began coming to Mass at St. Malachy more often, and finally decided to change parishes. “This parish is so much more welcoming and vibrant, especially the contemporary Mass,” she added. Today, Jean has been attending St. Malachy for 12 years.
 
With so many opportunities to become active in the church community, Jean decided to grow in the Hospitality Ministry! “I enjoy greeting people, making coffee, and putting out treats,” she said. “It’s a nice way to make people feel welcome and I think most people really enjoy it!” This position has helped Jean meet people and makes her feel like she is part of the parish. “My daughter not only works at St. Malachy, but is in the Contemporary Choir and Tech Department…There’s not much she doesn’t do! My son has also helped in the Tech Ministry!”
 
Jean appreciates how St. Malachy feels like a family. She sees the same people every Sunday and loves the way everyone greets each other. “When I look around and there are so many people attending Mass, it makes me feel good, especially the way the world is today,” she said. “It tells me that people really do need God!” 
 
Jean’s children helped her feel more involved with her faith through their experiences in the Youth Ministry. Having met some of their best friends who are presently in their lives, Jean enjoys seeing them grow and strengthen their faith. It inspired her to get more involved and to strengthen her faith.
 
“Hearing what they did and talked about, their retreats and conferences made me want to deepen my faith,” she explained. “I started attending Mass every week and getting involved, and I attend bible studies when I can and really want to learn more.” 
 
Jean feels St. Malachy is a very caring, welcoming parish full of opportunities to get involved. Sometimes it takes a village to show others who Christ is, and St. Malachy sure has a strong one! 
 
 

“I went from ‘going through the motions’ of the Mass to really understanding it.”

Anna Maria Gappe and her family have attended St. Malachy since 2024, but her parents have been part of the parish for a very long time.
 
When she began looking for a new church, Anna Maria’s parents urged her to try St. Malachy. “They kept telling me how great Father Joe is and encouraged me to ‘just go and see for myself,'” she added.
 
Growing up, Anna Maria had a strong faith! Like many of our Faith Formation members, she attended Catechism and made her First Communion and Confirmation. She went to Mass every Sunday, but as she got older, she didn’t attend as much as she would have liked. When her children were born, she knew she had to get faith back into her life, especially if she wanted her kids to grow up in a strong Catholic community.
 
“I went to church with my grandparents growing up, as my mom went with hers,” she said. “My daughter will often go with my parents to the 7:30am Mass, and I know that’s a memory she will cherish forever.”
 
One day, Anna Maria took her daughter to the 11:30am Mass…and they loved it! “I think the live music really made a difference,” she said. “It changes the entire atmosphere of going to church…It’s lively and upbeat – music is a very powerful thing.”
 
Anna Maria and her husband have a strong faith, but were never the couple to go to church every Sunday. One day, Anna Maria convinced him to take their daughter to Mass – and he loved it too!
 
“We wanted our daughter to start going because we want her to make her First Communion,” Anna Maria explained. “And I want her to learn more about God and the Church.” Currently, her daughter is in the Catechism program, and because a lot of it is done at home with the parents, it has helped Anna Maria re-learn what she had forgotten!
 
“Honestly, I think the personality of the priest [also] really makes a difference in the Church,” she said. “And Fr. Joe is so welcoming and makes it feel like home.” The Gappes love how he sits outside and greets everyone coming into Mass. “It makes you feel welcomed,” she added. “Everyone in church seems to be happy when they are in Mass.”
 
To Anna Maria, St. Malachy feels like one big family. “Everyone knows each other – but also everyone is very welcoming to people who have never been there before,” she said. “Fr. Joe also makes everyone feel that way; it’s like he is talking directly to you when he is speaking.”
 
She and her daughter love to sit up front during Mass to better see Fr. Joe. “Kids watch their parents and will do what you do,” she explained. “You set an example for your children, and I know she’s watching me: whenever we go to church, I see her paying attention, listening, singing, and praying, and that’s a wonderful thing to see!”
 
