Gannon University's Detroit ABST: Gathered in Love

Today, our group was fortunate enough to attend the beautiful gospel mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Located right near the Eastern Market, this is also a center of social life for some members of the Detroit community. From the minute that we walked through the door, we were welcomed and greeted with loads of smiles.

Sitting in the back pews, we were able to observe everything around us. The congregation members seemed to all know each other, smiling and waving from across the chapel. In front of us was an adorable little boy and his mother. He kept waving and showing us his tiny white bear.

Looking back on it, we were all in agreement that the service was one of the best that we have ever been to. The choir was astounding with their loud voices and we were welcomed deeply by their close-knit community.

Reverend Thomas, the pastor of Sacred Heart, preached on how the “inner city” is viewed by outsiders. He questioned what that term truly means. The stigma that surrounds this city is untrue, making it seem so different than it actually is. As he states, each individual is a wildflower and is truly important to God.

During one point of the service, Reverend Thomas took a special break to invite members celebrating birthdays and one little girl with a fantastic report card up to the altar in recognition. While our hearts were busy melting, we realized that the Reverend was calling our own group up.

“And all the way from Erie, Pennsylvania is a group from Gannon University.”

At first, I felt awkward making the long trek up to the altar as members clapped and cheered. However, that feeling soon disappeared as we were hugged and given warm wishes by so many members. Older ladies, young children, and elderly gentlemen shook our hands and hugged us, wishing us peace.

I know that for me, this was an incredibly moving moment. I wish that the church knew how much we appreciated all the joy they provided to us.

Later that afternoon, our group explored some more culture of Detroit at the Detroit Historical Museum. Beginning in the basement, we traveled through time for the history of Detroit, from its settlements in the 1700s to present day. Who knew that Little Ceasars came from here? We didn’t. Who knew that they have soooo many cars? You probably did, but I didn’t (oops).

We concluded our lovely day with some smoothie tasting and exploring two grocery stores within Detroit, glancing at our surroundings (who was shopping there and how expensive grapes were).

The day started off bright and sunny (literally) and continued to be full of joy and exploration throughout. From being gathered in love at the church to gathering in love around each meal, the trip is going swell.