We, the Catholic Community of the Dowagiac area, with the guidance of our Holy Mother, are committed to calling forth the Reign of God in southwest Michigan. Gifted by the Holy Spirit, guided by the Traditions and Teachings of our Church and formed by the wisdom handed down by our parish's rich heritage, we joyfully gather and celebrate our Communion with our Creator. We are empowered to reach out and share with our children and neighbors the Good News of hope and justice made possible by Jesus Christ. Gathered by Him we continue to discover and share with all the ever emerging vision of what it means to be humans alive in an evolving and richly diverse world. All are invited to join us in this journey of discovery.
The history of Holy Maternity of Mary Parish of Dowagiac began in the 1830s with the signing of the Indian Treaty in Chicago. By this treaty Chief Leopold Pokagon and his band of 350 Potawatomi were allowed to settle in Silver Creek Township in Cass County, Michigan. There the Native Americans practiced the comforts and benefits of their religion. Priests from Notre Dame, Indiana assisted in meeting their spiritual welfare. The Village of Dowagiac struggled from 1836 until 1847 when the Michigan Central Railroad laid tracks from Kalamazoo to Niles. The number of Catholic families was small. Priests from Niles would gather the faithful in private homes for the celebration of the Mass. In 1872 Daniel McOmber donated half an acre of land on Prairie Ronde Street, where a small wood frame church was built, surrounded by the cemetery. The site is still occupied by Mount Calvary Cemetery. The year 1875 was a new beginning for the Dowagiac Catholic community. Bishop Borgess of Detroit assigned Fr. Christopher Roeper as pastor of both Dowagiac and Silver Creek. Dowagiac was growing as a commercial and industrial center and the number of Catholics was increasing. By 1890 the growing Catholic community needed a larger place of worship. Property was purchased on Front Street and on July 17, 1892, a cornerstone of the new Catholic Church was laid by Bishop John Foley of Detroit. The first Mass was celebrated by the pastor, Fr. Joseph Joos, at midnight, December 25, 1892. The church dedication services were presided over by Bishop Foley on January 29, 1893. The men and women of the Dowagiac Catholic community have a long tradition of service to Church and Community.
The Knights of Columbus, St. Vincent de Paul Society, Lee Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and various study and prayer groups provide means of continuing God’s work among the people. Religious education is an important ministry providing the youth and adults of the parish opportunities to learn and to serve. Our music ministry enhances our worship so we can experience the saving presence of Our Lord. The name of the Church reveals a people dedicated to Our Lady as a caring, nurturing, and empowering mother. This tradition can be seen in the long history of the men and women who have served the parish and civil community. Through the intercessions of Our Mother we are able to continue the ministry of Hope and Life Our Lord has offered the World. In Him we share with the world a new vision of what it means to be human. We invite you to join us on this healing journey of Faith. *Fr. Carroll died at the altar while celebrating Christmas Midnight Mass.
Parish Manager: Patti Mather
Bookkeeper: Allycia Rudlaff
Sacristan: Barb Jones
Youth Ministry: SueAnn Stewart
Director of Religious Education: SueAnn Stewart
Knights of Columbus Council #2113: Richard Accoe
H.A.L.O.: Christine VanHusan
Renew Faith Formation: Phyllis Petersen
Parish Council: Thurman Chennault; President, James Kusa, Beth Mahar, Pam Fritz, Marcie Lechlitner, Rosie Dowsett
Finance Council: Bob Franz; President, Chad Tyrakowski, Mike VanArkel, Betty Tomczak, Richard Accoe
Sunshine Club: SueAnn Stewart, Barb Jones, Jennifer Guernsey