If given the chance, Anna Maria would tell anyone interested in visiting that they will simply love it! “The live, upbeat music really sets it apart, and even though I am fairly new with coming back into the church – everyone is very inviting and it’s like I have been at this church forever,” said Anna Maria. “It’s never too late to go back to church.”
 

 

“St. Malachy is a very inviting church. It’s a comforting place to know you are always welcomed.”

Growing up, Ashley Treat and her family attended Mass every Sunday and on holidays. They prayed before meals, and attended St. Malachy’s Catechism program. Ashley had faith, but it wasn’t always strong. She had a sense of what she believed in, but eventually took a break from attending church. 
 
“As I got older and my husband was in Afghanistan, our faith became a desire and something I wanted to have and make stronger in my life and in our children’s lives,” she explained. When they moved in together upon her husband’s return from the Army, they decided they wanted their future, their lives, and their family to be surrounded by God. They chose St. Malachy to support that, and have been part of the parish since 2017.
 
While looking for a parish to blossom in, Ashley remembered her time in the Catechism programs at St. Malachy, and how much she enjoyed it! The Treats wanted to make sure that wherever they ended up, it did not feel forced. When her husband joined the OCIA Program, the leader mentioned writing and taking their Bibles everywhere. “That right there was something that stuck with us, because it wasn’t just about the education in religion but the relationship, the ‘making it a part of everything in our lives no matter how different each person’s life is,'” Ashley said. “It truly felt like a comfortable, loving space and a home.”
 
Currently, the Treat family attends Mass when they can. Their kindergartner, second-grader, and third-grader attend the Family Faith Sharing Program. “My three-year-old comes with us, but cannot attend those [classes] just yet,” Ashley added. 
 
To Ashley and her family, St. Malachy feels welcoming, caring, and understanding. “There is always something they are doing to help or bring people together,” she said. “With us, we have four young kids, so we have been sick a lot this season, and even with catechism the focus has been, ‘it’s okay, get them better, that’s the number one goal!’” She said it is a feeling of love and caring that makes them feel connected even when they cannot attend. 
 
Joining St. Malachy has helped Ashley yearn to strengthen her relationship with Christ. “Going to Mass, or going to catechism with my children has allowed me to explore,” she said. “While we do the parent session in the Family Faith Sharing classes, I’ve learned a lot more now that I’m older and have that longing to have a closer connection with God for myself and my children.” Every time the family leaves catechism, Ashley finds herself researching more and more. “When you were younger you didn’t always appreciate it,” she said.
 
When Ashley’s daughter was one year old, she came with Ashley and her husband to the OCIA classes. “It was so beautiful how welcomed she was in his journey,” Ashley said. The programs offered at the church have impacted how their children see holidays and other aspects of life. “They will come out of school and make comments about God, or we can drive to a family member’s and one will make a comment about how God loves us,” Ashley said. “It’s beautiful to hear them talk about Him…it’s exciting!” When she was little, Ashley said there wasn’t as much open conversation about it. The fact that her children are so comfortable with it is a blessing!
 
A memory the Treats will always cherish was when they didn’t have a babysitter for their six-month-old at the time, so they were welcomed to bring her during Ashley’s husband’s Sacraments. “She spent the whole Saturday with us, and everyone was so helpful.”
 
Ashley firmly believes that there are many different ways St. Malachy helps build an understanding of our faith and God!
 
 

“There’s so much community here that it’s truly so humbling and warm…It’s not something you can find so easily.”

When Director of Music Eric Taylor was brand new to our Family of Faith, I interviewed him to see what his goals were for our parish. He definitely hasn’t disappointed! I’ve decided to interview him again to see how he has settled into our wonderful community! 
 
1. After becoming Director of Music here at St. Malachy, how has your faith life been impacted? Have you noticed a significant change in your relationship with Christ since your employment began here?
 
