Where are they now? Fr. Al Mott

During Fr. Al Mott’s service at St. Al’s, he and a team of helpers added much beauty to the campus parish. 

The group worked to bring a pipe organ to the choir loft at St. Al’s. Built by A. B. Felgemaker in 1882, the organ was housed at St. Cecilia’s parish in Hubbell, Michigan. That parish closed in 2007, and in 2011 the diocese approved plans to move the organ to St. Al’s.

Many months of work went into the organ before it could play and be moved to the St. Al’s choir loft. Stripping the cabinetry and refinishing the woodwork, painting the pipes, and more occurred. But Fr. Al says the students were so excited to play.  

“The organ has a ‘pride of place,’ ” he said. “I said yes very quickly to adding the organ to St. Al’s, but I didn’t know what I was saying yes to. We made it beautiful again with the help from so many.”

He also helped to bring a bell to St. Al’s that hangs outside the building and rings during consecration. Repairs were made to the bell before a boom truck lifted it to its current location. 

Other additions included adding the stained glass window at the front of the chapel, building a volleyball court, fire pit and retaining walls, and creating covered entrances to the Chapel. 

Fr. Al served at St. Al’s from 2009 to 2013. He then became the pastor at St. Anthony Parish, Gwinn and St. Joseph Mission, Northland. He also ministers at the St. Francis Connection Center, an outreach ministry of St. Anthony Parish.  

The Center’s mission is to build relationships that help people experience the Gospel of Jesus Christ active and present in the surrounding area. During the COVID pandemic, Fr. Al and a group of volunteers began to offer meals for people to pick up. They have served more than 9,000 meals. “We wanted to be able to minister to those in need and the meals helped so many.”

Fr. Al says his time at St. Al’s was about building his relationship with God and the students. 

“I loved that time. God presented opportunities and I responded to them. It was fun and the students loved helping with the projects.”