Thomas Joseph Finnigan, the second child of Thomas and Lillian Finnigan, was born on December 13th, 1929 in Trenton, Michigan. He attended Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit at the age of thirteen. After receiving his high school and college degrees from Sacred Heart, he went to St. John Major Seminary in Plymouth, Michigan. He shared many funny stories and happy memories of the scores of friends he acquired over the years at his assignments in many parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit. He served as associate pastor at St. Mary Magdalene Parish in Hazel Park, St. Robert Bellarmine Parish in Redford, St. Francis de Sales Parish in Detroit, and Our Lady of the Sea Parish in Grosse Pointe Shores. Monsignor Finnigan served as pastor at Presentation Our Lady of Victory Parish in Detroit, and from 1973 until his death in June 2000 as pastor of St. Cecilia Parish.
A TIME OF GREAT CHANGES AND CHALLENGES
The
parish and school of St. Cecilia have long been held in high esteem in the
hearts and minds of the people of this parish, with the people throughout the
city, and suburbs. Under the leadership of Father Raymond Ellis in the
late 1960's, St. Cecilia Parish and School took a leadership role in attacking
racism and making the changes necessary to reach out to the
neighborhood
community in worship and service. This thrust was continued in the next
three decades with the ministry of the greatly loved and respected Msgr. Thomas
Finnigan. The worshipping community grew and became a vital part of the
life and mission of the city as well as the Catholic Church of Detroit.
During this same period of time, Ceciliaville made it's mark on Detroit's youth. It offered a secure drug-free environment where athletic talents were developed, and opportunities for personal growth and direction were offered. It encouraged young people from all different ethnic races to grow together through morals and sportsmanship. It continues to serve in this role. To this day, we still receive calls from media people across the country regarding updates of Ceciliaville activities and functions.
A DEDICATION TO EDUCATION AND SPORTS
Msgr. Finnigan was very proud of "His" schools: St. Cecilia Grade School and St. Martin de Porres High School. He visited the schools daily - leading prayer services as well as assisting with lunchroom duty where he could interact with the children.
A
die-hard Tiger fan, one could often spot Finnigan's white coif on a televised
home game in his favorite seats behind the home plate.
The "Ceciliaville Gym" was also very close to his heart. He boasted of the many "famous stars" that had gone through the program and would return to what they affectionately nicknamed "The Saint", to set examples for the neighborhood youth. He continued to promote and support the athletic program's reaching out to the community and the ultimately the world.
In 1997, the entire City of Detroit got to see just how successful Monsignor's efforts had been. After brokering a deal to fund the athletic program for the summer with the giant Nike Corporation, Finnigan agreed to allow Nike to use Ceciliaville's legacy for advertising a "back to the roots" campaign. It was a successful venture for both Nike and Ceciliaville.
ANNUAL
SUMMER BAR-B-QUE CELEBRATION
The Annual St Cecilia Bar B Que celebration, which is held the fourth Sunday of August, is always a memorable event. Each year the entire parish share their individual talents in preparation for the event. Parishioners clean and prepare the meat, ushers and ministers grill on the cinder block pits, Suzanne Knox is known for running a organized kitchen, Wendell Brown would come in late at night and make the sauce from scratch. It was and still is, a massive group effort that each year leaves everyone involved exhausted but already looking forward to next years challenge.
One
year, some of the parishioners brought back the fun for the children.
There were games of chance, a dunk tank, pony rides - provided by The Black
Horsemen of Michigan, egg and balloon tosses, potato sack racing, and face
painting.
At the wrap-up meeting, Finnigan asked the results of the event and how it could be improved on for the next year. It was reported by the chairperson that unfortunately, the event lost over three hundred dollars, the committee felt it was too much of a loss to repeat the following year. Finnigan told the committee of his experience as he mingled in the crowd. "You're taking quarters from kids! Don't get so wrapped up in the bottom line that you can't see that making so many children happy, only cost the parish three hundred dollars."
Continued
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