While I have always considered myself devout, becoming Director of Music has deepened my relationship with Christ in ways I never anticipated. Being in His presence daily—whether it’s through Adoration, playing for Mass, or praying with the choirs—has brought me to a place of profound devotion. I’ve come to realize that my role is more than just about playing music; it’s about praying through the music, offering each note and hymn as a prayer. This shift in perspective has made my prayer life more intentional, and the more I immerse myself in the sacred liturgy, the more connected I feel to Christ’s presence. It has truly been transformative.
 
2. Now that you have been here for some time, what does being a music director mean to you?
 
Being the Music Director at St. Malachy means guiding the congregation and musicians toward a deeper connection with God through song. It’s about facilitating a prayerful experience through music, where everyone becomes an active participant in praising God. “Singing is praying twice,” as the saying goes, and I believe music is a powerful connection to God, transcending words. As Music Director, my job is to ensure that our Music Ministry is not just about showcasing talent but is a genuine offering of prayer to God. It’s a humbling responsibility and a privilege to serve in this capacity.
 
3. What is your favorite type of music to work with in the church? You’ve had time with a variety of different choirs and types of music. I’m interested in which one is your favorite!
 
Ah, the hard-hitting question! While I enjoy a wide range of music, my favorite type to work with is music that stirs the soul. Whether it’s the powerful organ at Adoration, our incredible Assistant Director of Music Jessica Zelinski playing a beautiful piano meditation, the Choir of Everlasting Life singing “On Eagle’s Wings” for a grieving family, the Worship Choir praying “Lord I Need You” after Communion, or the Contemporary Ministry rocking out with “This Is Amazing Grace” at Mass, what excites me is music that brings us closer to God. Every song, whether it’s joyful or solemn, traditional or contemporary, becomes a vessel for prayer and connection. For me, it’s not about the style of music but the depth of the emotion and devotion it brings.
 
4. What is something that has made us stand out from the other choirs you have worked with prior to coming here?
 
What stands out most to me is the immense love and support within the St. Malachy community. From day one, it was clear that this is a place where we lift each other up rather than tear each other down. The sense of family here is tangible, and that unity carries over into our music ministry. Also, the collective sound of the choir and congregation is remarkable. There’s something extraordinary about hearing the entire congregation sing together. It’s that energy and heart that makes St. Malachy so special. We are a true “singing community,” and that’s something I’m proud to be a part of.
 
5. What do you think you’ve been able to gain from becoming part of our Family of Faith? 
 
Becoming part of the St. Malachy Family of Faith has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. Beyond professional growth, I’ve developed a deeper connection to Christ and to each of you as a community. The love and support I’ve received here have been extraordinary. It has reminded me daily of what it means to be part of something greater than myself. Not only have I been able to share my gifts, but I’ve also been able to grow spiritually, surrounded by a group of people who are so committed to each other and the mission of serving God.
 
6. What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced here in these last couple of years? How did you overcome it? 
 
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as Director of Music has been aligning my goals for the music ministry with the rich and storied traditions of St. Malachy. Our parish is wonderfully diverse, especially when it comes to music, and I knew it was important to find common threads that would unite us while honoring that diversity. It’s easy for a Director to simply select hymns and call it a day, but I’ve come to realize that each Mass and choir has a unique feel and different needs, all while working towards the same goal: creating an atmosphere of prayer and beauty that puts Christ at the center.
 
To address this, I worked closely with all of the choirs, as well as the Worship and Tech Ministries to make sure our music was not just performed, but woven into the fabric of the liturgy, helping each Mass flow seamlessly. Over the past few years, you may have noticed some changes — like the addition of a setup song at the beginning of our Contemporary Mass and more anthems for the Worship Choir — all aimed at creating a deeper connection for the congregation while still keeping Christ at the heart of everything we do.
 
Through collaboration and a focus on unity, I believe we’ve made great strides in strengthening our music ministry, and I’m excited to continue building on that foundation.
 
