What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 12pm Tuesday 9am - 12pm Wednesday 9am - 12pm Thursday 9am - 12pm Friday 9am - 12pm

http://www.stmarymanchester.org/

St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 210 W Main Street, Manchester, MI (2026)

09/19/2026

Saint Januarius - September 19 - Kishore Jayabalan
⁣
Buona festa! Happy feast day! Today all of Italy, and beyond, celebrates the Feast of Saint Januarius of Naples. Who? Read on as Kishore Jayabalan now explains.
Kishore is the chairman of the Diocese of Lansing’s Commission on Catholic Social Teaching. A native of Flint, he lived in Italy for 20 years, where he worked for the Vatican. Kishore writes:
⁣
Saint Januarius was the Bishop of Benevento and a martyr who died in the year 305 AD under the persecutions of the Roman emperor Diocletian.
⁣
San Gennaro, as he’s known in Italian, is one of the patron saints of Naples, where the relic of his blood mysteriously liquefies, usually three times a year: the Saturday before the first Sunday of May, his feast day of September 19, and December 16, the anniversary of the 1631 volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, when the relic apparently saved the city from destruction. The blood also liquefied on March 21, 2015, during a visit by Pope Francis; the last time this happened in the presence of a pope was when Pius IX visited in 1848.
⁣
While they may appear superstitious to secular rationalists, the veneration of relics and other forms of popular piety are often lacking in our society. “The Catholic wisdom of the people is capable of fashioning a vital synthesis…It creatively combines the divine and the human, Christ and Mary, spirit and body, communion and institution, person and community, faith and homeland, intelligence and emotion.” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, n. 1676)
⁣
This is certainly the case in Naples, which once had more than 50 patron saints and still has a civic pact with the treasury of San Gennaro signed in 1527. Our faith is too rich to be restricted to worshiping in Church an hour per week and must express itself in other ways.
⁣
The Church’s liturgy remains superior to popular piety, so the best way to honor San Gennaro is by attending Mass and receiving the Body of Christ in a worthy manner. That should not stop us from celebrating in other ways as well, perhaps with some pizza, “Neapolitan” ice cream, babà, or limoncello, and, in the company of others, the more the merrier. Of course, these and other worldly goods are not ends in themselves; they must prepare us to live and die for Christ, as San Gennaro did.
⁣
Saint Januarius, pray for us.
⁣
*First published on the Diocese of Lansing website in 2024

09/17/2026

Saint Robert Bellarmine - September 17 - Father Brian Lenz
⁣
Saint Robert Bellarmine was a brilliant Jesuit theologian, cardinal, and one of the key figures in the Counter-Reformation, writes Father Brian Lenz, pastor of Saint Robert Bellarmine in Flushing, on the parish's patronal feast day, September 17.
⁣
Born in 1542 in Italy, he dedicated his life to defending and clarifying Catholic doctrine at a time when the Church faced deep divisions. As a professor, he taught theology with clarity and conviction, and his writings became foundational in reaffirming Catholic beliefs.
⁣
Despite his high-ranking roles, Bellarmine lived a humble and simple life, showing special concern for the poor around him. Today he is laid to rest under the altar of a sparsely adorned chapel within the otherwise magnificently ornate Church of Saint Ignatius in Rome.
⁣
Saint Robert’s life impacts me as a model of modern-day sainthood. He lived in a culture of pervasive misinformation and deep spiritual confusion, just as we do now. His courage to engage the world and remain steadfast to Church teaching, even when unpopular, challenges me to do the same. His charity toward the lowly and vulnerable reminds me that I too must render an account for the least of my brothers and sisters.
⁣
But all Robert Bellarmine needed was one life to become a saint. So what will you and I do with ours?
⁣
Saint Robert Bellarmine, pray for us!
⁣
*Article first published on the Diocese of Lansing website in 2025

