Holy Family (Novi)

Novi grew rapidly during the 1970s and, in September of 1974, nearly 200 gathered for the first Mass at Orchard Hills School, their temporary church. Holy Family Parish was established two months later, on November 12, 1974, with Fr. Kevin O'Brien as founding pastor. John Cardinal Dearden dedicated the church on November 5, 1977.

Holy Family used to be typical for suburban churches built at the time: sterile and geometric architecture with modern furnishings, chairs instead of pews, etc.

The church before renovations - source

The church underwent massive renovations throughout the entire building in 2016 and 2017.

New flooring, both carpet and tile, was added and new pews were installed. The preexisting baptismal font is one of few objects remaining.

Archbishop Allen Vigneron rededicated the church at the end of January.

This afternoon I was pleased to be able to celebrate the rededication of the Church of the Holy Family in Novi. Thank you for your warm hospitality! pic.twitter.com/V58gFXbdfn

— Archbishop Vigneron (@DetArchbishop) January 28, 2018

A large crucifix hangs over the altar. A refurbished tabernacle was added to the sanctuary along with accent lights that reflect liturgical seasons.

The Immaculate Heart of Mary is depicted in a reclaimed, rose window above the main entrance.

Two antique, stained-glass windows depicting the Holy Family are in the sanctuary. They are likely reclaimed from the same church as the rose window. At left is the Finding of Jesus in the Temple and the Nativity of Our Lord on the right.

 

A niche for Our Lady of Guadalupe, near the sacristy, is indicative of the Hispanic population at the parish. A San Damiano crucifix hangs near the front door—this crucifix seems to be the same one that used to be suspended over the altar.

 

A chapel is located next to the main entrance. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament is available here on 10am-7pm on Mondays and Tuesdays as well as 10am-Noon, Wednesday-Friday.

Fr. Robert LaCroix is Pastor—assisted by Fr. James Houbeck, Associate Pastor, and Deacon Robert Ervin, permanent deacon.

 

Fr. Houbeck previously ministered at the parish as a transitional deacon before he was ordained to the priesthood on October 7, 2017, by Archbishop Vigneron. He needed an extra semester to finish his studies so he was ordained after the annual ordinations in the spring.

Then-Deacon James Houbeck processed into Holy Family Church
before his ordination to the priesthood. - Source

Saturday Vigil is at 4:30pm and 6:30pm (Spanish) preceded by Reconciliation at 2:00pm. Sunday Masses at at 8:30am, 10:30am, and 12:30pm. Daily, morning Mass is at 9:00am Monday-Friday. Evening Mass is at 7:00pm on Mondays and Tuesdays.

For more info: parish website
Other blog posts: Discovering Detroit Catholic Churches + The Joyful Celibate
More about the renovation: parish update June 2016, Renkus-Heinz, Constantine George Pappas Architecture,
The Michigan Catholic articles on the ordination of Fr. Houbeck: 10/5/17 + 10/17/17