On Wednesday, March 18, 51 De La Salle Collegiate students from all four grades attended Mass and made the Stations of the Cross at St. John Paul II Parish in Detroit.

Brother Ken Kalinowski, FSC, ‘84, one of the Theology teachers at DLS, organized the trip. 

Also accompanying the students were faculty members Brother Joe Reed, FSC, Campus Minister Mr. Matt McCroskery, and staff member Mrs. Christie Lietzow. 

Father Andy Wesley, the current pastor, was also at the parish 14 years ago when freshman Grant Honore was baptized there as a newborn. They had a picture together. 

The Stations were led by Deacon Paul Stevens, and Fr. Wesley said the Mass. His homily was directed to the students. 

Junior Joe Emmons did the reading and the responsorial psalm.

Several parishioners were also in attendance gave a great homily directed to the boys, with parishoners of the parish also in attendance.

Afterwards, the students went to Buddy's Pizza on Six Mile for food and fellowship.

The St. John Paul II Parish is the former Transfiguration Parish.

About Transfiguration and St. John Paul II

Brother Ken was baptized at St. Albertus, but grew up in St Augustine’s Parish, founded in 1925. He attended St. Augustine School about 10 blocks away. Although St. Augustine closed in 1989, many who grew up there came back to Transfiguration to share fraternity and keep up friendships.

Notably, the founding pastor of Transfiguration was Fr. Simon Kilar, and the street the church is on was renamed Simon St.

In 2012, Transfiguration Parish merged with St. Louis the King and Our Lady Help of Christians Parishes to form Blessed John Paul II Parish, with Transfiguration as the parish’s lone site. The parish name was changed in 2014 when John Paul II was canonized. 

Strong Ties to Detroit Parishes

The students of De La Salle have had a long relationship with Detroit parishes, regularly visiting the parishes for services like this and participating in service projects on several Saturdays throughout the school year. 

Typical service projects on “Service Saturdays” include grounds clean-up, and preparing the interior of the church for various liturgical events. Students also help during the parish festivals. 

St. Hyacinth to Honor DLS Students on April 19

On April 19, 2026, 11:30 a.m. Mass, parishioners at St. Hyacinth will give thanks for all the students’ assistance. Food and fellowship follow the liturgy. 

All are welcome to attend.