09/17/2026

Saint Hildegard of Bingen - September 17 - Grace Porter
⁣
September seventeenth marks the feast day of Saint Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179). I first learned of Saint Hildegard from my Latin teacher at Lansing Catholic High School, Magistra Coldwell (née Griffioen). Known as a mystic, artist, physician, writer, and composer, Saint Hildegard serves as an example of the amazing influence women provided to the Church in the High Middle Ages, a true Renaissance woman. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI named her a Doctor of the Church, citing her contributions to the natural sciences as well as her theological teachings.
⁣
As of 2026, the Catholic Church recognizes thirty-seven men and women with the title Doctor of the Church. This honorific might sound familiar in connection with apologist powerhouses like Saints Augustine and Thomas Aquinas or from the virtuous examples of Saints Therese of Lisieux and Catherine of Siena. These men and women receive this title in recognition of their outstanding holiness, eminent learning, and universal benefit to the Church.
⁣
In the Western world, the modern sentiment of the Church and of Christianity more broadly is often accused of oppressing women and treating them as lesser. While Hildegard did face opposition from the men in power during her tenure as Abbess, I would argue that the Church’s recognition of contributions from women like Saint Hildegard of Bingen undercuts that narrative. If you feel discouraged or apprehensive about the role women serve within Christ’s body, I encourage you to explore the lives of female saints and learn how they used their gifts to glorify God and His holy Church.
⁣
Saint Hildegard wrote plays, composed music, studied medicine, and invented a language all out of love for Christ. You can do the same! Whether it’s crochet, baking, coaching, art, or another interest of yours, offer it up to God — He’ll love it because it comes from you.
⁣
So, in honor of her feast day, I would invite you to make one of Hildegard’s recipes: “cookies of joy,” listen to a few of the songs she composed, and take a moment to consider how your gifts can glorify God.
⁣
Saint Hildegard of Bingen, pray for us!

09/15/2026

Wednesday, September 16, will see the start of the Fall Ember Days. What are Ember Days? And why do they matter? Here’s a great explainer by Will Bloomfield, General Counsel of the Diocese of Lansing. Writes Will:
⁣
Ember Days are traditionally days of fasting and partial abstinence (no meat except at the principal meal). Each of the four Embertides includes three days of fasting and partial abstinence – Ember Wednesday, Ember Friday (fasting and full abstinence), and Ember Saturday.
⁣
Ember Days occur quarterly around the beginnings of the four natural seasons, and are meant to focus us on God through His marvelous creation. The Ember Days should also remind us of our obligation to steward the earth.
⁣
So, when are these four Embertides? The four Embertides are in Spring (the week after Ash Wednesday), Summer (after Pentecost Sunday), in Fall (after the Triumph of the Holy Cross), and in Winter (in Advent after the feast of St. Lucy). The easy way to remember this is the rhyme: Lenty, Penty, Crucy, Lucy.
⁣
By the time of the US Bishops’ 1966 Pastoral Statement on Penance and Abstinence, which removed the obligation of fasting during the whole season of Lent, Catholics were already no longer obliged to fast and abstain during ember days or vigils (the day before a feast). Nevertheless, the Bishops suggested that the devout would continue to ‘find greater Christian joy’ in the Church’s liturgical feasts if the faithful continued to embrace these practices.
⁣
Now that we are more than 50 years from the removal of these obligations, and most Catholics have grown up knowing only two obligatory fast days (Ash Wednesday and Good Friday), many Catholics have found that it remains salutary to step back from the modern world’s comforts and voluntarily embrace Ember Days and other traditional days of fasting and abstinence, particularly Fridays.
⁣
Another reason for embracing Ember Days and other days of fasting is that the greats of the Catholic spiritual tradition routinely encourage fasting as a key to unlocking deeper prayer.
⁣
Saint John Vianney explained the connection this way: "Unhappily, our hearts are not sufficiently pure and free from all earthly affections. If you take a very clean and very dry sponge, and soak it in water, it will be filled to overflowing; but if it is not dry and clean, it will take up nothing. In like manner, when the heart is not free and disengaged from the things of the earth, it is in vain that we steep it in prayer; it will absorb nothing."
⁣
• For more on Ember Days: https://www.fisheaters.com/emberdays.html
• Based upon an article first published during Lent 2022.

