Irene Pilch, left, a volunteer church secretary for 40 years, talks with John Halat and his sister Loretta Prohownik, both of Allen Park, before the mass.

Geraldine Helka of Trenton blesses herself as she enters the church.

One of the church's many stained glass windows.

Altar server Preston Menos, 8, of Howell stands by as people enter the church.

The Rev. Edward Zaorski enters the church. "It's not easy, but we have to move on," says Zaorski. He said the church had 2,000 families at its peak.

From left, the Rev. Edward Zaorski, altar server Preston Menos and Deacon Norbert Motowski of River Rouge enter the church.

Deacon Norbert Motowski, altar server Preston Menos and the Rev. Edward Zaorski walk down the aisle.

Painted statues at the church depict Mary and Jesus after the Crucifixion.

Music minister Steven Frayer of Westland plays the organ and sings at the service.

A smaller stained glass window at the church bears an eagle on a shield.

Another of the stained glass windows.

Deacon Norbert Motowski assists during the Saturday mass.

An overview of the church, which will remain open to celebrate its 105th anniversary with a mass this Sunday.

Father Edward Zaorski leads a celebration of mass at St. John Cantius Catholic Church in Southwest Detroit on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2007. The church, which has seen rising costs and falling membership, will be hold a farewell mass Oct. 28.

Another of the stained glass windows.

Deacon Norbert Motowski is assisted by altar server Preston Menos at the mass.

The exterior of the church in Southwest Detroit.