St. Margaret of Scotland-St. Clair Shores

St. Margaret of Scotland is located on 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores in a very non-descript building. It is not unlike many other churches we have visited in the past year and a half. However, once inside, it takes on a life and personality all its own.

When you enter St. Margaret of Scotland you pretty much enter the church itself save for small gathering areas at each entrance that are used to store the bulletin and other reading materials.

Inside the church the altar is made of oak and marble. Directly behind the altar is a large statute of Jesus with His hands out-stretched. This statute is unique in that it is not of Jesus on the cross. Instead, it appears as if Jesus were walking toward you as if He were about to greet you.

The congregation of St. Margaret of Scotland is made up of a mix of seniors, families and young singles. They sit around the altar in cushioned seats with no kneelers.  Another unique feature of the church is the stadium like seating to the right of the altar. The seats ascend up 12 rows and looks like something you would see in a movie theater or sports complex. I am guessing that the 12 row of seats may represent the 12 disciples of Jesus.

Fr. Ron DeHondt is the current pastor at St. Margaret of Scotland.  This week he greeted his congregation with a hearty “God is good!” To which the enthusiastic reply was “All the time!” The homily for this mass was given by Deacon Ronald Channell. It was a somber yet inspiring homily about the deacon’s encounter with his friend; a homeless alcoholic and the lessons learned from him.

St. Margaret of Scotland was an English princess who lived from 1045 to 1093. She married Malcolm the III of Scotland and became the mother of three Kings. Margaret instigated religious reforms in Scotland and influenced her husband and children to be just and holy rulers.  St. Margaret was canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1250 in recognition of her personal holiness, fidelity to the church, work for religious reform and charity. Her feast day is November 16.

Up Next: Saint Simon and Jude-Westland

Signage for St. Margaret's

 Bell Tower in front of St. Margaret's

 Front of church

 Front Entrance of church

 Wall statutes

 Statute of Jesus

 The altar at St. Margaret

 Baptismal font at St. Margaret's

 Side view of altar

 Jesus with his hands out-stretched

 Fr. DeHondt with Alejandro and Carmen

 Fr. DeHondt with Steven and Maria