About St. Philip Neri Catholic Church · Empire, Michigan
St. Philip Neri Catholic Church in Empire, Michigan, serves a vibrant parish community rooted in over 160 years of Catholic tradition. Founded in the mid-19th century, the parish has grown from humble beginnings in settlers’ homes to a modern church with expanded facilities, including a parish hall, classrooms, and a chapel. The current pastor, Fr. Kenneth Stachnik, was installed in December 2020. The parish offers multiple Mass times, active ministries like the Men’s Group, and a beautiful cemetery with established rules for upkeep. Community events such as Garden Walks and fellowship after Mass foster connection and spiritual growth.
- Established
- 1855
- Patron
- St. Philip Neri
- Rector
- Fr. Kenneth Stachnik
Why belong here
Join a parish with deep roots and a welcoming spirit, where you can connect through ministries like the Men’s Group, participate in community events such as Garden Walks, and grow spiritually through regular Masses, fellowship, and faith formation. The parish offers a strong sense of belonging, active service opportunities, and a beautiful cemetery that honors loved ones with care and tradition.
Mass times at St. Philip Neri Catholic Church
Weekly Mass schedule
Our History
The history of St. Philip Neri Church begins in the mid-19th century when Catholic settlers arrived in the Glen Lake/Empire area. Masses were first celebrated in homes, and the first grave was that of Richard Tobin in 1868. The first church was built in 1867, and the current church was constructed after a 1969 fund drive, with groundbreaking in June 1969 and dedication on Ash Wednesday, February 11, 1970. Over 30 priests have served the parish, including Fr. Joseph Bocek (1940–1954), Fr. Edward Roczen (1968–1980), and Fr. Kenneth Stachnik (installed December 6, 2020).
Ministries
The parish offers the Men’s Group 'Men of Purpose', which aims to build a welcoming space for men to connect, serve, and grow spiritually. The group is guided by Scripture and meets regularly to foster brotherhood and faith.
- Men’s Group 'Men of Purpose'
Cemetery Rules
St. Philip Neri Cemetery has specific rules for grave adornment: annual flowers (May–November), wreaths or artificial flowers (December–April), and American flags for veterans. No statues, wire racks, or solar lights. Shepherd hooks and planters are permitted with height and size restrictions. All decorations must be removed by October 1st.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Fr. Kenneth Stachnik2020–present
Installed December 6, 2020
- Fr. Bill Lipscomb1998–2000
Served two years after Fr. Chad Zielinski
- Fr. Garth Hilmer2000–2002
Served two years
- Fr. Chad Zielinski1998–2000
Served until assigned to U.S. Air Force
- Fr. Joseph Wiekierak1980–1998
Succeeded Fr. Roczen
- Fr. Edward Roczen1968–1980
Led construction of current church
- Fr. Joseph Battersby1968–1980
Instituted summer Masses and planning for new church
- Fr. Francis Hackett1954–1968
Succeeded Fr. David Drinan
- Fr. David Drinan1954–1968
Succeeded Fr. Leo Zielinski
- Fr. Leo Zielinski1956–1954
Directed construction of present rectory
- Fr. Joseph Bocek1940–1954
First Resident Pastor
- Fr. Zorn1877–1877
Succeeded Fr. Zussa
- Fr. Zussa1877–1877
Succeeded Fr. Shackeltown
- Fr. Shackeltown1877–1877
Succeeded Fr. Zom
- Fr. Zom1877–1877
Succeeded Fr. Herbstrit
- Fr. Herbstrit1877–1877
Succeeded Fr. Mrack
- Fr. Mrack1855–1869
First priest to serve the area; appointed Bishop of Marquette in 1869