09/15/2026

Exaltation of the Holy Cross - September 14 - Jeremy Priest
⁣
The Cross of Christ is a Lie. Anyone who looks to the Cross for life has fallen victim to the great lie of Christianity, or so thought Nietzsche. I once heard a Christian pastor explain that his church didn’t have a Cross in it because there were too many symbols of death in this world. Writes Jeremy Priest, director of the Office of Worship at the Diocese of Lansing. Jeremy continues:
⁣
Christians seem to think that love is the meaning of life and something of the sentiment seems to survive—“All You Need Is Love” (The Beatles). Yet, the truth that love is the meaning of life, that love is the origin from which man buds forth and the end toward which the universe and each person in it is tending, is hardly self-evident.
⁣
The universe seems to teach otherwise: galaxies grow further apart; emptiness fills the universe; our Sun will stop shining; the earth is growing old; resources are dwindling; people go hungry, starve, are starved; addiction runs rampant; murder; r**e; slavery; abortion; hatred; violence.
⁣
Every one of us is dying.
⁣
So, where is love in all this?
⁣
In the face of such evil, how can we believe in the love we think we’ve seen? In his play, The Jeweller's Shop, the future Pope John Paul II has an exasperated Adam exclaim to Anna, who has lost any sense of love in her marriage, “Ah, Anna, how am I to prove to you that on the other side of all those loves that fill our lives – there is Love?” (64). How, indeed?
⁣
Admittedly, the depiction of the Cross is rare in the archeological record of the first few centuries of Christianity—it was just too horrible to behold! Nevertheless, the making of the Sign of the Cross was not rare in Christian life. Indeed, the second-century writer, Tertullian, tells us that “we make the sign of the cross on our foreheads at every turn, at our going in or coming out of the house, while dressing, while putting on our shoes, when we are taking a bath, before and after meals, when we light the lamps, when we go to bed or sit down, and in all the ordinary actions of daily life.” –De Corona, 3.4
⁣
For Nietzsche, the Cross depicted that which “is more harmful than any vice”—that is, “active sympathy for the ill-constituted and weak—Christianity.” As he saw it, this was the antithesis of life. The Cross was the sign of all that was weak and abhorrent in the world.
⁣
Yet, for Tertullian and for any who read the Gospels, the Cross shows forth something else entirely: that in our deepest loneliness, our most abject weakness, ugliness; at our most unlovable; at the depth of human wretchedness, where it seems like perhaps there’s no point to existing at all, we are loved and wanted. Indeed, we are necessary to Someone! As Joseph Ratzinger puts it, what “was for Nietzsche the most detestable expression of the negative character of the Christian religion”—the Cross—“is in truth the centre of the evangelium, the glad tidings: ‘It is good that you exist’—no, ‘It is necessary that you exist.’”
⁣
God shows His Love through the Cross (see John 3:16). This is why the Cross and the Altar stand at the center of every Catholic Church. It’s no wonder that every four weeks, at the first glimpse of the sunrise on Sunday morning, the Church sings, “See how the cross of the Lord stands revealed as the tree of life” (Office of Readings, Week I). Touched by this love, St. Paul exclaims: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Gal 2:20; cf. Gal 6:14). In perhaps the most eloquent description of this love, St. Paul writes,
⁣
“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous man—though perhaps for a good man one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:6–8)
⁣
On this feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, the Church once again turns toward the Father, and through the mediation of Jesus Christ, Priest and Victim, praises the Father for the Work His Son:
⁣
For you placed the salvation of the human race on the wood of the Cross,
⁣
so that, where death arose, life might again spring forth
⁣
and the evil one, who conquered on a tree, might likewise on a tree be conquered
⁣
through Christ our Lord.
⁣
May the Lord give us eyes to “See how the cross of the Lord stands revealed as the tree of life”!

09/09/2026

Saint Peter Claver - September 9 - Lady Doris Henry
⁣
For the members of Father DuKette Court #90, Saint Peter Claver represents a life of faith expressed through service. His willingness to serve those who were suffering, forgotten, and denied their dignity reminds us that our faith calls us not only to believe, but also to act. Writes Doris Henry, Grand Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver and Ladies Auxiliary Court in Flint, Michigan. She continues:
⁣
Saint Peter Claver devoted himself to enslaved Africans arriving in Cartagena, referring to himself as the "slave of slaves." Through his compassion, sacrifice, and servant leadership, he demonstrated the dignity and worth of every human life.
⁣
As members of Father DuKette Court #90, we strive to continue the spirit of service here in our church and the City of Flint. Guided by the principles of Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity, we work together in fellowship, support those in need, and seek opportunities to uplift and strengthen the community around us.
⁣
Saint Peter Claver reminds us that service does not always require grand gestures. It begins with recognizing a need and being willing to respond.
⁣
On his feast day, we honor our patron saint by recommitting ourselves to the example he gave us: to serve with compassion, to lead with humility, and to recognize the God-given dignity of every person.
⁣
Saint Peter Claver, pray for us.

