About St. Mary Roman Catholic Church · Manchester, Michigan
St. Mary Roman Catholic Church in Manchester, Michigan, is a historic parish dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, serving the community through worship, service, and faith formation. Founded in 1870 by Irish families, the church has deep roots in the region’s Catholic heritage and was formally dedicated in 1912 after a community-driven construction effort. The parish continues its mission of proclaiming God’s love, nourishing souls through liturgy and sacraments, and serving the needy with justice and mercy. It remains active in ministry, with Masses held on weekends and confession available on Saturdays and Sundays.
- Established
- 1870
- Patron
- The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- Rector
- Father Gerald (on sabbatical)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Lansing
Why belong here
Join a community rooted in over 150 years of Catholic tradition, where you can experience the sacred liturgy, receive spiritual nourishment through Word and sacrament, serve others with compassion, and grow in faith through fellowship and parish ministries. The parish offers a welcoming environment for all ages, with active ministries, regular Masses, and opportunities to deepen your relationship with Christ and your neighbors.
Mass times at St. Mary Roman Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
- Sunday 8:00am – 8:15am
- Sunday 10:00am – 10:15am
About
We the people of God at St Mary’s, guided by the Holy Spirit, are called to continue the Mission of Christ Jesus. We dedicate ourselves to the personal responsibility of fulfilling this mission by: Proclaiming the Good news of God’s life, love, and mercy; Seeking nourishment in God’s Word and the Most Blessed Sacrament; Serving this in need with a spirit of justice and mercy flowing from a love of Jesus; Passing on our Catholic heritage through fellowship in our parish community, worship, prayer, and the guidance of the Bishop in Lansing, in union with the Pope, the Bishop of Rome. Responding to and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, we pledge to accept and live the teachings of Jesus Christ, thus being living witnesses of God’s presence in the world.
History
The parish traces its origins to 1870 when about thirty-five Irish families built the first Catholic church in Manchester. The current church, dedicated to the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, was constructed in 1911–1912 using stones from the site of a former tavern. The cornerstone was laid in 1911 by Bishop Kelly, and the church was formally dedicated on January 17, 1912. The site includes a well-maintained cemetery established in 1839 and a historic rectory. The parish has served as a spiritual center for generations, with notable pastors including Father Edwin A. Fisher, known as 'Onehorse Fisher,' who traveled on horseback to serve multiple missions.
Liturgy
Mass is celebrated on weekends: Saturday at 4:00pm and Sunday at 8:30am and 10:30am. Weekday Masses are temporarily unavailable due to the pastor’s sabbatical. Confession is available on Saturdays and Sundays. Adoration is currently unavailable.
Ministry
The parish is committed to serving the community through acts of justice and mercy, passing on Catholic heritage through fellowship, worship, and prayer. Specific ministries are not listed on the website, but parishioners are encouraged to participate in community life and support the mission of Christ.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Edwin A. Fisher1909–1912
Known as 'Onehorse Fisher' for traveling on horseback; oversaw construction of St. Mary’s and other fieldstone churches.
- Father Andrew Leitner1874
First resident pastor of Freedom and assumed charge of Manchester.
- Father Peter Ternes1890
Transferred residence to Manchester; celebrated Mass the first and third Sundays of the month.
- Father Ferdinand Allgayer1870
Pastor during construction of the first Manchester church; served Irish families.
- Father Edward Van Lauwe1863
Appointed resident pastor of St. Dominic’s Church at Clinton; mission field included Manchester.