The Pluralism Project at Harvard University

The research was conducted by The University of Michigan-Dearborn Pluralism Project.

History

Our Lady of Redemption Melkite Catholic Church is located in Warren, Michigan, a Macomb County working-and middle-class suburb north of Detroit. The church was established in 1929, and at that time was located at Charlevoix and McDougal, on Detroit's east side. It remained at this location from 1929 until 1981. In 1982 the parish moved to Warren into a building that had been a school, some of whose classrooms are still being used as a preschool. Realizing the need for a new center, and rather than relocating once again, the church decided to stay in Warren at its present location near Interstate 696, which makes it easily accessible to residents in the eastern suburbs. Construction, therefore, began on a new church on March 8, 1999, and was scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2001.

Description

The new center sits on 20 acres of land and is a typical Byzantine basilica plan constructed of large white stone reminiscent of the churches in the Middle East, with a center dome that is 40 feet in diameter, four dome towers, and a central nave that can accommodate 500 people. In addition to the church, the new building is being designed to include a fellowship hall and classrooms for education and social activities.

Demographics

The original founders of Our Lady of Redemption Church were Lebanese immigrants to Detroit. However, the congregation has expanded to include a variety of people from around the Mediterranean, including Palestinians and Italians.

Activities and Affiliations

Activities at the center include a parish pastoral council, women's and men's clubs, a teen club (MAYA) and dinners. They also have Arabic language classes, aimed especially at children and youth. Our Lady of Redemption has strong relationship with other Arab Catholic Churches in the country. Locally, they cooperate with the local Maronite churches, St. Maron's and St. Sharbel's.

The languages used for worship and in informal conversation are English and Arabic. Worship incorporates both languages. Services include a Vigil Liturgy on Saturday at 4:30 p.m., Matins on Sunday at 10:00 a.m.; and the Divine Liturgy on Sunday at 11:00 a.m.