GROSSE POINTE PARK — On Sept. 14, the Servite Sisters (Servants of Mary) celebrated a farewell Mass at St. Clare of Montefalco Parish in Grosse Pointe Park as the community departs from the Archdiocese of Detroit after 94 years of ministry.
The community's Detroit-based members are leaving Detroit to join other Servites living at the Immanuel Retirement Center in Omaha, where the community's headquarters are located.
The Servite Sisters have ministered in numerous parishes and positions in the Archdiocese of Detroit since 1931, beginning with St. John Berchman and later St. Juliana parishes. Servite High School graduated its first class in 1953.
In addition to elementary and secondary education, the Servite Sisters have ministered in youth and adult formation, liturgical music ministry, hospice, hospital chaplaincy, and in ministries serving the Archdiocese of Detroit's central curia.
"It is farewell that we say to the many people to whom we have ministered and with whom we have formed friendships," said Sr. Kathy Payne, OSM, in an email. "The most challenging farewell is to our family and friends. We will miss them and the love they have given us. We take with us the memories we have shared both the joys and the sorrows. Their love and support have contributed to our courage to continue the vocation to which God has called us.
"We have been blessed to have been called to be a Servant of Mary," Sr. Payne continued. "Mary is the ultimate example of someone who lived her 'yes' to God's call. We continue to pray for everyone, especially our benefactors and ask everyone’s prayers as we transition on another journey to serving our most generous Lord."
(Photos and information courtesy of Sr. Kathy Payne, OSM)
