My City January 2022

MYLOOKBACK

January

St. Michael Catholic Church Closes its Doors

Genesee County’s oldest Catholic Church permanently closed in December 2020. It was the only Catholic parish in the city of Flint for 67 years. “It was such a signicant church,” said Father Tom Fire- stone. e church had struggled nancially for some time and the number of parish- ioners had dwindled. e building was turned over to Catholic Charities, who had hopes of making the necessary repairs. “We don’t want to lose it,” said Father Firestone. “It is still a Catholic church. My main concern is that the side chapel remains open. It’s been the light of the community. We are not going to leave this city.”

eMIL' / stock.adobe.com

A year after the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Greater Flint Area has been on the rebound. During that time, MCM found many interesting stories to share. Here is a look at some of last year’s most memorable. YEAR IN 2021 REVIEW My City Magazine COMPILED BY CHERYL DENNISON

Flint’s Future is Female: Building a Network of Support is group was co-founded by Rachel Johnson and Heidi McAra with the goal of connecting women with resources and support to help them succeed with their business and professional aspirations. e mission is to promote connectivity and

empowerment to female leaders, founders and entrepreneurs. “One of our goals is to encourage a new generation of females to get involved in their community and its organizations,” Johnson stated. “As Flint ’s rebirth continues, women leaders and entrepreneurs have a chance to make a big impact on the city’s future.”

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