The history of a parish is really the history of its people. Canton Township became the fastest growing area in the county in the early 1970's. Emerging from the corn fields near Warren, Ford, and Michigan Avenues, there erupted family homes, condominiums, apartments and mobile homes. Young families desiring a rural setting to raise their children moved into the Canton area. At the present moment more than 500 new single family homes are under construction in our parish area.

Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth was overwhelmed by this new influx of Catholic people. The surrounding parishes could not hold the number of new parishioners. In February of 1975, an additional two acres were added. The birth of our parish began. Cardinal John Dearden invited Fr. Ernest Porcari, then pastor of St. Clement parish in Dearborn, to head this new community. Forming a steering committee, distributing flyers and inviting neighbors to attend, Fr. Porcari celebrated the first Mass at Mildred Field public school on June 19, 1977. Four hundred fifty attended the first weekend. By October of 1977, the parish more than exceeded the required 250 families. The steering committee submitted seven names for the new church to the Archdiocese for approval. Cardinal Dearden selected Thomas a'Becket. We officially became a parish on January 13, 1978.

The parish offices were first in Fr. Porcari's home at 42424 Castle Court. In 1986, they moved to 42015 Cherry Hill. The pastor's home was now 763 Lilley Road. A building committee began raising money for the church. Ground- breaking took place on August 17, 1980. Cardinal Szoka dedicated our church on December 20, 1981.

In the early years as the parish began to grow, religious education was offered in parishioners' homes. Soon numbers made this impossible. The parish needed a building for education and social gatherings. On July 10, 1988, ground-breaking took place for the present Family Life Center. On May 7, 1989, the cornerstone was laid. Proudly parishioners built the space they needed. St. Thomas a'Becket developed a family identity. Children were always welcomed to parish events. Programs developed for family involvement; Easter Egg Hunt, Christmas Party, Halloween Mass, Nursery, Daddy/Daughter Dance, Athletics, Coffee and Donuts, and Pancake Breakfasts.

The Religious Education Program grew to its present enrollment of over 1100 students. Like every growing parish, sacramental celebrations of Baptisms, First Communions, Reconciliations, Confirmations and Marriages fill the parish calendar.

Fr. C. Richard Kelly, Jr., former pastor of St. Francis Xavier in Ecorse, became Becket's second pastor on February 11, 1993. Fr. Kelly's love of music, liturgy, and Irish wit brought a unique flavor to parish life. Irish Sing-a-longs, shamrocks and dog columns were added.

Additional staff members were added to serve the growing population. Debbie Miller and Jerry O'Neill serve as Pastoral Associates. Joan Kijek heads the Religious Education Program. The first full time maintenance person, Bobby Brooks, kept the parish ship shape. The parish grew from the original 250 to 2900 families. Growth continues rapidly. St. Thomas a'Becket is still ever committed to its family identity. We gladly welcome all newcomers. The RCIA in 1996 shared sacraments with 41 candidates and catechumens. We are aware of the challenges that go with increasing population. The future holds ideas for expansion.

In June, 1996, we broke ground for a new storage building, 80 additional parking lot spaces, and a new exit road onto Cherry Hill. Expanding the education area and church building seem inevitable.

St. Thomas a'Becket has a bright future. A house built on a strong foundation will last the storms of time. We are deeply grateful to Fr. Porcari and the founding families of our parish. We promise to build well the future on your past accomplishments. We are the family of God - past, present and to come.