St.
Sebastian Catholic Church is located on the south end of Dearborn Heights, MI.
It is named for St. Sebastian an early Christian Saint and Martyr. He was born
in 256 and died in 288. St Sebastian is commonly depicted in art and literature
tied to a post or tree and shot with arrows. He is a popular male saint
especially among soldiers and athletes who often wear his metals or relics. His
feast day is January 20.
St
Sebastian has a modern feel to it. The church is made up of mostly cushioned
pews with some individual seating available.
The pews surround the altar in a semi circle. The main entrances to the
church are on either side of the altar. The church has more of a rectangular shape
which makes it a challenge to navigate if you’re unfamiliar with the layout of
the church. However it’s “quirky” layout is kind of symbolic of how we must
navigate through life trusting in God and turning away from the evils of the
world.
The
main altar appears to be made of marble while the lectern is made of carved
oak. A variety of flowers adorned the
altar on the weekend that we visited including Easter lilies, carnations and
peonies. On the brick wall in the back of the altar a crucifix sits high above while
a portrait of Jesus sits in front of the altar. On right side of the altar are
life size statutes of Joseph holding a baby Jesus and Mary with Anne.
Fr.
Robert White, a visiting priest, was the celebrant at the mass we attended. Fr.
White is from an organization called “Food for the Poor”; a group dedicated to
ending hunger around the world. Fr. White’s homily was dedicated to talking
about hunger and starvation around the world. It was a very moving and
eye-opening experience especially when he talked about his first hand
experience in working with the poor, hungry and destitute.
The
people of St. Sebastian were about as diverse a group as we have seen on our
journey. There were many young people, families, singles and senior. It was
great to see them come together in a common love for Jesus Christ and to share
in the good news of our Savior.
Up Next: St. Thomas A
Beckett-Canton
Statute of Mary
Stone garden dedicated to Mary
A large cross adorned with a cloth at St. Sebastian
Patron Saint of St. Sebastian
Altar at St. Sebastian
Garden dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi
Portrait of Jesus sits in front of the altar at St. Sebastian
Joseph, Mary and the boy Jesus
Mary with Anne and Joseph holding a baby Jesus
St. Sebastian Catholic Church
St. Sebastian in Dearborn Heights
