St. Jude Church/School Nostalgia

**Eastburn** · May-16-11, 09:07 AM

Good work guys! I'm impressed by the investment these folks are making. Can only help the neighborhood.

**12468_laing** · May-16-11, 10:06 AM

Originally Posted by kellyroad

"Around the block"
The video gives an idea of what the latest is in the partial demolition and reconstruction of St. Jude school and gym. [[again, thanks to the collaboration of 7&Kelly for the video). The school will reopen as a charter school in the fall.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWf79cS4GXI

great video. a question, does anyone remember statues in the two alcoves on the front on the Rex side, and the rear by the Rex side?

Also, that light is on the back wall of the rectory.

**kellyroad** · May-16-11, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by 12468_laing

great video. a question, does anyone remember statues in the two alcoves on the front on the Rex side, and the rear by the Rex side?

Also, that light is on the back wall of the rectory.

I don't recall if there were statues in the alcoves built on the west side on 7Mile and Maddelein. The alcoves were built circa 1963 with the addition of the 4 classrooms but as far as I remember no statues were every placed there... It's been one of those mysteries... What statues were supposed to be placed there? Anyone know?

The light was one of the outdoor lights by the front side doors. I believe that is the original light.

**Campfire Girl** · May-16-11, 03:08 PM

It is the original light - and I don't believe there were ever any statues in those alcoves, I'm thinking just a structural design?
@EB - Yes, a DEFINITE positive for the neighborhood and our parish is the committment of the new school! They are a first class group of individuals.

**jcole** · May-16-11, 03:15 PM

I looked up the group that's remodeling the school and they look like they do quality work in several states, not just Michigan. They are based in Grand Rapids.

**kellyroad** · May-16-11, 09:21 PM

Originally Posted by Campfire Girl

It is the original light - and I don't believe there were ever any statues in those alcoves, I'm thinking just a structural design?
@EB - Yes, a DEFINITE positive for the neighborhood and our parish is the committment of the new school! They are a first class group of individuals.

I vaguely recall talk of putting statues in those alcoves shortly after the 4 Rex classrooms were added in 1963 about the same time the flag pole was erected in the Rex courtyard. For what ever reason that never came to fruition....another SJ mystery.

**Eastburn** · May-16-11, 09:39 PM

Isn't that where the statue of 7KK was supposed to go?

**Campfire Girl** · May-17-11, 07:32 AM

EB - Yes, you are correct. We were relieved to see the alcoves till open for occupants.

**kellyroad** · May-17-11, 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Eastburn

Isn't that where the statue of 7KK was supposed to go?

YES, The 7&Kelly_Kid would often discuss this very issue of the alcoves and the missing statues, along with the bells, relics, and cornerstones. His memory is indeed kept alive. MHRIP.

**Campfire Girl** · May-17-11, 07:42 AM

Yes it is! What a great clean-up day, when many of us were brought together for the first time at our old home. As we leaned on our rakes and brooms, assuming the position of the "slackers" we were, and talked about the "good old days" - great memory.

**kellyroad** · May-19-11, 06:15 PM

To all SJ alum and former/current parishioners: There is a 70th anniversary St. Jude reunion scheduled for Saturday, October 29, 2011. There is a 4PM Mass followed by a reception/banquet at the Harper Woods Community center. Mark your calendars now. [[The heliport will be open for all of you VIPs)

**kellyroad** · May-19-11, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by Campfire Girl

Yes it is! What a great clean-up day, when many of us were brought together for the first time at our old home. As we leaned on our rakes and brooms, assuming the position of the "slackers" we were, and talked about the "good old days" - great memory.

The peony bush didn't seem to take but all that is a moot point with the construction, etc. When the construction is done, the St. Jude planters can still plant a memorial tree or bush as a good will gesture to our new neighbors....yes all that new construction is certainly a sign of hope and rebirth for the SJ neighborhood.

**kellyroad** · May-19-11, 06:30 PM

Just on the odd chance that you don't know by now....Fr. John Bryson, the legendary priest at Notre Dame High School [[who organized and promoted the friday night dances, sock hops, and concerts), passed away on May 16. He was a very humble and yet gregarious figure at ND for many years. Many St. Jude parishioners knew him or knew of him.

**kellyroad** · May-25-11, 01:02 AM

Does anyone know when the last May Crowning was at St. Jude. I realize the school closed in 08 but don't recall hearing of a May Crowning recently.

Questions: Does your parish have a school?
Does your parish have a May Crowning?

**12468_laing** · May-25-11, 07:47 AM

Originally Posted by kellyroad

Does anyone know when the last May Crowning was at St. Jude. I realize the school closed in 08 but don't recall hearing of a May Crowning recently.

Questions: Does your parish have a school?
Does your parish have a May Crowning?

St. Stephen here in Old Hickory, TN doesn't have a school, but we have the land and plans for whenever, not looking like it will happen in my lifetime. I can't remember seeing anything about May Crownings at the Catholic schools in the diocese newspaper.