7. What are some goals for this parish that you’ve accomplished in your first years here? 
 
One of the biggest goals I set for myself was to foster a Christ-centered culture in our music ministry. St. Malachy’s Music Ministry is a dynamic and unique force in the Archdiocese, offering a wide range of opportunities for people from all walks of life. Whether you’re “Team Gregorian Chant” or “Team Praise and Worship,” we are all part of “Team Christ.” It has been rewarding to see our choirs supporting one another, even when participating in different Masses, and coming together for the Christmas Concert and fellowship, such as our Summer Choir Social.
 
Another key goal was to increase youth involvement in our music ministry. When I first started, there were only three children in the Children’s Choir. I promised Father Joe that I would work to grow that number, and today we have 12 young voices in that choir. This is just the beginning, and I am excited for what’s to come.
 
8. What are some goals you want to accomplish in the future?
 
One of my main goals moving forward is to continue growing all of our choirs, always keeping our focus Christ-centered. Music Ministry is about using our God-given talents to stir souls and inspire prayer. I firmly believe everyone has something to offer, and I am excited to see how our ministry continues to grow. Also, do you notice the hand bells at the back of the church? The St. Malachy Handbell Choir will soon be revived, and I can’t wait to share that with all of you!
 
9. How do you think St. Malachy has improved/benefitted in the amount of time you’ve been here? (I’ve noticed such a positive change in all of the choirs and their abilities…including personality and engagement. What are some big things you’ve noticed??)
 
Well, aside from our dad joke count skyrocketing, I’m deeply grateful for the positive changes people have noticed in our music ministry. But honestly, I’m just grateful to play a small role in lifting up the incredible talent already present here at St. Malachy. Our choirs—Worship, Children’s, Cantors, Choir of Everlasting Life, and Contemporary Ministry—have all become stronger. I see this improvement reflected in the energy that Father Joe brings when he sings down the aisle and in the collaboration with the Worship Commission and Tech Ministry. Together, we’ve made the Masses more engaging and meaningful for our community.
 
10. If you were to give our parishioners a special message, what would that be?
 
“You are all a vital part of our Family of Faith.” Whether you sing in the choir, serve in other ministries, or actively participate in the Mass, you are making a difference. St. Malachy is more than just a church—it’s a family. And everyone here plays a unique role in our shared journey of faith. My goal is to help create an environment where we can all grow together, lift each other up, and use our talents, big or small, to glorify God. Let’s continue to walk with each other, unified in love, prayer, and service.
 
11. Do you have a favorite memory of your time here that you would like to share?
 
I don’t know if I have one singular favorite memory, but I’ll always remember one particular Sunday. I was playing at the 7:30 AM Mass, which is one of my favorites. I had probably not gotten enough sleep, and I decided to use the hymn book instead of my iPad. In my tired state, I tried to turn the page of the hymn book by tapping on it, just like I do with my tablet. As you can imagine, it didn’t work. I ended up laughing so hard that I skipped my usual postlude. Zach Murphy, our Worship Director, couldn’t help but chuckle and said, “Please tell me you weren’t just trying to turn the page of the hymn book by tapping on it!” It was a moment of pure laughter, and I’ll never forget it.
 
Last weekend, the members of our First Communion class made their First Reconciliation! I had the privilege of speaking to two young brothers who have a bright flame for their faith!
 
Simon and Julian Klakulak both took the big step of making their Profession of Faith and First Reconciliation last weekend! 5th grader, Julian, and 7th grader, Simon, are both members of our Family Faith Sharing and Catechism programs here at St. Malachy! 
 
Simon is also a member of FROG, our middle school youth group! “It’s really fun and interesting,” he said. “I’ve made a lot of friends there.” His favorite memory in the group so far is the meeting where each student was able to taste test food from different countries! This feels like a great interest of Simon’s, as he explained that his favorite part about being in Catechism is learning about choices. 
 
Julian thinks he will attend FROG in the future, and enjoys his Catechism classes and all of the crafts they do together!
 
Simon and Julian both had an impressive view toward making their Profession of Faith and First Reconciliation! Rather than being nervous for these big steps in their faith, they were relieved and grateful for the opportunity. “That was just stuff that happened in the past and I don’t care about it anymore,” Simon explained on the subject of his First Reconciliation. “It feels satisfying [to make my Profession of Faith] because I used to be a Lutheran and now I’m a Catholic…I want to be like my parents!”
 
