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Archbishop of Detroit Pastoral Letters
Together In Faith: The Journey Before Us
As we go through the necessary changes detailed in this pastoral communication, obviously, there will be some pain for our whole Archdiocesan family. Schools that are closing or parishes that are clustering, merging, or being suppressed (closed) will certainly experience grief; we want to assure them we are grateful for their past witness and service, and we share their sense of loss and hope for new life.
(Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
Together In Faith
The goal of Together in Faith is to strengthen the presence of the Church, support the Church's ministry, and use our resources in the most effective possible manner as we plan together for the future of our parishes and schools.
(Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
Promise to Protect. Pledge to Heal.
For the past two years, the bishops of the United States have been working to address issues of sexual abuse as they relate to priests, deacons, and our society as a whole. These have been difficult days for those who have been victims of sexual abuse and for all of us in the Church.
(Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
September 28, 2003
"We're All In This Together" Legal Birth Definition Act "Deserves to Become Law"
An open letter to the citizens and elected officials of Michigan supporting the Legal Birth Definition Act. Writing as Chairman of the Michigan Catholic Conference (MCC), the public policy voice of the Catholic Church in Michigan. (Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
March 25, 2003
Cathedral Rededication
How welcome it is to be "home" in the newly renovated mother church of our Archdiocese of Detroit, the Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament. (Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
November 2001
Catholic Funeral Rites - Blessed Are They Who Mourn
"By means of this letter," the cardinal writes, "I hope your understanding and appreciation of our Catholic Funeral Rites will be deepened and that your questions regarding these matters are answered. Perhaps more than any other moment in the life journey, the time of death and dying is a premier opportunity to come to know the abiding and healing presence of the Risen Lord in, with, and through His Body, the Church." (Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
November 20, 2000
Hands Across the Ages - Partnering With Our Youth For the New Millenium
"Our Catholic tradition and heritage can offer some valuable insights for the ongoing public debate on educational alternatives ... from my perspective, every issue facing this community has some relationship to education. With few exceptions, just about every 'success story' involves a partnership, a hand reaching across and reaching out – to another citizen in need. " (Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
A Just Beginning For All
"Education is necessary for a productive and a responsible life. Since parents and/or custodians are the primary educators of their children, do they not have a right to the widest possible spectrum of school choice?" (Michigan Bishops)
Teach, Preach & Vote
"The November 3rd Michigan Ballot will include a proposal seeking the legalization of physician-assisted suicide. Obviously, this proposal runs directly contrary to our Church's teaching on the dignity of human life ..." (Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
Living & Dying According To the Voice Of Faith
"How we face the mysteries of suffering, dying and death makes a critical difference for us and for our loved ones ... As stewards of the gift of life, we see every aspect of life and death as part of a larger picture and part of our ongoing relationship with God." (Michigan Bishops)
September 28, 1994
Lector, EME, and Altar Service Guidelines
For the past year, the Archdiocesan Pastoral Council and the Council of Vicars have been discussing and reviewing Archdiocesan guidelines for various liturgical ministries. At this time, I am pleased to share with you these revised Archdiocesan Guidelines for the Ministry of Lector and EME, and for Altar Servers. The guidelines are effective immediately. (Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
Statement On Euthanasia
" ... we believe that people should be allowed to die, and to die with dignity. We believe that it is not necessary to take unreasonable means to prolong human life." (Michigan Catholic Conference Board of Directors)
On Sharing God's Presence
"While our country and Church have become much more sensitive to persons with disabilities, the true and lasing inner conversion has yet to take place in many of our hearts. Widening doorways and adapting restrooms, building ramps and the like are only cosmetic." (Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
Both in Life and Death We Are the Lords
" 'Thou shall not kill.' Yet, we can be subtly persuaded that 'mercy killing' or 'physician-assisted suicide' or 'euthanasia' is a morally acceptable way of handling a situation in which pain and suffering seem intolerable." (Archbishop Adam J. Maida)
February 1, 1992
Dress Their Wounds: Pastoral Statement on Human Immunodeficiency Virus/AIDS Archdiocese of Detroit
Jesus, who embraced those in need of healing and compassion, challenges us, his followers, to carry out our responsibility to our brothers and sisters who are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/SAIDS), to their families and to other significant persons in their lives. (Archbishop Adam J.Maida)
Dying, You Destroyed Our Death
"Jesus Christ became our Redeemer not because He was spared pain and suffering but because He was like us in all things but sin. He was willing to endure every human question, fear, humiliation, suffering and sense of abandonment." (Archbishop Adam J. Maida)
A Call To Pilgrimage To the Youth and Young Adults Of the Archdiocese Of Detroit
"I invite you to join me in this special pilgrimage of renewal ... Begininng now, please pray and reflecr on your spiritual needs. Discuss your faith concerns, you hope and dreams with other young people, especially friends and family who may no longer be active in their faith." (Archbishop Adam J. Maida)
One In Faith and Knowledge - Growing to full maturity in Christ
"The vision I share with you encompasses all the ministries of Catholic Education which are vital and essential to the teaching mission of the Church. Without exception the following ministries comprise the essential components of Catholic Education: Adult Faith Formation, Catechetics, Catholic Schools, Family Life, justice and Peace and Youth Ministry." (Archbishop Adam J. Maida)
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