The Encounter: 11-Week Program on Lay Evangelization

THE ENCOUNTER

St. Christopher Church

11-week program on Tuesdays, 7:00pm-9:00pm, starting February 24
Each week will cover a different topic related to evangelization and apologetics
Includes an offsite, weekend retreat April 17–19

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Begins with a light meal, followed by praise & worship music, a presentation and group discussion.

Presented by Body of Christ Ministry (Diocese of Corpus Christi, TX)
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Cost: free-will donation

Childcare: provided by the parish

More info: parish bulletin & online registration

St. Thomas Aquinas Church

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, established 1955, is located at the northeast corner of Evergreen and Ford Rd., where Detroit meets Dearborn and Dearborn Heights.

The parish elementary school closed several years ago and is currently occupied by a charter school. In 2013, St. Thomas Aquinas merged with nearby St. Christopher to form the aptly-named parish of St. Christopher–St. Thomas Aquinas.

Both churches remain active and Fr. Jaime Hinojos has served as pastor since the merger. Fr. Hinojos is also Vicar of the Trinity Vicariate and very active in evangelization and Hispanic ministry.

The tabernacle is located at the left side of the sanctuary below a resurrected Christ. A large crucifix stands at the right side of the sanctuary.

The Holy Family is depected outside the main entrance and in the sanctuary.


The narthex is dedicated the Blessed Virgin. It features Our Lady of Guadalupe, Our Lady of Częstochowa and Our Lady of Perpetual Help.

A display case shows relics as well as school memorabilia.

Abstract patterns decorate the stained-glass windows.

Sunday Mass is at 9:30am (Spanish) and Noon (English). Thursdays bring Confessions at 5:00pm and Spanish Mass at 6:00pm. Fridays see 10:00am English Mass.

More info: parish website & bulletin archive*
More photos: AOD Film Services
Another blog post: Detroit Pilgrim

* disregard Mass schedule on The Catholic Directory, its outdated

St. Christopher Church

St. Christopher Church is located on the west side of the city, near Warren Avenue and Southfield Freeway. The parish was established in 1941 and the current edifice dated as 1965.

Like many newer churches, the interior of St. Christopher is shaped much like an amphitheater.

The Sacred Heart of Jesus and Immaculate Heart of Mary stand in niches at either side of the church.

The church's namesake stands to the right of the main altar along with the Infant of Prague.

A guardian angel and child stand in the vestibule.

Bands of geometric, pastel windows line the walls of the nave and clerestory.

More symbolic, realistic windows are found near the baptismal font.

The choir loft windows show a depiction of the namesake saint and read "On whatever day thou shalt behold the face of St. Christopher, surely on that day thou shall not die an evil death." Since St. Christopher is also the patron of travelers, different modes of transport are shown: boat, airplane, bicycle, etc. 


Last year, St. Christopher merged with St. Thomas Aquinas and Fr. Jaime Hinojos has served as pastor since then.

Daily Mass is celebrated on Tuesdays at 7:00pm (Spanish) and Wednesdays at 8:30am (English). Tuesdays also bring Exposition and Reconciliation at 6:00pm.

Saturday Vigil Mass (English) is at 4:00pm preceded by 3:00pm confessions. Currently, Sunday Masses are only celebrated at St. Thomas Aquinas. 

For more info: parish website, bulletin archive, & Facebook
Another blog post: Detroit Pilgrim