The Davisburg Mass Station celebrated its one-year anniversary on Sept. 19 with a special Mass at the Springfield Oaks Activity Center. Celebrants were Fr. Dave Blazek and Fr. Albert Sescon of St. Rita’s, Holly; Fr. John West of Our Lady of Sorrows, Farmington Hills; Msgr. Robert Humitz, recently retired from St. Daniel’s, Clarkston; and Deacon Archie Noon.
The celebration began with an entrance procession including the children of the Mass Station who carried hand-made banners and streamers highlighting the day’s special significance to the community.
Fr. West, who presided over the Davisburg Mass Station’s first Mass in September 2003, acknowledged how far the Mass Station has progressed in just one year, recalling the crowd in the small cafeteria at a local elementary school and comparing it to the congregation in the spacious and accommodating Springfield Oaks, where Masses are currently celebrated.
The homily was given by Fr. Blazek, who shared his impressions of the growing community.
‘A church is God’s people coming together to worship God and share their blessings in the service of God for the sake of God’s people,? he said. ‘In the weeks I have been here with you, I have experienced your commitment, energy, warmth and how you come together in faith, extending yourself for the sake of God and neighbor. I am excited about the steps we will take together in the year to come. I am energized by your commitment to build a faith community.?
After Mass, Bill Brazier, chairperson of the mass station’s steering committee, gave an update on parish plans. Recognizing the community’s pioneering spirit, he recounted the progress and challenges of the first year, which included a total of seven different Mass sites.
Looking forward, Brazier spoke of the Faith Formation Commission which is implementing the Families in Religious Education program in conjunction with St. Daniel’s in Clarkston. The Family Cluster program is especially appealing because it is intended for everyone, not just for families with school-aged children. In addition to the new religious education program, a Children’s Liturgy continues to be offered each week during Mass. The committee report also highlighted the need for a second Mass to better serve the Davisburg community. A permanent facility is also needed in the interim before a church is constructed on the archdiocese’s 130-acre parcel located near the corner of Davisburg and Ormond roads.
Following the steering committee update, a delicious potluck luncheon was served complete with door prizes, children’s activities, and displays of photographs from the past year and plans for the future.
‘What’s remarkable about this community is its commitment and adaptability,? said parishioner Nancy Stebbins. ‘At other established parishes we’ve belonged to, it’s easy to think of church as the place you worship. Our involvement with the Davisburg Mass Station has been a wonderful reminder that people coming together to work and worship is truly a church ? we are the body of Christ.?
Indeed, the community’s ability to respond and adapt has strengthened it. In a few instances this summer, indoor space was not available for Sunday Mass. The alternative sites included Mass under the pavilion of a local park followed by a picnic and softball game.
On another occasion, during the county fair, Mass was celebrated outside amidst the sound of roosters, ducks and cows in the far background. During his homily, Fr. Blazek humorously noted, ‘This gives new meaning to Christmas in July.? An ice cream social followed mass afterwards. Through these challenges, the faith community has strengthened. It’s also worth noting that at each of the summer outdoor masses, the Mass station was blessed with beautiful weather.