St. Matthew

Cathedral of St. Matthewthe Apostle
1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036






This distinguished church as been around since 1840. It is attended by the Supreme Court justices and members of Congress, the Cabinet, diplomatic corps, and other government departments – including former Presidents of the United States. It was actually the very place a funeral mass was given for President John F. Kennedy November 25, 1963.








The gritty brown brick structure of the outside talks up about a half of city block by itself. Masses are given three times daily and weekends. It is a wonderful place to celebrate mass especially if you lived in the neighborhood. I can see myself doing the daily morning mass at 7am on the way to work out at the YMCA. To me, that is my retirement dream.





Once you step inside, the Cathedral’s interior demands your attention almost immediately. Laden with mosaics found in Italy, statues of Saints and the blessed Mother, and of course the grand Baptistry that can be adorned for hours.



There are many relics to behold, learn, and enjoy, The Chapel of Saint Francis of Assisi holds the burial chamber for Washington’s second Bishop, Patrick Cardinal O’Boyle. The burial entrance is a beautiful arched marble façade that let’s you know this is a Holy Place.

I enjoyed my mass here – it was 8am on a Wednesday morning; there was no music or signing and the mass moved along to ensure we get to work in time. I was excited to see the 30 or 40 people attend a mass in the middle of a work week. As I left, I wondered how many of our leaders left this place after mass to deal with the greed, corruption, and politicking in a place such as Washington DC.

St. Raymond Church

St. Raymond Church
20103 Joann St.
Detroit, MI 48205

Need some quiet time to think and listen? How about an escape from the world and take a moment to think about Jesus, who you are, and who you want to become?

St. Raymond’s Church is built in the center of a bedroom community of small brick and aluminum sided bungalows. This 1950’s Church is a reminiscent to what the surrounding neighborhood used to be. Once you step through its thick heavy wooden doors, you know you’re in a sacred place. The ceramic tile on floor meets the grand marble walls all the way up to the alter and to the top of the cathedral ceiling. The lighting in this Church is really welcoming to the soul as the sun shines through the beautiful mosaic stained glass and ricochets off the marble walls.

There are these grand cubbies built into the walls on either side of the church with statues of the Saints. These Saints welcome you to come and kneel down and pray with them. I lost track of time in this church as all I cared to do was mediate and reflect on my life, family, and the world.

As I sat in the old wooden pews, I wondered what happened to all the families that use to live down here, go to school here, and attend weekly mass here. I wonder if they come in here from time to time? I wonder if the neighborhood surrounding this place might wpuld come alive again? Would this be a place that their kids would want to live in just like their mom and dads did during the 50s, 60s, and 70s? Is it too late to knock down the Mac Mansions of urban sprawl and welcome everyone back to the city?

I know, I know, St. Raymond is not a historic 19 century church, but it is an oasis that offers refuge and beauty to anyone who steps in the doorway. Fr. Bob showed me around the baptism room to the side and the told me the story behind each stained glass window. When you come here, make sure you allow yourself the time to walk around and look at every area of this church because there is something to behold at every glance.

St. Raymond also celebrates mass with a traditional organ and metal pipes. I love music from the pipes – very transient for me. The pipes are in need of restoration so I encourage anyone who reads this to stop by or at least donate to this cause. Call St. Raymond’s for details.

I did not bring my camera with me on this trip so I pulled the only photo I have off the net. Since St. Raymond’s church is on my way to the office, I will stop in one day with the cam and take more pics for this posting. Stay tuned.

See you in church next week.

St. Aloysius Church

St. Aloysius Church

Ash Wednesday February 26

Downtown Detroit

1234 Washington Boulevard (between Grand River and State Street.)

What better way to start the Lenten season by attending Ash Wednesday's service at St Aloysius Church (or St. Al's to the locals). My first trip to St. Al's caught me by surprise. The outside of this community church is deceiving. Unlike others churches built in its time, the facade of St. Al's blends in with the surrounding buildings –sandwiched in what was once a bustling city street of Washington. If you were not looking for this church, you would walk right by while at the same time wondering “what is that beautiful building”.

St. Al's was a real treat for me for several reasons. First, I amazed at the tri-level seating. All seats guarantee an up close personal view of the alter and all its golden beauty. For fans of early Roman Mosaic architecture, this one is a must see.

Second, mass was celebrated by his Excellency, Bishop Allen H. Vigneron. WoW!, what a great day I picked to walk into. I was inspired by the Gospel and his Homily. Bishop Allen H. Vigneron spoke very eloquently as he reminded us why giving up something for lent was important for the coming Easter Holyday.

Third, I brought a friend with me. I like to invite other people to mass with me because I like to share my faith with others and so that they too can appreciate some of Detroit’s hidden gems. My friend was Lutheran but since they also observe the Lenten season, we both thought it would be okay for him to go.

Fourth, I found the Franciscan Friars that have been a part of St. Aloysius Parish for over fourteen years. The Franciscan Friars run a homeless shelter across the street and a coffee shop. All proceeds from the coffee shop go the local homeless people. Here is a good article to read about their coffee:

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081230/BIZ/812300347/

St. Aloysius Church

4 Star Rating