Here are 10 events in October, things to do and outreach programs in the Christian, Islam, Jewish, Buddhist and Hindu communities in the Metro Detroit area.
▶ Oct 2: Introduction to Buddhism: Learn how Buddhism unleashes our inherent power to take on all of life’s challenges. SGI-USA Detroit Buddhist Center offers a free introduction to Buddhism at 7451 Woodward Ave., from 7-8 p.m. Reserve your spot at 248-905-5243. Also learn how chanting Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo can transform the inescapable sufferings of life and death into a life embodying the virtues of happiness and true self on Oct. 16.
▶ Oct. 5: October Seventh Commemoration: The Jewish Federation of Detroit invites you to join the community in marking two years since the terror attacks on Oct. 7, 2023. The evening will include inspirational music from the Israeli group HaShayara, whose songs have brought healing and hope to communities worldwide. (Temple Beth El, Bloomfield Hills, free admission, pre-registration is required. Gallery exhibit at 6 p.m., program at 7 p.m.)
▶ Oct. 5: World Day of Migrants and Refugees: All are welcome to the celebration of mass for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Pilgrimage walk outside at 1:55 p.m., mass presided by Archbishop Edward Weisenburger at 2:30 p.m., final blessing and testimonies at 3:30 p.m., food tables at 4 p.m. Bring your parish organization’s banner. (Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament, 9844 Woodward, 1:30-4 p.m.)
▶ Oct. 17: Family Shabbat 2025: Come together with Jewish Federation NEXTGen Detroit for a Shabbat dinner, including arts, crafts, a bounce house and family photo. Open to families with children ages 0-10. NEXTGen Detroit community is made up of 21- to 39-year-olds who seek bold leadership and inspired giving. (Knollwood Country Club, W. Bloomfield Township, $55 per adult, $25 per child, free for children ages 0-2, 5-8 p.m., RSVP by Oct. 14).
▶ Oct. 17-18: United Women in Faith (UWF) Michigan Conference Annual Celebration: The Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church will feature leadership training on the first evening, followed by the annual celebration on Saturday with a keynote from the organization’s general secretary, Sally Vonner, on “Embracing New Challenges”. (Clio Bethany United Methodist Church in Clio, Mich., 269-783-6334)
▶ Oct. 18: Shikayla Gelo Ek: Maharashtra Mandal of Detroit presents “Shikayla Gelo Ek,” a Marathi play about an idealistic teacher tutoring a carefree, rebellious student, but the roles reverse as the teacher starts to experience life from a completely different perspective. (Ticket prices $100, $85, $75, $65, $50, childcare 3 years and up, $10 per child, rsvp@mmdet.org or 248-787-2950, natak/play starts at 2:30 p.m., Seaholm High School in Birmingham)
▶ Oct. 20: The Parables Tour with Father Mike Schmitz: Catholic podcasting priest Fr. Mike Schmitz presents an evening of reflection, storytelling and spiritual insight. A chaplain for the Newman Center at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), proceeds will fund a campaign for a new church and student center building where more than 700 students and faculty attend mass each day. (Detroit Opera House, $130-$300, 7 p.m.)
▶ Oct. 20: Diwali, Chopda Pujan and Fireworks Show: One of the most auspicious days in the Hindu calendar, business owners close existing account books and open new ones in preparation for the year ahead. Devotees also take stock of their spiritual relationship with Bhagwan, and consider any progress or regress they have made in the past year. (BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, 3175 S. Canton Center Road, 5-8:30 p.m.)
▶ Oct. 23: Bus Tour of Detroit’s Sacred Spaces: Join the InterFaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit to explore some of Detroit’s Muslim faith communities, including Muslim Center Mosque and Community Center and the Islamic Center of America. Explore, learn and connetct. (Five-hour bus tour starts at St. John’s Episcopal Church at 26998 Woodward Ave., at 9 a.m., ends at 3 p.m., call 313-338-9777, $90 ticket includes lunch)
▶ Oct. 31: Detroit Gospel Legends: The world-renowned gospel icons of Detroit will feature performances by Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, the Clark Sisters, Deitrick Haddon, Carvin Winans, Byron Cage and Lisa Page Brooks. The show will highlight Detroit’s contributions to gospel music, honoring the city’s history as a cradle of faith-filled artistry with a special tribute to Aretha Franklin. (Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., $83-$311)
If you have upcoming faith-based events in the last two weeks of October and November, please email Detroit News assistant sports editor Mark Falkner at mfalkner@detroitnews.com.
What: Detroit Faith City is a faith-based podcast featuring Detroit athletes, entertainers and public figures talking about their journeys of faith along with their spiritual leaders.
When: Biweekly podcasts launched Saturday, Sept. 13 and now every-other Saturday at 6 p.m.
Where: Podcast available on Detroit News website at detroitnews.com, Spotify, Apple podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.
First podcast: Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh and Father John Riccardo, executive director of Acts XXIX (29) and a priest in the Archdiocese of Detroit, discuss the 70 baptisms during Harbaugh’s nine-year tenure at Michigan, biblical mentorship, the joys of parenting and coaching, and more.
Second podcast: Former Detroit Tigers legend Willie Horton and Pastor Benjamin Stanley Baker of the Church of Abundant Life in Southfield talk about Horton’s rebirth after the death of his nephew in 2003, his peace-keeping role in the 1967 riots in Detroit and why he prays every day.
Detroit Faith City: October faith calendar – The Detroit News