When asked what they would like to share with their fellow First Communicants in order to prepare them for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, Julian laid down the foundation by reassuring them that “it will all be okay and that it is nothing bad.” Simon chimed in, saying, “What they are doing is just telling about the past, and just basically finding out if they want to be Catholic and continue this journey.”
 
When asked if they were excited to make their First Communion, I was given an “absolutely, yes!” from the both of them! 
 
These young siblings have huge hearts and a great desire to move mountains in their faith! Let us all pray as a parish family for their journeys in the Church!
 
 
Randall Straughen and his family have been a part of St. Malachy for about four years! Raised in a parish in Warren, Randall started to get involved in the church while he was in college. He was on the Board for a few years, ran a youth group, was married, had kids and Baptized them! A little over 30 years later, he made the decision to find another parish.
 
“I had been to St. Malachy a few times for the annual Scout Mass, and after talking with my old pastor (who knew Father Joe), I decided my Faith Journey was going to have a new chapter,” he explained. 
 
When he began looking for a new parish, Randall attended a few different churches, including one where he knew the priest. “It didn’t feel right,” he said. “St. Malachy did and I can’t explain why.” Even his kids appreciated their new parish! 
 
Wanting to become more involved, Randall joined the Knights of Columbus John F. Kennedy Council and has recently began serving as an Usher for the 11:30 Masses! Randall’s daughter, Lily, participates in the Faith Formation program, while his son, Ender, is a member of ROCK, our high school youth group! “Ender also usually attends Fr. Joe’s Wednesday morning Masses at De La Salle,” Randall added. 
 
In some ways, St. Malachy reminds Randall of his childhood parish, which had its own baseball and softball leagues. “We had five Masses on Sunday, and we left our Elementary during school for catechism,” he said. “It was an integral part of our family life, and St. Malachy is like that.”
 
Randall has been interested in watching his kids grow at St. Malachy! “My son is starting to experiment in his Faith Journey,” he said. “The fact that Fr. Joe and Brother Thomas (the President of De La Salle) talk to each other about him is amusing to me, but probably not to him!” Ender recently attended his first retreat and attends the monthly Starbucks Homework Nights with ROCK! 
 
Watching Ender make his Confirmation is a special memory of Randall’s, as is the Living Stations of the Cross, which never fails to bring him to tears due to the emotional impact of the moment. He also enjoys hearing the applause at the end of each 11:30 Mass for the band and being an active participant in the Adoration of the Eucharist! 
 
Randall brings his mother to Mass every week, and she has recently become a parishioner! “I would stress how St. Malachy feels like family,” Randall said. “We even have different music at each Mass so you can pick your flavor!”
 
Although it was not at St. Malachy, Randall wanted to share a crucial moment in his faith journey! He attended a two-day concert and workshop with ValLimar Jansen, and he thinks people in our parish would be very intrigued by attending! “I also organized a project and participated in it with my son!” he said. “The link to the Detroit Catholic article is included here: Two teams, one mission: Student golfers join forces to clean historic gravesites- Detroit Catholic.“
 
Avery Maslowski and her family have been attending St. Malachy for about five years!
 
Being raised in a strong Catholic environment, Avery received all of her Holy Sacraments at her family’s previous church. She attended weekly Catechism classes from Kindergarten through 8th grade. “I was also active in [their] youth group, the children’s choir, and served as an altar server,” she added. “My family and I did our best to attend Sunday Mass regularly.”
 
After some time, the Maslowski Family decided to try out St. Malachy! After graduating from Indiana Tech in May of 2024 and moving back home to Michigan, Avery wanted to reconnect more with her faith and become more involved in the parish. 
 
She substitute-taught in a 4th-grade Catechism class last year, and quickly found her calling. “With more time to dedicate to what matters most, I found joy in serving others and growing spiritually,” she said. “Teaching Catechism is especially exciting for me because I love working with kids and sharing my faith in meaningful, fun ways!”
 
