Ferndale’s St. James Church Closes Its Doors After Lengthy Evaluation
In a bittersweet turn of events for the community, St. James Church, part of the Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish located right on the bustling Woodward Avenue and Pearson Street, has officially announced its closure. The last service for this cherished place of worship will be held on Sunday at 11 a.m., as stated on the church’s website.
After months of trying to boost attendance and funds, church leaders came to the difficult decision to close the St. James campus. The church has been a cornerstone of the Ferndale community, and its closure marks a significant change for its parishioners. From Monday onwards, the building will be repurposed for secular use, while the Oak Park campus, formerly known as Our Lady of Fatima Church, will continue to operate as usual.
A Journey of Reflection and Decision
The decision didn’t come lightly. Rev. Paul F. Chateau, along with a transition team and various clergy members, spent more than eight months engaged in what they referred to as “prayerful discernment.” They collaborated closely with the Archdiocese of Detroit to arrive at this conclusion. Chateau shared in a letter to the parishioners that they had set certain benchmarks requiring increased Mass attendance, more generous offertory contributions, and funds for necessary building repairs in order to sustain St. James as a place of worship.
Despite ongoing evaluations every two months, it was evident that these benchmarks were not being met. As a result, donations aimed at supporting building repairs have been returned to their respective donors. This outcome was confirmed when Archbishop Allen Vigneron issued a decree on October 21, stating that the St. James campus would no longer serve as a church.
Honoring Memories
Looking Forward
In his letter, Rev. Chateau urged parishioners not to lose hope, emphasizing that “the building is closing, not the parish.” Instead, he encouraged everyone to actively participate in services and activities at the Oak Park location of Our Mother of Perpetual Help Parish. The focus now shifts towards strengthening and growing the parish as a whole.
The Archdiocese of Detroit has opted not to directly comment on the closure at this time, but the decision resonates with many who have shared heartfelt moments within the walls of St. James. The church has seen countless milestones, gatherings, and the unbreakable bonds forged through worship.
As the Ferndale community prepares to bid farewell to St. James Church, its legacy will likely endure in the hearts and memories of everyone who walked through its doors. The pain of this closure is palpable, but the spirit of the parish, its traditions, and the community’s faith remain strong.
Whether you have been a lifelong member or just visiting, St. James Church has left its mark on many lives. The community is now invited to turn a new page and invest in the future of their faith at the remaining Oak Park campus, ensuring that the values and connections fostered in Ferndale continue on.
