Last regular Sunday service at St. Dominic ends six generations of worship at Metz church
by Peter Jakey–Managing Editor
The sanctuary of St. Dominic Catholic Church was filled to capacity for the final Sunday morning service in Metz.
The Rev. Charles Donajkowski, who is celebrating 35 years in the priesthood, presided over the final service this past Sunday morning with the Mass starting at 8:30 a.m.
“After 125 years, there have been many blessings, miracles and praises that have to come to our families through our prayers together here,” said Donajkowski.
Earlier this year, a pastoral plan from the Diocese of Gaylord revealed that the country church would be relegated to limited use, meaning no more weekend Masses, but it would open for weddings, funerals and baptisms.
Two churches in the diocese were set to close as part of the 2026 plan, but on Sunday, it felt like the Metz church was closing for good.
“It is with profound sadness that we gather today for our last Mass as St. Dominic parishioners,” said longtime member Carolyn Haske, getting a moment to speak from the pulpit. “Even though we’ve been informed for several months, it is still painful and we hurt. It feels like we’re being kicked out of our own home.”
The parish began in 1901 along Centala Road with the construction of the church building and rectory that survived the great fire of 1908. The current building was built in 1931 and the old church building was moved and still serves as a parish hall. Parishioners celebrated the church’s centennial in 2001.
“Our ancestors have worshiped and nurtured their faith at St. Dominic for six generations,” said Haske.
Near the start of the service, Donajkowski read a letter from longtime spiritual leader, Sister Rita Epple, who was not able to attend due to health reasons.
“My heart is with you this weekend,” Epple’s letter started. “I thank God for the 125 years of witnessing.” She said she treasures the memories during her time in Metz.
During Donajkowski’s sermon, he pointed out that it was not the final Mass at the church with a wedding and baptism planned.
“Although there are disappointments, the overall goal is thriving parishes through the Diocese of Gaylord,” stated a letter from Donajkowski, the Rev. Don Geyman and the Rev. Yakubu Philbus. “The fact is, our parishes here in Presque Isle County are dependent upon parishioners to be vibrant in our worship and our witness to others who live around us. Our parish life will continue at Posen, St. Casimir and Rogers City, St. Ignatius.”
There are no restructuring plans for the churches in Rogers City and Posen, or educational facilities in the diocese, such as St. Ignatius Catholic School.
“We need to remain strong, we need to follow Christ first,” Donajkowski reminded.
“We must move on,” Haske said. “Our faith is not dependent on this building. Today, let’s take the time to thank God for 125 years of blessings as we gather one last time as a St. Dominic family for a meal and sharing of memories. I will miss gathering and praying with all of you each Sunday.”
Skylar Smolinski was the altar server at the final Sunday morning service, while the choir consisted of Danny Stann, Sue Fryske, Marie Kortman, Susan Sobek, along with Ernie and Terri Romel. The organists was Sarah Mulka, who wanted to recognize her predecessor, longtime organist Gerri Mulka.
