In June, 1964, Archbishop Dearden announced the establishment of St. Gerald parish, which would draw its members from Farmington and Livonia. The pastor was to be Fr. James P. O’Hagan. Early masses were celebrated at Flanders School. Ground was broken on July 26, 1964, and the new Church of St. Gerald was dedicated on December 19, 1964.

During Fr. O’Hagan’s era, 1964-1976, several groups were established. By 1967 St. Gerald had the Women’s Council, the Men’s Council (our first men’s club), and the G.T.O. (Gerald’s Teen Organization). These groups gave a service and social outlet to a good cross section of the parish. Recognizing a need to help those less fortunate, a St. Vincent de Paul conference was established in July, 1965. A group of women organized in 1971 and became the Marthas. This group took on the Christian service activities of the parish, assisting the sick and those in need of transportation, chores or child care. They also ran “Martha’s Kitchen”, serving funeral lunches and parish dinners.

St. Gerald Parish was proud when one of its members, Paul McLoughlin Jr., was ordained to the priesthood in 1971.

Parishioner Juanita Abid ran the earliest Religious Education program with the assistance of the Mission Helpers of the Sacred Heart. The parish hired Sr. Rita Musante in 1970, and for the next eight years several sisters lent their expertise to the program. In 1978 Sr. Rosemary Cassar joined the religious education staff, and she coordinated the program until 1986 when Tim Pilon took her place.

A Christmas Eve Mass for children began in 1974, giving children and their families their own way to celebrate this special day. This tradition continues today. In June, 1975, St. Gerald celebrated its first Communal Anointing of the Sick. About 75 people were anointed and gathered for a reception following the Mass. This beautiful celebration has grown. In 1999, 175 people were anointed and enjoyed a luncheon afterwards. A popular practice that began in 1975 was celebrating Saturday evening Masses Outdoors. When Fr. Maurice Decker became pastor in 1976, he continued this program in the beautiful grove of trees outside the rectory where it was practiced for several years.

St. Gerald saw the need to raise funds for several projects, including a major church remodeling, roof and parking lot repairs. An annual raffle was planned in 1977, as well as the “Family-A-Fair”, and both lasted through 1984. They served their purposes well, both to raise funds and to get the families of the parish together. The annual raffle was replaced by the Stewardship Drive in 1985.

The 1978 church remodeling included relocation of the sanctuary, rearranging the seating, and adding new stained glass. The bell tower was added in 1979, and these changes were dedicated by Bishop Gumbleton on December 1, 1979. In 1999, new stained glass windows were completed in the church building.

Many priests have served at St. Gerald as weekend associates. They include Fr. Richard Fournier, Fr. Ricardo Bass, Fr. John Schweder, and Fr. John Menner, C.S.B. who currently has the longest tenure.

Sr. Peggy McGurn joined the parish staff in 1980 as Adult Enrichment Coordinator, and the Thursday Morning Prayer Group was established with her guidance. Christmas gift giving began in 1981, a beautiful outpouring of Christian generosity that continues to this day, and in 1983 Patricia O’Toole was named Christian Service Coordinator. The Men’s Club began in 1983. Its purpose was to plan and coordinate social family events of the parish. Mostaccioli dinners, fish frys and the annual parish picnics were some of its specialities.

Many activities for senior citizens were developed during this time period, including Pinochle, the Thursday afternoon group, and the Fun Seekers. 

Music has always been a vital part of worship at St. Gerald. In 1965, the pipe organ was installed, which accompanies parishioners in song. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s folk masses were popular. In the late 1970’s, contemporary music was the focus of the Modern Liturgy singers, led by parishioner Ron Ward. Other talented musical leaders over the years included Jim Krupka, Sr. Therese Kearney, and Bill Clark. Currently, the Worship and Music programs are coordinated by Peggy Backus, with music leadership shared by choir director/ organist Becky Gaughan.

Fr. Gerald McEnhill celebrated his first mass as pastor of St. Gerald in January, 1986, and it is under his direction that this growing, lively parish thrives.

Later that same year, Kevin Tishler became a parish staff member as Adult Education Coordinator. His knowledge and creativity benefitted the parish for many years.

It was in 1987 when early plans for a new church building were initiated, and in 1990 ground was broken for a new church building. For months, parish members curiously peered behind a visqueen screen to see what was taking place in the construction area. In May, 1991 the beautiful new church of St. Gerald was dedicated by Archbishop Maida.

In 1993, The Archdiocese of Detroit called up St. Gerald to host the Covenant Renewal Service, a celebration of unity between the Catholic and Lutheran churches. This was not a new concept to St. Gerald. Its first ecumenical service in 1966 included the First Methodist Church, and since 1986, St. Gerald and St. John Lutheran have been sharing a special ecumenical relationship.

The year 1994 brought the celebration of the thirtieth anniversary of St. Gerald Parish. Through those thirty years, many parishioners have been involved in all aspects of parish life. They have given generously of their time, talents, and treasures, with great benefit to the parish. 

Now we work together in this Jubilee year of 2000 to grow into the new Millennium. With God’s grace, the future will be bountiful.