**jcole** · May-25-11, 08:52 AM

Some places still do a May Crowning.
This is from Holy Redeemer on Livernois:

Everything you ever wanted to know about
May 10
th at Holy Redeemer…….
Grandparents’ and Special Friends’ Day, May
Crowning and First Communicants’ Reception
Classes begin at the regularly scheduled time!
7:45am Registration and continental breakfast for Grandparents and
Special Friends; please enter through the Art Room doors. Our
guests will assemble in the Gym for this event and will watch the
closed circuit broadcast of morning announcements. Mrs. Schell
will welcome them. Due to limited space, this event is for
Grandparents and Special Friends only.
8:15am Musical Performance – Grandparents and Special Friends only
9:00am Grandparents and Special Friends will be escorted by their
grandchildren to the classrooms for a visit.
10:00am Second Grade May Crowning at Mary statue in front of school
[[Second Grade Parents and Grandparents only)
10:10am Grandparents and Special Friends will be escorted to St. Brigid
Church for Mass.

10:30am May Crowning and Mass
Grandparents and Special Friends may leave immediately
following Mass, with the exception of those driving carpool and
those with Second Graders.
11:30am Reception for Second Graders and their families in the Dining Hall
12:00pm Noon dismissal for all students. Please be sure to follow
afternoon carpool procedures.
ALL students [[with the exception of the Second Graders)
should bring a flower for the May Crowning

**jcole** · May-25-11, 08:54 AM

And a St. Hedwig's in Calif. did one on May 13th, so it must still be customary IF there is a grade school.

**12468_laing** · May-25-11, 05:00 PM

one thing I have found true here in the south is Catholicism is a minority. most of the traditions we had in our childhood are lost here. not all of them, but something like a May Crowning is few and far between.

**kellyroad** · May-25-11, 09:30 PM

Originally Posted by 12468_laing

one thing I have found true here in the south is Catholicism is a minority. most of the traditions we had in our childhood are lost here. not all of them, but something like a May Crowning is few and far between.

It seems the loss tradition of May Crownings has also diminished significantly in areas where Catholicism is not a minority. The closing of Catholic schools or greatly reduced enrollment may have influenced the decline of this great church tradition. It seems, however, that there is a push for a resurgence of more traditional values and traditions we experienced as young ones. My neighboring town of Wyandotte has a couple of older churches and schools [[ one of them, Our Lady of Mount Carmel carries on with the old traditions. The parish/school is of Polish heritage). My own parish and the other nearby parishes, even with schools, haven't had May Crownings that I know of. I know that May Crownings in present day may not be on the same scale as St. Jude had back in the 50s-70s. There may be a much smaller, scaled down indoor version.....Anyway, I was just curious if anyone knows of May Crownings in their Parish, including of course. St. Jude.

**kellyroad** · May-25-11, 09:32 PM

Traveling around the old neighborhood...
Maddelein between Hayes and Brock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWyxmzTPWA

**7andkelly** · May-26-11, 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by kellyroad

It seems the loss tradition of May Crownings has also diminished significantly in areas where Catholicism is not a minority. The closing of Catholic schools or greatly reduced enrollment may have influenced the decline of this great church tradition. It seems, however, that there is a push for a resurgence of more traditional values and traditions we experienced as young ones. My neighboring town of Wyandotte has a couple of older churches and schools [[ one of them, Our Lady of Mount Carmel carries on with the old traditions. The parish/school is of Polish heritage). My own parish and the other nearby parishes, even with schools, haven't had May Crownings that I know of. I know that May Crownings in present day may not be on the same scale as St. Jude had back in the 50s-70s. There may be a much smaller, scaled down indoor version.....Anyway, I was just curious if anyone knows of May Crownings in their Parish, including of course. St. Jude.

We have may crowning still, but it is scaled down. The first communicants are there and whoever else shows on a weekday evening. Still, the tradition continues.

Was it only a first communicant girl that placed the crown on Mary, or did a boy make the walk up those portable wooden steps with her. I do remember an honor guard of I believe just eighth grade girls.

**kellyroad** · May-26-11, 08:43 PM

Originally Posted by 7andkelly

We have may crowning still, but it is scaled down. The first communicants are there and whoever else shows on a weekday evening. Still, the tradition continues.

Was it only a first communicant girl that placed the crown on Mary, or did a boy make the walk up those portable wooden steps with her. I do remember an honor guard of I believe just eighth grade girls.

Great question 7K. Does anyone remember who actually crowned the statue of Mary. Was it a chosen 2nd grader, 1st communicant or an 8th grader in the honor guard?

**EMG** · May-28-11, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by kellyroad

Traveling around the old neighborhood...
Maddelein between Hayes and Brock
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYWyxmzTPWA

Wow. Looks like a war zone - 20 times worse even than I remember it from 10 years ago.

**Campfire Girl** · May-31-11, 08:22 AM

Sorry, on vacation - Yes, St. Jude Still has a May crowning - this practice has never stopped. It is held in the church following the 10am Mass. If there is a First Communicant, that child crowns Mary, if there is no First Communicant, a child is selected from one attending that Mass. It is still a beautiful ceremony.

**Campfire Girl** · June-01-11, 10:13 AM

Had a small but mighty group planting the traditional geraniums and other flowers around the church proper after the 8:30 Mass on Monday. Once again, our church grounds look beautiful and well tended. We still have some weeds to pull and bushes to trim, but all is looking landscaped!