len Marie Betrus Smith, 96 years young, of Monroe, Michigan, passed away on Saturday, March 5, 2022 after a short illness. Marie was born on March 1, 1926 to Fred and Sadie (Hatem) Betrus who immigrated from Zahle, Lebanon. The family owned and operated Betrus Market on the corner of Monroe and Lorain streets. They were part of a small group of Lebanese immigrants who settled in the city of Monroe in the early 1900’s and opened various retail and wholesale businesses. Marie was a proud 1943 graduate of St. Mary Academy and attended Alumni Day regularly over the years, keeping in touch with many of her classmates and IHM nuns. Following high school, she went to work as an Executive Assistant at Monroe Auto Equipment. She also worked at the family business, which is where she met William D. Smith after seeing him in a Monroe High School play. She waited for him to return from his service in the Coast Guard during WW II and on December 27, 1947 she and Bill were married in St. Mary Catholic Church in Monroe.

38th Judicial Circuit Court Judge Michael A. Weipert, of one of the longtime families in Monroe County’s legal community, died Thursday at his home, under hospice care, with his family and his friends at his side. The second youngest of 8 siblings born to Victor H. & Aurelia M. (Steiner) Weipert in Monroe, Michael (Mike) Allen passed away on March 3, 2022 at the age of 65 after a courageous battle with liver cancer. He was a very private individual and had not let many people know about his condition because he was determined to beat it. .

John Nicholas “Nick” Hoffman, passed away Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Medilodge of Monroe, with his sons at his side. Born May 12, 1939 in Monroe, Nick was the son of the late Leo and Gertrude (Lauer) Hoffman. He graduated from Monroe Catholic Central High School in 1958. During the Vietnam War, Nick served as a Medic from March 18, 1963 until being honorably discharged on March 9, 1965. On October 6, 1978, he married Sharon M. Wood at St. Mary Catholic Church. Together they raised two sons. Sadly, she preceded Nick in death on May 26, 1995.

Bonnie Bica, passed away Saturday March 5, 2022 in her home surrounded by her family. Born July 27, 1941 Bonnie was the daughter of Thomas and Mildred (Corell) McDowell. A graduate of Mackenzie High School she continued her education at Eastern Michigan University where she received her Bachelor of Science Degree. Bonnie married the love of her life, James Bica, on August 1, 1964 at Epiphany Catholic Church in Detroit.

Thomas Robert Opperman, beloved husband of Lorie Opperman, and uncle to Anthony Rais, Scott Opperman, Teresa (Doug) Black and Ryan (Sara) Steckmeyer, will be remembered as a happy and caring man.  He was very involved in the lives of his nieces and nephews, and a source of encouragement to them as he shared his educational interests with them.  

Family and friends of Richard (Rick) Alan Montcalm gathered to give thanks and praise to God for his life, love and loyal commitment to serving all those who sought his help and guidance.  Rick served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Nuremburg, Germany following his graduation from Michigan State University. 

Friends and Family of Jeanne Marie Poupard gathered to remember and give thanks for the blessing of their sibling, aunt, friend. Jeanne was the fourth oldest of the twelve children born to Eugene and Alice (d.). Her siblings recall that the family united around Jeanne, who was differently abled. Jeanne enjoyed “Saturday Morning Faith Sharing” every week in our parish Heritage Hall. It was there, as well amid her family,  that her faith was nurtured, and she fell in love with Jesus as she came to know the many bible stories of His life. Without a doubt her favorite song, which she repeatedly sang, was: “Jesus Loves Me”, which was a prelude at her funeral Mass.

Archbishop Vigneron announced that the general dispensation from the obligation to attend Mass on Sundays and Holy Days will expire on Saturday, March 13, 2021. In its place, he is granting a number of particular dispensations for the faithful who may find themselves in specific circumstances.

"OPEN WIDE YOUR HEART"     Ash Wednesday is this week, and God gives us another Lenten season to grow in faith, discipleship, and service as we prepare spiritually for Easter 2021. Even though it is still winter, Lent means that spring is not far away, as the very word “Lent” comes from an old English word for spring. So, this is a time for another new beginning, with trust in God’s ability to provide what we truly need. We continue to make adaptations to our rituals and practices in this time of the pandemic, including limited capacity in church, the wearing masks, and sanitizing in church after each use.  

Coronavirus Directory - Dispensation Information - AOD Responses and Recommendations

Archdiocese of Detroit announces parish groupings for Family of Parishes, in next step in renewing local Church for mission to unleash the Gospel

Dear people of St. Mary's life You never leave my heart. These months away in quarantine Have kept us far apart. But every day, before our God Who keeps us safe in hand, I join in Eucharistic Thanks.