Most Holy Name of Jesus Church

This simple, beautiful church building of squared logs was erected in 1982. The design incorporates nature and Ojibwa motifs in a contemporary manner that is in tune with many other Catholic church remodelings, like those of the Adrian Dominican architect-nuns who design and remodel churches.
Here clear glass windows bring the natural surroundings into the sanctuary. In a tribute to Father Baraga, snowshoes at the altar are mounted on blocks of sugar maple wood. Moving to maple sugar camps was an important community event in Ojibwa life here, because the trees produced the sugar that was used in barter.

The traditional medicine wheel in this church interior reinforces the Catholic liturgical cycle. Its four colors and four directions represent the circle of life: red (east) is youth, blue (south) is new life and woman, yellow (west) is healing, and black or white (north) is the elders, winter, aging, dying, passing on.

All are welcome at Mass, which blends Ojibwa customs with contemporary Catholic ritual. For instance, holy water is the age-old symbol, upon entering church, to acknowledge one's sin and purify oneself. Here, at the beginning of Mass, a smudge of dry cedar is lit instead, and an eagle feather is used to move the smoke in a circular motion to purify the Eucharist, the priest, and each member of the congregation.

Holy Name is a joint parish, twinned with Blessed Kateri Tekawitha Church in Zeba northeast of L'Anse. It's one of Michigan's few Roman Catholic parishes with a Native American focus.

The parish was divided and reduced because of the church's small role in the Fight for Justice tribal reform dispute. It has been a help to have some non-tribal parishioners, native and white, who weren't involved in the dispute. Now the Most Holy Name of Jesus has a core of parishioners who have provided direction and continuity.

Mass is at 11:30 a.m. Sunday and possibly at 6 p.m. Saturday. Phone (906) 524-5758 (for Zeba church). Assinins is 2 1/2 miles north of Baraga off U.S. 41. It's the first place north of Baraga where Keweenaw Bay is in view. Turn west (up) here to find the church, school, and hall. Wheelchair-accessible.

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