Michigan Catholic Parish Marks 100 Years Of Faith

A diverse Catholic community in southern Michigan will mark the centennial of St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish in Jackson, where sacred beauty, reverent liturgy, and music continue to shape parish life.

As he concludes 15 years as pastor, Father Timothy Nelson reflected on the parish’s vitality. “Our church is not a relic but a dynamic part of the present, enriched by a legacy of faith,” he told EWTN.

One of three parishes in the area after consolidations, St. Mary’s has evolved from its Polish-American roots to include growing Hispanic participation; Hispanic families now make up about a quarter of the parish school’s enrollment.

Centennial events begin May 29 with a concert and culminate May 31 with a Mass celebrated by Bishop Earl Boyea, marking 100 years since the first Mass. Music director Mary Malewitz, a lifelong parishioner, is organizing the concert featuring multiple choirs. “St. Mary’s has brought glory to Michigan for generations,” she said. Reflecting on her ties to the parish, she added, “For generations, parishioners have made St. Mary’s their home.”

The Romanesque church, with 180-foot spires, stained glass from Austria, and Carrara marble furnishings, was completed in 1926 amid social unrest and anti-Catholic hostility. “The window shows not only American soldiers and sailors, but even their enemies, all reaching out to Christ who rises above them,” Father Nelson said of a World War I memorial.

Recent restoration of the stained glass, costing $1 million, has been supported by parishioners and benefactors.

Now 74, Father Nelson will step down this summer and continue ministry as a hospital chaplain. His successor, Father John Vinton, will continue offering both Traditional Latin Masses and Spanish-language liturgies.

Serving more than 1,000 families, St. Mary’s remains anchored by its parish school. “The school is necessary for parish life,” Father Nelson said. Its liturgical life reflects continuity and renewal, with growing attendance at the Traditional Latin Mass. “I agree with Pope Benedict XVI that the past continues to be lived in the present,” he said. “We are bringing it into the future.”

For parishioner Mary Belknap, a fourth-generation member, the parish is both home and witness. “It’s one of the hallmark parishes in the state. People come from all over to see our beautiful church,” she said, adding, “I personally try to reach out and embrace the goodness in others.”

As St. Mary’s enters its second century, its witness of faith, beauty, and community endures.