OLL History

On June 26, 1953, Our Lady of Loretto Parish was established by Edward Cardinal Mooney, who appointed Fr. Clair J. Berry the first pastor. Two weeks later, the first Masses were celebrated at Bulman School. Construction was begun on the present church on October 26, 1953, with the first Masses celebrated there on May 23, 1954. The church was dedicated by Cardinal Mooney on December 10, 1954.

The first school classes began on September 9, 1954 in the church basement. The new school building was completed on September 8, 1955, and the first 8th grade graduation occurred on June 10, 1956.

Fr. Berry passed away on November 25, 1966, and was succeeded by Fr. Robert V. Ryan. Fr. Henry W. Roodbeen was appointed as Coadjutor on July 15, 1982, assisting Fr. Ryan as his health failed. Fr. Ryan expired on January 7, 1985. Fr. Roodbeen was installed as pastor on February 27, 1983.

In May of 1985 our parish became the Westside center for the West Detroit Catholic Deaf. On January 24, 1988 the new Family Activities Center was blessed and an open house was held in celebration.

On July 18, 1988 Fr. Ricardo Bass became our fourth pastor. He was succeeded by Fr. Ron Essman on January 21, 1990, who in turn was succeeded by Fr. Arnold D’Achille on April 6, 1992. On July 1, 1992, Fr. Joseph Esper became pastor.

On July 1, 2000, Fr. J.J. Mech became pastor. On June 5, 2007, Fr. Mech presided at the final Mass for the school which was then closed. It was at this time that the Indian Pallottine community offered their assistance to Cardinal Maida in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Father Mech was the last Diocesan priest to serve at Our Lady of Loretto. Fr. Ralph Besterwitch, became the first Pallottine pastor on June 30, 2007. He in turn was succeeded by Fr. Socorro Fernandes on July 1, 2010.