Letter from Archbishop Weisenburger regarding the celebration of the traditional Latin Mass in the Archdiocese of Detroit

June 13, 2025

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

You will recall that in 2021, Pope Francis issued guidelines for the celebration of the Mass in the extraordinary form, commonly called the "Traditional Latin Mass." This is the expression of the Mass which was offered prior to Vatican II. Over the past four years, Archbishop Vigneron issued norms for the Archdiocese of Detroit in this regard. He communicated to the priests that while an extension of permission for parish churches was allowed temporarily, plans should be developed for these communities to come into union with the new liturgical teachings and law of the Church.

As there are a number of the faithful in our local Church who have found spiritual richness in this form of the Mass, I am permitting it to continue in accord with the Holy See's parameters. Toward that end there are two goods which must come together as we move forward: the pastoral care of these faithful as well as fidelity to the Holy Father's call for the Ordinary form of the Mass to become the "unique expression of the lex orandi of the Roman Rite" (Traditionis Custodes, Art. 1). Guided by these principles, beginning July 1, 2025, the Traditional Latin Mass will be offered at St. Joseph Shrine in Detroit in the Central Region and three non-parish churches in each additional region of the Archdiocese of Detroit. These sites are as follows:

• Central Region - St. Joseph Shrine in Detroit
• South Region - St. Irene Church in Dundee
• Northwest Region - Our Lady of Orchard Lake Chapel in Orchard Lake
• Northeast Region - St. Joseph Church in Port Huron

Permission for this celebration at all other sites will expire on June 30, 2025. While not every priest will retain the required permission to celebrate the Mass according to the rubrics of the 1962 missal, a number of priests will be available to serve these four regional sites. I take seriously my charge to care for all the faithful and am confident that this new arrangement is faithful to the Church's law while expressing my concern for your spiritual welfare.

I have been impressed by the rich expressions of the Catholic faith in southeast Michigan. The unity of our Catholic faith need not be diminished by diversity. Likewise, fidelity to Christ is only possible if we remain faithful to the Church, under the leadership of our Pope and the local bishop. I am grateful for your cooperation in implementing this new direction which aligns us with the instruction from the Holy See, and equally grateful for your prayers for me and for all our priests.

Entrusting you to the maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary and our patroness, St. Anne, I remain,

Sincerely yours in Christ Jesus,

Most Reverend Edward J. Weisenburger
Archbishop of Detroit