Renovated Cathedral will draw those who Enter to Contemplate the Beauty of God

WHAT: Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption Open House
WHEN: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 7
WHERE: 615 Hoyt Ave., Saginaw

SAGINAW- The Most Rev. Joseph R. Cistone, Bishop of Saginaw, invites members of the Catholic community and surrounding neighbors to an open house at the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, 615 Hoyt Ave., in Saginaw this Sunday, May 7, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. to view the significant renovations which have taken place at the Cathedral over the last eight months.

"It is my sincere hope that all those who enter this holy space will be drawn to contemplate the beauty and awesomeness of God," Bishop Cistone said. "Amidst the many struggles and challenges so many people are faced with today, our churches point us toward the beauty the Lord has in store for each one of us, beyond what we can imagine and beyond this present world."

The beautifully renovated Cathedral celebrates the inspiring history of the Catholic Church in mid-Michigan, and several of the Cathedral's original features, including the hand-painted canvas Stations of the Cross have been fully restored. At the same time, it serves as a symbol of promise.

"From the outset, I have expressed my deep commitment to the stability and rejuvenation of Saginaw's East Side community," Bishop Cistone said. "In a neighborhood that suffers great challenges, I pray the Cathedral will stand as a beacon of hope that the Catholic Church is invested and is here to stay."

Catholic Federal Credit Union, St. Mary's of Michigan, St. Mary's of Michigan Foundation and Knights of Columbus Councils, together with a number of very generous private donors from across the Diocese of Saginaw have provided magnanimous support to the renovation project.

"The encouragement and support we have received to renovate the Cathedral is a great sign of the generosity of God and of the people of our beloved diocese," Bishop Cistone said. "I am deeply grateful to those individuals and foundations for their incredible assistance."

The Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption provides ongoing outreach to those living in the neighborhoods it serves. Some ministries include a monthly breakfast, and collecting items such as undergarments, hats, gloves and shoes for those in need throughout the year.

"I pray the work which has been accomplished at the Cathedral will enable us to be a stronger and more faithful agent not only in the work of the Church but in the wellbeing and betterment of the broader community," Bishop Cistone said.

In February, Bishop Cistone accepted an award from Saginaw Future Inc., a local economic development organization, on behalf of the Cathedral of Mary of the Assumption, for the major renovation project at the 116 year old church. While some work and refinement needs to be completed, the dedication Mass will take place on May 9, to allow the Cathedral parish to return for the celebration of weekly Masses and other parish liturgies.

The Catholic Diocese of Saginaw was established by Pope Pius XI on Feb. 26, 1938. Today, it includes 6,955 square miles across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Huron, Isabella, Midland, Sanilac, Saginaw and Tuscola counties.