St. Mary Catholic Church

Pastoral Welcome

Dear Website Visitors,

     Welcome to St. Mary Parish, Williamston, Michigan. We are happy to host your electronic visit with us because we are delighted with what God in Christ is doing among us. The Lord's redeeming work in our midst is happening in our hearts, souls, minds and bodies, the fruit of the incarnation of the only begotten Son of the Father and his redemptive work on the cross. This is an electronic description of Jesus Christ's saving work among us.

     During your journey through this website, you may recognize two ways we have found the Lord favoring us in our walk as Roman Catholics. These themes inform and energize our labors such that God's Kingdom may be better realized in our lives and that we all might grow in the Spirit and be ready for heaven.

     First, our parish life and priorities reflect the Son of God, Jesus' coming among us as a man. "Feed my sheep." We try to provide spiritual food at the weekend Masses (a Catholic's primary contact with the Church). Along with being faithful to the Roman Rite, the liturgies are oriented to provide help in worship of God and a homily to explain the Sacred Scriptures proclaimed in the Liturgy of the Word. The solemnity and reverence of the Liturgy of the Eucharist allows us to better receive Jesus under the form of bread and wine. This celebration on the first day of the week animates the next six days. Our Adult Education efforts, the Religious Education program for our children and St. Mary Elementary School complement our God's grace to us through the liturgies.

     Second, we try to support family life in the parish. This ministry strengthens bonds and facilitates the passing on of the Catholic Faith. Throughout history, in every culture and society, it is clear that, as the family prospers, so does the Church. Strong families are often best suited to minister to singles, widows and others on the edge of the community. Consequently St. Mary's emphasizes parental involvement in the education of their children both in Religious Education Program and at St. Mary Elementary School. The parish Youth Group is family oriented. Knights of Columbus activities, Community of Catholic Women projects and Family Life Ministry help to keep the family together rather than separating out members from each other.

     It is in this community of God's family, knowing the fullness of Faith, that we have the best chance of receiving all of God's graces, to live holy lives, do works of mercy, and welcome our Redeemer joyfully when He comes again. May God bless you all.

Sincerely in Christ,

Rev. Peter J. Clark, pastor

St. Mary Church

Williamston, Michigan