The Michigan Area’s September First Saturday was a “first” in another sense: The location was the beautiful and historic St. Peter Catholic Church in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, a new venue for the Michigan Area. The church has stood in its present location since 1843.
The September 7 event included the opportunity for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, recitation of the Rosary, and Mass, to offer the full First Saturday devotion.
Fr. John Maksym, pastor of St. Peter’s, celebrated Mass and heard Confessions. Fr. Maksym is both a civil attorney and a canon lawyer; he served as a naval officer and military judge before entering the seminary at age 52. (See “From courtroom to the confessional: Combat vet priest fights spiritual battles now,” Detroit Catholic, Nov. 11, 2018.)
John Trupiano, KM, and Kathleen Trupiano, DM, led the Rosary. Peggy Stanton, DM, and Marcia McBrien, DM, proclaimed the readings. Stephanie Le, DM, and her husband, Auxiliary Ky Cam, offered the Prayers of the Faithful. Area Chair Andy Smith, KM, led the group in the Daily Prayer of the Order.
After Mass, a light breakfast was provided by Stephanie Le and Ky Cam, members of the Michigan Area’s Hospitality Ministry.
In keeping with the Michigan Area’s long First Saturday practice, breakfast was followed by Lectio Divina of the following Sunday’s Gospel. The Gospel reading was Mark 7:31-37, Jesus’ healing of the deaf man with a speech impediment. Fr. Maksym led the discussion, noting that the healing focuses on the ability to listen and “be opened” to Jesus’ message. Drawing on his naval experience, Fr. Maksym quipped that Navy officers would sometimes tell sailors, “You’re receiving; I’m transmitting.”
In our relationship with Christ, “How often do we transmit and how often do we receive?” Fr. Maksym asked. “You really have nothing to say to Christ that He doesn’t already know … He wants you to listen to Him.”
Following the First Saturday event, Sean Shriner, Member in Formation, delivered 170 sandwiches to the Detroit Rescue Mission, which serves the homeless and those suffering from addictions. The sandwiches were provided by the 2024 RCIA Class of St. Edith Catholic Church in Livonia, Michigan.
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