Get your engines ready to rev because the annual Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix is returning to the heart of downtown this weekend. And luckily, the drivers and attendees will be getting a little extra guidance for this year’s event. Religious guidance, that is.
A Catholic Mass will be celebrated at a church in Detroit on Saturday evening, where the race cars will be zooming by on Jefferson Avenue prior to the service.
Located by Detroit Mercy Law School near St. Antoine and Jefferson Ave., Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church will host a Checkered Flag Mass at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 3.
According to a Facebook post from Midwest Jesuits, The Rev. Gary Wright, the pastor at the church, has a checkered flag stole for the Mass, which will take place after the last race on Saturday.
Wright said the stole, an important liturgical garment, was generously handmade special for the racing occasion.
Following the last race of the day, the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Race, competitors and those in the audience are welcome to attend the service.
The Checkered Flag Mass is a first-time occasion for the parish, said Wright.
He also mentioned Ss. Peter and Paul Jesuit Church has done similar services for other events in the city. For example, they have hosted a Jazz Festival Mass following the famous Detroit Jazz Festival and also hosted a Sneaker Blessing for the Detroit Free Press Marathon.
