But the spiritual benefits of Changing Lives Together still are coming.
On Sept. 17, a committee that has been coordinating spiritual enrichment events as part of the initiative will sponsor a Jubilee Year of Mercy pilgrimage that will include stops at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Solanus Casey Center and the Divine Mercy Center.
The pilgrimage, which follows the theme of the Archdiocese of Detroit’s evangelization initiative — “Unleash the Gospel” — is rooted in the initial momentum of Changing Lives Together, said Tom Scholler, associate director of development and stewardship for the archdiocese.
“We’ve been encouraged that so many have participated in the spiritual enrichment that has been part of Changing Lives Together,” said Scholler, who is part of the Changing Lives Together Prayer Activities Committee. “Stewardship is about putting your gifts at God’s disposal — that ‘His will be done’ — and, while monetary donations are a necessary part of it, we have no greater gift to give than that of our time and our attention.”
Scholler said the September pilgrimage is a response to Pope Francis’ call for Catholics to observe the Year of Mercy with a special experience of God’s grace. The pilgrimage will begin with Mass celebrated at the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament by rector Fr. J.J. Mech, followed by a walk and meditative prayer through the cathedral’s Holy Door of Mercy.
From there, pilgrims will travel to the Solanus Casey Center and experience the “Jubilee Hall of Mercy,” learning about the life of Capuchin Fr. Solanus Casey and praying at his tomb.
Following a lunch, the pilgrimage will continue to the Divine Mercy Center in Clinton Township, where center foundress Catherine Lanni will speak to participants about the message of Divine Mercy in the jubilee year, and pilgrims will have the opportunity to pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy and venerate the relics of St. John Paul II and St. Faustina.
When the Archdiocese of Detroit began its Changing Lives Together capital initiative in 2010, Archbishop Allen H. Vigneron made clear that, despite the need to raise more than $100 million for the benefit of parishes and the future of the local Church, the initiative was about more than fundraising, Scholler said.
“The purpose of Changing Lives Together has been to strengthen our parishes, to strengthen the Church in the city, to strengthen our schools, and to strengthen the training of Church leadership,” said Scholler. “Both the stewardship and the spiritual enrichment that come with it are clearly to help us as a community to unleash the Gospel.”
Accordingly, parish members involved in the initiative formed a prayer intercessory team of more than 1,200 Catholics, and with it, the Prayer Activities Committee was formed, helping thousands of Catholics to experience spiritual enrichment through its events.
On the financial side, the campaign this summer announced it had topped $120 million in donations and pledges. Of the proceeds gained through Changing Lives Together, each parish retains 70 percent of its donations, while the remaining 30 percent is earmarked to help Catholic families send their children to Catholic schools, strengthening the Church in the city of Detroit and toward the education of priests and parish lay leaders.
Jubilee Year of Mercy Pilgrimage
All Catholics are invited to take part in a Jubilee Year of Mercy Pilgrimage, and a special invitation was sent to those who contributed to Changing Lives Together. To learn more, visit www.aodclt.org.
What: A pilgrimage to the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, the Solanus Casey Center and the Divine Mercy Center
When: Saturday, Sept. 17
Who: The pilgrimage is organized by the Changing Lives Together Prayer Activities Committee, and is being conducted by Corporate Travel
Starting points: Warren on the east side; Dearborn on the west side
Information: Cost is $62 per pilgrim, including all transportation and meals. For details or to register, call Corporate Travel at (313) 565-8888 ext. 185.
