St. James celebrated its 25th anniversary Sept. 13, joined by Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron, who presided at a Mass of Thanksgiving.
Msgr. John Kasza“We’re looking forward to another 25 years — or more — of continued growth and worship,” said Msgr. Kasza. He added that while he has been pastor at St. James for just two years, he’s witnessed the welcome extended to newcomers from parishioners of 20 years or more.
Msgr. Kasza said St. James holds a parish appreciation party annually, and invites the nearly 1,000 individuals who have volunteered throughout the year.
“They live their faith through service,” he said, adding that whatever the outreach opportunity, it is clear people are not serving “because they think they have to, but because of God. They see the connection between their faith life and their secular life.”
Msgr. Kasza offered the example of the parish’s active participation in the archdiocese’s Adopt A Family program, which assists families in need in Metro Detroit.
“We have a daily Mass chapel, (and) every year that daily Mass chapel gets transformed into a holding area for Christmas gifts,” he said. “It’s completely filled with gifts from parishioners that they’ve given to help needy families in the area.”
“This is what happens when the church goes out into the community,” he said.
St. James Parish
46325 W. 10 Mile Rd., Novi, MI, 48374 | (248) 347-7778
Founded: 1989
Founding pastor: Fr. James Cronk
Current pastor: Msgr. John Kasza
Number of families: 2,800
Parish organizations, outreach: Christian service commission; supports St. Aloysius Parish’s neighborhood services program; K-12 religious education; middle and high school ministry; young adult ministry; PrimeTimers club for 50+; Friendship Circle for widows and widowers; choirs for all ages; CYO sports