09/08/2026

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary – September 8 – Father Eric Weber
⁣
Saint Anselm (1033-1109) declared that God, “who could create all things out of nothing would not remake his ruined creation without Mary. . . Truly, the Lord is with you [Mary] to whom the Lord granted that all nature should owe as much to you as to Himself”. On this feast of Mary’s Nativity, we reflect upon that most extraordinary truth that God made His plan to redeem us so dependent upon one of His own creatures.
⁣
The Father’s plan was that Mary’s “yes” at the Annunciation would allow His Only Begotten Son to enter our world in the flesh. God blessed, prepared, and equipped Mary for her calling even at the earliest age. Any Marian feast, including that of her birth, is an occasion of great joy.
⁣
While our role in God’s saving plan is different than Mary’s, each of us does have a unique calling as well. He has specific people He wants us to help on the way to heaven, specific situations in which we are to share His light, and specific roles and tasks that we are to fulfill for the benefit of others.
⁣
God has equipped us with unique traits, gifts, and experiences so that we can help bring His salvation, grace, and life more fully to many souls and to our world. That God chooses and prepares us so individually for something so awesome is a cause of great wonder and rejoicing.
⁣
Heavenly Father, we thank you that, like Mary, you have given each of us a unique personality, unique gifts, and a unique calling for the salvation and benefit of souls. Mother Mary, please pray that we may never allow our shortcomings, failures, or self-doubt to discourage us. Pray that we may grow daily into the unique instruments of blessing that God has designed us to be - and that we be faithful to our special calling just as you were and are.
⁣
O Holy Mother of God, Pray for us!
⁣
*Father Eric Weber serves as the pastor of Saint Mary Parish in Westphalia.

09/08/2026

A Royal Match: Catholic singles ages 21 to 35 are invited to a royal-themed speed dating night on Saturday, October 31 at St. Mary Parish, Westphalia. Meet 10 to 15 fellow Catholics through fun 3-minute conversations. Costumes encouraged! Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Registration required; no walk-ins. $15 per person.
⁣
Visit https://www.dioceseoflansing.org/royal to register!

09/05/2026

Saint Teresa of Calcutta - September 5 - Bianca Bekke
⁣
“You saw during Holy Mass with what tenderness, with what love, Father was touching the Body of Christ. Make sure it is the same body in the poor that you will be touching. Give that same love, that same tenderness.”
⁣
These words spoken by Mother Teresa are what we strive to emulate at Mother Teresa House as we care for the terminally ill in their final days. Explains Bianca, the executive director of the organization. She continues, saying:
⁣
Each glance given, word spoken, and wound cared for is done with gentle, loving compassion as if we were tending to Christ himself.
⁣
“Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? When did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ The King will answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.” (Mt. 25: 37-40)
⁣
Saint Teresa of Calcutta offers an ideal example of how we should treat and care for our hospice guests, as well as all those who enter our end-of-life care home. We give them unconditional love. It begins with the posture we present in receiving each individual, whether over the phone, in an email, or face-to-face in our homes.
⁣
A posture of acceptance and love.
⁣
Mother Teresa loved all of God’s creation and did not consider an individual’s religion, political affiliation, social, or economic status.
⁣
She loved all – like Jesus does and like He calls each one of us to imitate.
⁣
As the executive director of Mother Teresa House, I look to Saint Teresa of Calcutta as a model of holy guidance. This soft-spoken, diminutive woman was a channel of God’s grace to others throughout her life. She demonstrated a proper relationship with God. He was the King of her life, and she was the instrument in His hand. Allowing His Will to be done in all things.
⁣
As a girl, I often remember seeing Mother Teresa on the evening news. The reports always communicated the charitable works she was doing around the globe. Often, she was featured with her good friend, Pope Saint John Paul II. Now, as two great canonized Saints of our time, I think back to the images being conveyed on the nightly news. These two holy people were, in a larger sense, working together for the sanctification of souls and the greater glory of God.
⁣
May all of our relationships be as holy as their relationship was! Mother Teresa is a prime example of a life well ordered! She was in communion with her God and in right relationship with her neighbors.
⁣
Another aspect of Mother Teresa’s life that I often reflect on as the leader of an organization is her humility and complete dependence on God. There are many examples throughout Mother Teresa’s life where she turned to God’s aid and the intercession of the Blessed Virgin. Through such prayers, she was always assisted by Divine Providence and overcame the obstacle at hand.
⁣
I am quite sure there were times in her life when her prayers were not answered in the way she anticipated. But, as the saintly woman she became, I do not doubt she surrendered to God’s Will. Accepting all things that He was happy to give her and her sisters, the Missionaries of Charity.
⁣
So today, on the feast of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, imitate her by giving Glory to God this day in worship, exercising an act of charity toward your neighbor, and accepting all things the Good Lord is willing to bestow on you this day!
⁣
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Pray for us!

09/01/2026

Our Lady of Sorrows - September

St. Mary Roman Catholic Church

09/19/2026

09/17/2026

09/17/2026

09/15/2026

09/15/2026

09/09/2026

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

09/05/2026

09/01/2026

Address

Opening Hours

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Place Of Worship

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Listing takedown request

Monday	9am - 12pm
Tuesday	9am - 12pm
Wednesday	9am - 12pm
Thursday	9am - 12pm
Friday	9am - 12pm