Detroit — As the leaves turn a reddish orange, Catholics in the Archdiocese of Detroit are busy planning a multitude of local events, conferences and special Masses. Here’s a list of some of the events of note during the month of October.
Pregnancy and Infant Loss
During Respect Life Month, those who have lost a child due to miscarriage or the death of a young child are invited to attend the annual Pregnancy and Infant Loss Mass on Oct. 8 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward, Detroit. During the 11 a.m. Mass, a blessing will be given for married couples trying to conceive, and a prayer will be offered for all those who have lost a child. Then, on Oct. 14, Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown Township will hold a memorial walk and candlelight prayer service at 4 p.m. in honor of lost pregnancies, infants and children. To sign up, call (734) 285-2155.
‘Miracle of the Sun’ Anniversary Conferences
From Oct. 13-15, several Masses and conferences will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the “Miracle of the Sun” of Our Lady of Fatima. Talks and conferences will take place at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Riverview (fatimashrinedetroit.org), Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth, St. Mary Parish in St. Clair, St. Joseph Parish in South Lyon and Assumption Grotto Parish in Detroit. For details, check the Sept. 22 issue of The Michigan Catholic or see page 16.
Mercy in Action Day of Service
Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan will sponsor the second annual Mercy in Action Day of Service across the Archdiocese of Detroit on Oct. 14. The event sees parishioners across southeast Michigan join together in dozens of community service projects to help the less fortunate through corporal and spiritual works of mercy. To find a service project near you, check with your parish Christian service coordinator or call (586) 416-2300 ext. 4032 or email [email protected].
Hispanic Women’s Conference
The 8th Hispanic Women’s Conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 14 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. This year’s theme will be “Mujer discipula misionera al Servicio de Dios,” or “Women as Missionary Disciples at the Service of God.” To register or for more information, visit aod.org and click on the banner link, or call (313) 675-4771.
Single Parents Retreat
Single parents are invited to an afternoon of reflection and fellowship at the Solanus Casey Center, 1780 Mount Elliott St., Detroit, from 1-5:30 p.m. Oct. 14. The single parents retreat, sponsored by the Archdiocese of Detroit’s Office of Black Catholic Ministries, will offer prayerful music, reflection and a time for discussion and sharing experiences aimed toward encouraging single mothers and fathers on their spiritual journey. Cost is $10, and child care is available. Registration opens at 12:45 p.m. Visit singleparentsretreat.eventbrite.com.
Late Nite Catechism
The Catholic Lawyers Society of Detroit will present the comedy performance, “Late Nite Catechism,” by Vicki Quade and Maripat Donovan at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14 at Detroit Catholic Central High School, 27225 Wixom Road, Novi. Tickets are $45. Mass will precede the performance at 6:30 p.m. Visit catholiclawyerssociety.org.
Mass for Commerce
A great place for Catholic business professionals to network, meet and rekindle their common prayer life, the 24th annual Mass for Commerce will take place Oct. 18 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. The annual Mass, which this year will take place at 8 a.m., will include a blessing of business cards and be followed by a networking breakfast. All are invited.
St. Kateri Celebration
St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish in Dearborn will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the canonization of its patroness and the first Native American saint Oct. 20-22. The three-day program will include anointing of the sick, traditional Native American cuisine, portrayals of the life of St. Kateri, dinner, dancing and various talks. For information, call (313) 336-3227 or visit stkateridearborn.com.
Sweetest Day Dinner Date Night
Couples in their first 10 years of marriage are invited to a dinner date night Oct. 21 from 6:30-9 p.m. at St. Mary Parish in Royal Oak. The evening will feature dinner, dessert, an open bar, live entertainment and dancing, as well as a talk from Dr. Tim Hogan on “The Amazing Marriage Adventure.” Cost is $45 per couple. To register, visit aod.org/youngmarrieds.
Mary’s Mantle Gala
Mary’s Mantle, a ministry helping new mothers in need of material and spiritual assistance, will host its annual gala Oct. 21 at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. “Keepsakes of the Kingdom” will include Mass with Fr. Stephen Burr, a buffet dinner, program and silent and live auctions. Proceeds will support the ministry’s efforts to promote life and encourage new mothers. Sr. Mary Finn, HVM, will also receive the organization’s 2017 Patron of Life Award. Tickets are $55. Visit marysmantle.net or see page 10.
Young Catholic Professionals Speaker
The Young Catholic Professionals’ Detroit Chapter will continue its executive speaker series on Oct. 25 at St. Joseph Oratory, 1828 Jay St., Detroit. The evening starts at 7 p.m. and will include free food, beer and wine, as well as a talk by Eileen Newell, vice president of tax at Rock Venture, who will share her journey of faith in the professional world. Visit ycpdetroit.org.
Fr. Solanus Casey Symposium
As a prelude to the Nov. 18 beatification Mass, Sacred Heart Major Seminary will host a one-day symposium Oct. 28 featuring presentations on the life of Fr. Solanus Casey, OFM Cap. The day will include period of prayer, presentations and Mass celebrated by Msgr. Todd Lajiness, Sacred Heart’s rector. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. and goes until 3 p.m. To register, visit shms.edu.
Dorothy Day’s granddaughter speaks
The granddaughter of Servant of God Dorothy Day, Kate Hennessy, will speak Oct. 29 at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament as she promotes her book, “Dorothy Day: The World Will be Saved by Beauty: An Intimate Portrait of My Grandmother.” Hennessy will speak at 3 p.m. about the life and legacy of Day, who founded the Catholic Worker movement and was an inspirational writer, social activist and friend of the poor. A free-will offering will be collected, and Hennessy’s book will be available for purchase.
For other events, see the community calendar.

