Atlas Twp’In 1978 Catholic missionaries Fr. Joseph Aubin and Fr. Alan Wakefield realized a community’s need.
The two priests had agreed to celebrate Mass in Goodrich since no Catholic Church was located in the area. After several Masses, the pair petitioned Lansing Diocese Bishop Kenneth Povish, to build a parish’thus began St Mark’s Catholic Church.
‘People used to gather at the Old Goodrich Town Hall and eventually at Goodrich High School in the cafeteria because so many started attending Mass. We were the very first Catholic church in this community, and now we’re celebrating 25 years,? said Sister Joan May, pastoral coordinator at St. Mark’s since 1989, who was appointed by Bishop Povish.
In 1989, fund-raising and construction began after a census was taken to establish a church in the community. Today the spacious church located on 7296 Gale Road in Atlas Township church includes a pole barn and parish center.
May reflects on memories of a community that has supported them throughout the years.
The area was scattered, added May, ‘church staff and volunteers gathered names and addresses to inform residents that St. Mark’s was being constructed.?
From a staff of less than 10, St. Mark’s congregation has grown to more than 1,000 members. Each year the church assists the community by supporting the American Red Cross, hosting voting polls, students, and Outreach East members to help the needy.
New to the parish in June, Fr. Jose Mundadan (originally from India) comes from St. John’s Catholic Church in Davison every Sunday to give Mass to the congregation of St. Mark’s. He moved to the United States five years ago and lives in Lansing. He has been a priest for 19 years and moved to the United States to continue his involvment in missionary work and finish his education. He has a Master’s Degree in psychology and social work, and has also practiced law and political science for 20 years.
‘I wanted to learn more about the sysytem here. St. Mark’s is an additional assignment for me, and I really enjoy the congregation. They seem to be very involved with their families and are very welcoming. They have a good faith and want to practice it.?
Fr. Mundadan says there are many differences in the practices of churches in the United States compared to India. He said in India, the priests are like Kings. They are the most prominent figure in communites and help families in times of crisis and need, much like priests in the U.S do.
‘There are no women priests or women allowed at the altar. I knew before I came to the States that it’s very different here and I was prepared for the change. In India, I helped many drug addicts and did a lot of substance abuse counseling and people came to me for advice.?
He has a deep appreciation for Sister May, who he thinks is the real pioneer of St. Mark’s.
‘She keeps everything together at the church and is very instrumental and dedicated in what she does.?
Sister May said the congregation is lucky to have someone as warm and caring as Fr. Mundadan and his level of comfort he gives to the congregation is important.
Sister May has enjoyed the years at the church performing such duties as teaching religious education classes, sacramental preparation and training new staff members. May, basically with the help of others, runs the parish.
May said the church touches on many of the smaller communities such as Davison, Grand Blanc, Goodrich, and Ortonville.
‘I really find people very warm and friendly. We have a very young parish and for the most part, have members that are very involved with activities and fund-raisers.?
Many people who may want to become Catholic or reaffirm their faith have the option of taking Right of Christian Initiations of Adult classes.
‘We teach lessons and sessions that start now and are once a week until Easter. Anyone is welcome at our church and it’s nice that we have such a young, involved parish.?
Celebrations throughout the year include a party in late August, events for children, a special Lenten ceremony, a pictorial covering events from the last 25 years, carnival and continuation of events that help the congregation grow together and help those in need.