About St. Peter Claver · Detroit, Michigan
St. Peter Claver Catholic Community is an African-American Catholic parish in Detroit, Michigan, rooted in the 1911 mission founded by Father Joseph Wuest, C.S.Sp., at Old St. Mary's and named after St. Peter Claver, patron saint of African Americans and ministry to enslaved peoples. Originally organized as Detroit's first Black Catholic congregation, the parish later merged with Sacred Heart German Catholic parish, and today it continues that legacy of worship, faith formation, youth ministry, and community outreach from its home at 13305 Grove Street on Detroit's north side. As part of the Archdiocese of Detroit, the parish maintains an active schedule of Mass, faith formation for children and youth, and outreach programs aimed at serving families across the city.
- Established
- 1911
- Patron
- St. Peter Claver, S.J.
- Diocese
- Archdiocese of Detroit
Why belong here
St. Peter Claver offers a historic, faith-filled welcome rooted in Black Catholic heritage and Spiritan (Holy Ghost Fathers) tradition, with ministries that span youth and young adults, faith formation for children and adults, community outreach, and stewardship. It is a place where families come together to praise God and leave with the spirit to serve one another — a community that has carried its mission forward across more than a century of Detroit history.
About St. Peter Claver Catholic Community
St. Peter Claver Catholic Community is a Detroit parish rooted in the city's historic Black Catholic mission. The community gathers for worship, faith formation, youth ministry, and outreach, continuing a tradition of service and family life that stretches back more than a century. Visitors and parishioners can access parish activities — including live-streamed Mass, parish meetings, and other events — through the parish's Virtual Portal linked from the homepage.
- Worship and liturgies
- Virtual parish portal for Mass and meetings
- Family of parishes listed on parish site
Parish History
The parish traces its origins to September 1, 1911, when Father Joseph Wuest, C.S.Sp., pastor of Old St. Mary's, met with eighteen Black Catholics who decided to organize their own parish. For three years a classroom at St. Mary's School served as a chapel. In 1914, Bishop John Foley dedicated the purchased Episcopal church at Beaubien and Eliot, and the parish was named St. Peter Claver. Father Charles Kapp, C.S.Sp., was the first of many Spiritan pastors, followed by Father Henry Thiefels, C.S.Sp., who opened St. Peter Claver School in September 1936 with two Felician Sisters and 64 students. On September 1, 1938, parishioners marched in procession to Sacred Heart Church on Rivard, where the community continued to flourish — at one point nearly 1,500 members strong — until urban renewal, the demolition of Hastings Street, and construction of the Chrysler Freeway displaced many families and led to the closure of the school (high school in 1957, elementary grades eight years later). The parish continues today from its Grove Street home.
- 1911: Eighteen Black Catholics meet with Father Joseph Wuest, C.S.Sp., to found a parish
- 1914: Church at Beaubien and Eliot dedicated by Bishop John Foley; named St. Peter Claver
- 1936: St. Peter Claver School opens with Felician Sisters and 64 students
- September 1, 1938: Parishioners march in procession to Sacred Heart at Rivard
- June 1945: First high school graduating class receives diplomas
- 1957 and later: School closures follow urban renewal in the neighborhood
Staff and Locations
Staff and location information for the parish, along with any associated worship sites, is published on the parish website under Staff/Locations. Archdiocesan directory listings confirm the parish's address and main phone line.
- Staff/Locations page on the parish website
- Listed in Archdiocese of Detroit directory
Faith Formation
Faith Formation is a cornerstone of parish life at St. Peter Claver, supporting the religious education of children, youth, and adults in the community.
- Faith Formation programs for parish families
Youth and Young Adults
The parish maintains an active Youth & Young Adults ministry, continuing the legacy of Catholic education and formation begun when St. Peter Claver School first opened in 1936.
- Youth & Young Adults ministry listed on parish site
Community Outreach and Stewardship
Community Outreach and Stewardship are highlighted ministries on the parish website, reflecting the parish's long-standing call to serve the wider Detroit community. Online Giving is also offered as a secure and flexible way to support the parish's mission.
- Community Outreach
- Stewardship
- Online Giving
Contact and Visit
Parishioners and visitors can reach St. Peter Claver Catholic Community by phone, mail, or through the parish website. The parish is part of the Archdiocese of Detroit and is listed in the archdiocesan parish directory.
- Address: 13305 Grove Street, Detroit, Michigan 48235
- Phone: (313) 342-5292
- Website: http://spcccdetroit.org/
- Archdiocese of Detroit parish directory listing
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Joseph Wuest, C.S.Sp.1911-1914
Pastor of Old St. Mary's; convened the 18 founding parishioners on September 1, 1911 who organized the Black Catholic mission.
- Father Charles Kapp, C.S.Sp.after 1914
First Holy Ghost (Spiritans) pastor of St. Peter Claver; served for eight devoted years.
- Father Henry Thiefels, C.S.Sp.1932-
Remodeled the rectory to add two classrooms and opened St. Peter Claver School in September 1936 with two Felician Sisters and 64 students.