About the Parish
Schedules and Bulletin
1405 S. Washington St.
Serving Central Michigan University since 1959
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
(989) 773-3931
Fax: (989) 772-2745
joyce@stmarycmu.org
| History | Charitable Foundation | Stained Glass Windows Tour |
Directions |
On June 6, 1959, the then-bishop of Grand Rapids,
Allen Babcock, set in motion the plans for a "Catholic Chapel of St. Mary" on
the campus of Central Michigan University. He came to Mt. Pleasant to break ground for the
new center on September 18, 1959. Gathered for the occasion were many faculty and staff of
the University, including President Judson W. Foust and President-emeritus Charles L.
Anspach. Construction began immediately and was completed in time for the Fall semester,
1960. The first pastor was Fr. John N. McDuffee.
The land on which the buildings sit was donated to the Diocese of Grand Rapids through the estate of Geneva Myrtle Stratton. Executors of the estate originally had wanted the land to go to CMU. Negotiations somehow fell apart, and it was given to the church. Interestingly, the Stratton estate made similar donations of land to the Lutherans, Methodists, and the Christian Reformed church. That's how it came to be that Christ the King Lutheran Chapel is just across Library drive from us, the Wesley Center across Washington, and Trinity Reformed just south on Washington In the great building boom of the 1960's, the University, which had stopped at Preston, hopped over us and built south, east, and west. Thus, by 1970, St. Mary's wound up in the very center of the campus.
Also in the 1960's, the name of the center was changed to "St. Mary University Parish" to make two things clear: 1) it was a full-fledged parish -- and not merely a chapel or a "student parish" -- with all the programs and sacramental responsibilities of a parish; and 2) its primary responsibility was to the Catholic community at the University. In 1971, in a realignment of the Catholic dioceses in Michigan, Isabella County became part of the Diocese of Saginaw. Its most recent bishop, Kenneth Untener, was an enthusiastic sponsor of the parish. (Note: Bishop Untener died in late March. We anticipate that our new bishop will also be a supporter of campus ministry.)
Of late, St. Mary's has taken to advertising itself simply as a "Catholic Parish". The phrase "University Parish", while officially our name, has been confusing for many on campus who believe that we are somehow sponsored or supported by the University. That is not the case. St. Mary's is a regular Catholic church responsible to the local Catholic bishop.
In April of 1997, the parish undertook a major renovation of its buildings -- roofs, lights, flooring, heating, furnishings. The place was getting a little rundown from its many years of service, but is once again a delightful shelter for our work and ministry.
Of particular delight to the parishioners has been the installation of faceted glass windows in the nave of the church. Designed by Mark Bleshenski, they depict in symbols the many life-professions represented among our parishioners, professions our students are working to enter. These stunning works of art are testimony to our belief that our work in the world is a portion of God's work in bringing about the Kingdom Jesus proclaimed. More information, including an on-line tour of these windows is available on this website.
Also of interest is the large circle in the center of the floor of the church depicting the cycle of the liturgical year in its seasonal colors. Fashioned from almost 10,000 pieces of ceramic tile -- and installed by parishioners in 800 hours of donated time -- the design helps the parish keep its eyes of faith focused on the cycle our celebration of Jesus' ministry through his birth, death, and resurrection.
We acquired another work of art for our worship space in the spring of 2005. Thanks to the generosity of an alumni family, St. Mary's commissioned a tapestry of H.O. Tanner's painting of The Annunciation. After more than five years of intricate work, artist Pam Patrie presented the piece to the parish in an inspiring dedication ceremony. Please go to our "Links" page for additional information regarding this piece.
In 1999, St. Mary's celebrated its 40th anniversary of service to the tens of thousands of Catholic students, faculty and staff who have attended the University through these years. We look forward to the new millennium with new enthusiasm and commitment to supporting the University in its mission, and to sharing the Catholic faith and tradition with all who come to CMU.
If you are in the Mount Pleasant area, feel free to visit St. Mary's. Directions are available if you are unfamiliar with the location.