New location across from the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament offers more space, opportunities for collaboration
DETROIT — Following the annual procession down Woodward Avenue on the feast of Corpus Christi on Sunday, June 22, Detroit Archbishop Edward J. Weisenburger crossed the street to bless and celebrate the official opening of the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament's newest neighbors: the Center for the Works of Mercy.
The center, a ministry and service of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan, recently relocated from its former, smaller location at 8642 Woodward Ave. In the new building, located at 10301 Woodward, Catholic Charities shares space with the Malta Medical and Dental Clinic, which also moved.
Archbishop Weisenburger, alongside Catholic Charities CEO Paul Propson and longtime chairman Msgr. Charles Kosanke, welcomed people to the new clinic by officially cutting the ceremonal ribbon followed by a blessing with holy water.
The new building is not only more spacious, but also has its own parking lot and is all on one level, Catholic Charities officials said. In addition to the Malta Clinic, the building also houses the Wayne County Prison Outreach ministry; the Hope Bakery, which trains and employs formerly incarcerated individuals; a clothing closet and a food pantry.
Isabella Agby, Catholic Charities' director of marketing and communications, told Detroit Catholic in May that the center's proximity to the cathedral allows the ministry "to be a hub of Catholic service."
The larger space will also give Catholic Charities better opportunities to fill gaps in services in the city of Detroit, Agby said.
“The new building allows us to put that great presence on Woodward and showcase what we do — the great works of mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, counseling the doubtful, prison ministries,” Agby said. “It encompasses everything and allows people to engage with the beautiful presence of the Blessed Sacrament on Woodward.”
The center's re-opening is the second ribbon-cutting to take place across from the cathedral this month; on June 12, cathedral staff celebrated the grand opening of the new Cathedral Arts Apartments, a 53-unit affordable housing complex and job skills training facility.
