SAGINAW — The designated Holy Door at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption in Saginaw will be closed this weekend as the cathedral prepares to temporarily close for renovations. Pilgrims will have a final opportunity to walk through the Holy Door at the cathedral before and after Sunday Masses. The door will be closed following the 5:30 p.m. Mass on Sunday, September 4.
Beginning the following weekend, Sunday, September 11, the cathedral's regularly scheduled Sunday Masses at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., and 5:30 p.m. will be temporarily relocated to Christ the Good Shepherd Parish at the St. Andrew Church site, 612 N. Michigan Ave., in Saginaw.
In August, the Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, announced plans for a major restoration project at the cathedral, assuring the community of the diocese's commitment to Saginaw's East Side. The work to be completed at the 115 year old church includes air conditioning, new flooring, a complete renovation of the basement, mechanical and electrical upgrades, interior and exterior lighting upgrades, interior plastering and artistic painting, refurbishing of the stained glass windows, improved restrooms and parking lot improvements. The sanctuary will be reconstructed to reflect the original church and a new marble altar and ambo will be installed. In addition, pews will be added and the original canvas Stations of the Cross restored. The renovations are expected to take at least six months.
While the Holy Door at the cathedral will be closed, there are other Holy Door sites within the diocese, including seven designated Sacred Heart Church locations. Churches are located in different areas of the diocese to encourage all people to make the journey.
- Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish Church, 302 S. Kinney Blvd., Mount Pleasant
- Sacred Heart Church, St. Hubert Parish, 311 Whitelam St., Bad Axe
- Sacred Heart Church, Ss. Francis & Clare Parish, 12157 Church St., Birch Run
- Sacred Heart Church, St. Christopher Parish, 140 Atwood St., Caro
- Sacred Heart Church, Sacred Heart Parish, 300 N. Silverleaf St., Gladwin
- Sacred Heart Church, Prince of Peace Parish, 2510 S. Fraser Rd., Kawkawlin
- Sacred Heart Church, St. John XXIII Parish, 445 S. Midland St., Merrill
In December 2015, Pope Francis opened the Holy Door in St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, inaugurating the Jubilee of Mercy. Holy Doors were opened in dioceses around the world in December, including in the Diocese of Saginaw. Throughout the year, pilgrims have had an opportunity to pass through the Holy Door, expressing their willingness to "enter" into the mercy and love of God. On Sunday, November 13, Holy Doors for the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy will be closed throughout the entire Diocese of Saginaw, as well as at the basilicas of Rome.