Holy Innocents/Saint Barnabas Catholic Community

It was with a heavy heart that I announced last weekend that we would be closing the St. Barnabas site. The decision was made after much prayer and discussion. We met with representatives from the Archdiocese of Detroit for the past seven months to find a way forward for our parish after the closing of the charter school. We discussed the cost of maintainig each site and the repairs and upkeep needed for each site. We assessed the use of each set of buildings, the seating capacity of the worship and gathering spaces, as well as office space and rectory. Finally, we considered the "Buyers Opinion of Value" (potentail sale price) of each site in the event of one closing.

The most difficult part of making the decision is the effect it has on members of our parish family. Even though we looked at the financial concerns of the parish, the decision impacted the personal, spiritual and emotional connection that we have with the church building. That decision was probably the most difficult experience I have had as a priest. I have to say that was the last thing that I ever wanted to do. As we look at changing demographics and the declining number of priests and new vocations, it is a reality in today's Catholic Church. Knowing these statistical fatcs does not take away the emotional and spiritual hurt people are experiencing.

We must continue to pray for one another and the guidance of the Holy Spirit to continue to lead us and bring us healing and strength. We have been a merged parish since 2006. I have been blessed to be a part of this faith family since 2012. I know we are a faith-filled community. We are united in our faith and trust in our Lord Jesus Christ.

The closing Mass at St. Barnabas will be celebrated on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 11:00am. We will have other opportunities to come together to share our faith memories of St. Barnabas. The name Barnabas means "son of encouragement". We ask our patron to encourage us as we walk this journey of faith .

Mary, Mother of the Church pray for us.

• Fr. John Wynnycky, Pastor
• Deacon Michael Lang, Sr. , Pastoral Minister for Family Life
• Maureen Romeo, Faith Formation Director
• Ivan de la Rosa, Minister of Music
• Shirley Genord, Grace-Filled Aging Director
• Jackie Scheuer, Bookkeeper
• Jeanne Wineski, Administrative Assistant
• Michael McGarry, Maintenance Supervisor

https://detroitpriestlyvocations.com/discern-the-priesthood/

https://youtu.be/q9a6Qg4W_Jo

https://www.facebook.com/holyinnocents.st.barnabas.5

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Our next Knights of Columbus sponsored Community Dinner is set for _______. The doors at St Barnabas Fellowship Room open at 3:00pm. Dinner is served from 3:30pm until 4:30pm, or until food is gone. These dinners will be featured every third Sunday of the month. Sorry, no carry out or containers. Cost: Free, with a smile!

POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

The Knights of Columbus Breakfast Fundraiser is coming to St Barnabas on _________ starting at 8:30am. This All You Can Eat Breakfast is a favorite here at the parish. This fundraiser happens each fourth Sunday of the month from September until May. The cost is only $6.00 per person and kids under 5 years old eat FREE! The meal features; eggs, potatoes, pancakes, french toast, sausage, biscuits & gravy, fruit and beverage.Come join us one morning for great food and fellowship!!

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