“Imagine a merger not of steel and industry, but of faith.” Here before us stands Saint Theodore Church. It is a testament to community and change. This church wasn’t always a solo beacon.
Back in 2016 Saint Theodore merged with two other Westland parishes. These were Saint Damian established in 1955 and Divine Savior established in 1973. The result was a new parish. It was named Saint Mary Cause of Our Joy.
Today only Saint Theodore Church is still used by the new parish. Father Ken Mazur PIME has been the pastor since the merger. He guides the community forward. Saint Theodore of Canterbury Parish had about 1066 registered families. This was before the merger. Saint Damian had 577 and Divine Savior had 308.
In 2025 the formerly clustered parishes officially merged on July 1. This formed the new parish community. The merger addressed financial challenges facing the parishes. Saint Damian Parish had a debt of 2.5 million dollars. Divine Savior had debts of 500000 dollars. Saint Theodore of Canterbury did not have any debt.
The members of the Merger Transition Team believed continuing with three sites would be irresponsible. The debt would only worsen. Closures would become more difficult. Members of all three parishes consulted on the decision for months. They made a recommendation to the archbishop.
Any money from the sale of buildings would benefit the new parish. The debts of all three parishes became the responsibility of the merged parish. Father Ken Mazur acknowledged the transition could be bumpy. He urged parishioners to live up to the new name.
Saint Theodore Church has Stations of the Cross. They line the left or south wall of the nave. In the chapel you can find Our Lady of Perpetual Help and Saint Therese. Saint Anne with Child Mary and Saint Francis of Assisi are also in the chapel. Symbols of the Eucharist are portrayed in a corner of the church.
Saturday Vigil Mass is at 430pm. Confessions precede it at 330pm. Sunday Masses are at 800am 1000am and Noon. Daily Mass is at 830am on Mondays Thursdays and Fridays. Wednesday Mass is at Noon. Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament follows. It concludes at 300pm.
Saint Theodore Church founded in 1963 stands as more than just a building. It represents resilience unity and a shared devotion. It embodies the spirit of its parishioners. This is a place where history faith and community intertwine. It continues to evolve. It embraces its new identity as Saint Mary Cause of Our Joy.