For the 2025 school year, Avery will be teaching 3rd Grade Catechism at St. Malachy! In addition to teaching, Avery enjoys volunteering at the St. Malachy Summerfest and plans on helping at Vacation Bible Camp this summer! 
 
For Avery, being involved at St. Malachy has deepened her faith and brought her closer to God. 
 
“I feel more spiritually fulfilled and connected when I’m of service to the community,” she explained. “I see Christ present in this parish through every interaction – whether it’s the Security Team, Father Joe, parishioners, family & friends, workers, volunteers, etc…This love and connection keep me coming back.” 
 
St. Malachy offers so many ways to grow in faith through worship, volunteering, community events, and service opportunities. Avery feels it has helped her discover how to use her gifts to spread the Good Word and to live out her faith with purpose.
 
“St. Malachy has truly opened the door to incredible opportunities and connections in such a short amount of time. It’s a place where you can grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.”
 
“One of my favorite memories is volunteering at the St. Malachy Fest in 2024,” she said. “It was such a joyful experience connecting with fellow parishioners, spending time with the kids, and meeting new faces.”
 
Avery looks forward to making more meaningful connections with others in the parish, deepening her relationship with God, and embracing any new opportunities He brings her way. “I’m especially excited to continue growing in faith while helping guide the youth,” she added.
 
St. Malachy feels like family to Avery in many ways. “Fr. Joe does a wonderful job of making everyone feel welcome and seen, which is such a beautiful reflection of Christ’s love,” she said. “I also have family and friends who attend the parish, and sharing our faith journey together has strengthened our bonds!”
 
She believes it is important for young people to get involved in the Church. From personal experience, she has early memories of Catechism, VBC, and youth events that have left a lasting impact. “Building that foundation young helps our faith grow stronger as we age,” she said. “Whether it’s passing that on to your own kids or simply sharing it with others, faith is a gift meant to be shared!”
 
Steven and Mary Fronrath have been members of St. Malachy for about 10 years! Originally attending Our Lady Queen of All Saints, they found our way to St. Malachy when their parish closed. 
 
Steven was raised Lutheran and had attended Lutheran school from grade school through junior year of high school. Mary was raised Catholic, and was an altar server growing up!
 
Steven went to church regularly growing up, but as life became busier, he started to fall off-track. “Since joining St. Malachy—and especially becoming active in the Contemporary Choir—we’ve been attending Mass regularly,” he said. “Faith has become a very important part of our lives again.” Steven plays keyboard and sings at the 11:30am Contemporary Mass!
 
What stands out most to Steven and Mary is how welcoming St. Malachy is to everyone, whether they are members or not. “When I first started attending—before I officially became Catholic—no one judged or questioned me,” Steven explained. “It was the most welcome I’d ever felt in a church.”
 
Steven and Mary cherish a particular memory at St. Malachy…their wedding day in September of 2020! “It was such a beautiful day during a really difficult year,” Steven added. “Another meaningful milestone for me was being Confirmed here about five years ago, after converting from Lutheranism.” 
 
The Fronraths agree that the sense of family is obvious the moment you walk through the doors and are greeted by Father Joe and other members of the parish. “As you get more involved, it only deepens,” Steven said. “Being able to come to church multiple times a week, make music with amazing people, and use that to praise God and lift others up—that’s exactly what ‘Family of Faith’ means to me.”
 
Inviting young people into the faith (and keeping them there) is sometimes difficult, but it is such a vital part of the Church. “It’s easy to let faith slip into the background—not out of rejection, but just from the busyness of life,” Steven added. “Staying involved and coming to church regularly helps keep your faith front and center and brings you closer to God.”
 

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Contact

St. Malachy Catholic Church
14115 E 14 Mile Rd
Sterling Heights, MI 48312

(586) 264-1220

contact@stmalachychurch.org

Mass Times
Saturday:
5:00 pm

Sunday:
7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am

Tuesday – Friday:
9:30 am

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