About St. Joseph of Onekama Catholic Church · Onekama, Michigan
St. Joseph of Onekama Catholic Church is a small, family-style Catholic parish in the village of Onekama, on the northwest Michigan coast of Manistee County. The parish belongs to the Diocese of Gaylord and shares worship and ministry life with nearby St. Raphael of Copemish, alternating certain weekend Masses and confessions with that community. Founded in 1887, it serves Onekama and the surrounding Portage Lake area with daily Mass, a Eucharistic Holy Hour, and a robust outreach through its on-site St. Joseph Food Pantry.
- Established
- 1887
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Rev. Bradley Nursey
- Diocese
- Diocese of Gaylord
Why belong here
St. Joseph of Onekama offers the rare gift of a small, walkable Catholic parish where nearly every face is known by name — daily Mass is offered every day of the week (Sunday through Saturday), and a Eucharistic Holy Hour of adoration follows most Masses. The parish is deeply woven into the life of Manistee County through its long-running food pantry, which serves roughly 100 people a month, and through joint ministry with neighboring St. Raphael of Copemish. For anyone seeking a faithful Catholic community along the northwest Michigan lakeshore — whether for daily liturgy, faith formation, or concrete service to the poor — St. Joseph of Onekama is a welcoming home.
Mass times at St. Joseph of Onekama Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Sunday at 7:20 AM
- Tuesday at 4:50 PM
- Wednesday at 8:00 AM
- Saturday at 8:30 AM
- Saturday at 3:15 PM
- Or by appointment
Adoration times
- Monday at 8:45 AM (Holy Hour of Adoration)
- Tuesday at 4:15 PM (Holy Hour of Adoration)
- Wednesday at approximately 9:30 AM (following Mass)
- Saturday at approximately 10:00 AM (following Mass)
History & Identity
St. Joseph of Onekama Catholic Church was founded in 1887 in the lakeshore village of Onekama, Manistee County, in northwest lower Michigan. An 1888 description of the village already noted the 'Roman Catholic church' with its tower rising on the hill, showing how quickly the community established its permanent home. The parish remains an active, 'Open' parish in the Diocese of Gaylord's 2026 Pastoral Plan (effective July 1, 2026).
- Founded 1887
- Patron: St. Joseph
- Diocese of Gaylord
- Located in the Southwest Vicariate
Pastoral Staff
The parish is served by a small, close-knit staff under the leadership of its pastor. Lay staff handle the parish office, maintenance, and faith-formation programming.
- Pastor: Rev. Bradley Nursey
- Secretary: Nan Kamaloski
- Maintenance: David Louwers
- Faith Formation: Tracy Daberkoe
Faith Formation & OCIA
The parish runs both youth and adult faith-formation programs and welcomes inquirers through an OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) process — for those exploring becoming Catholic as well as baptized Catholics preparing to receive a missing sacrament. Inquiries are handled via a form on the parish website or by contacting the parish office.
- Youth Faith Formation
- Adult Faith Formation
- OCIA / Inquiry for unbaptized adults and Catholics needing a sacrament
St. Joseph Food Pantry
The St. Joseph Food Pantry, housed in the parish hall (entrance behind the church), serves Manistee County residents in need. About 35–40 families — roughly 100 people — come each month, and the pantry spends around $1,500 monthly on food and drink. It is funded by parishioners, other churches, civic organizations, and individual donors, and is sustained by 20–25 regular volunteers, several of whom have served for more than 25 years.
- Open the 4th Friday of each month, 10:00–11:15 AM (rain or shine)
- Contact: Leslie Osborn, 231-864-2509 — [email protected]
- Serves low-income residents of Manistee County
- One recipient per household per month; sign-in required
Stewardship & Getting Involved
The parish invites parishioners to share their time and talent across liturgical, formation, and outreach ministries. A monthly ministry schedule (e.g., June 2026) is published to recognize and coordinate the dozens of volunteers who keep the parish running.
- Stewardship of Time & Talent
- Liturgical ministry scheduling
- Parish CSA (Catholic Services Appeal) — 2026 goal: $33,527
Vocations
St. Joseph supports vocations to the priesthood and religious life through the Diocese of Gaylord's 'Called by Name' initiative, encouraging parishioners to nominate young men (ages 15+) who may be discerning a vocation.
- Diocese of Gaylord Vocations Office
- 'Called by Name' discernment program
Sacraments & Pastoral Care
The parish celebrates the seven Catholic sacraments — Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Matrimony, and Holy Orders (vocations support) — and provides OCIA preparation for adults and children. Those interested should contact the parish office or complete the online Inquiry form.
- Baptism, Confirmation, First Communion
- Reconciliation (Confession) — see schedule
- Marriage preparation
- Anointing of the Sick
- OCIA / RCIA
Contact & Visiting
Parishioners and visitors can reach the office by phone, email, or in person during office hours (Tuesday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM). The parish mailing address is the same as its physical address.
- Address: 8380 Fifth St, #150, Onekama, MI 49675
- Phone: 231-889-4254
- Email: [email protected]
- Office Hours: Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM