About St. Philip the Apostle · Cheektowaga, New York
St. Philip the Apostle Parish in Cheektowaga, New York, was established in 1967 to serve the growing population of South Cheektowaga. The parish began with outdoor Masses and later moved into a permanent church building completed in 1969, with its first Mass in the new church celebrated in 1979. Known for its warm, welcoming community and active ministries, the parish continues to serve as a center of faith, hope, and love, rooted in the legacy of St. Philip the Apostle, whose feast day is May 3. The parish offers multiple Mass times, confession, and a variety of ministries for all ages.
- Established
- 1967
- Patron
- St. Philip the Apostle
- Rector
- Msgr. Richard W. Siepka
- Diocese
- Diocese of Buffalo
Why belong here
St. Philip’s offers a vibrant faith community with active ministries, including Faith Formation, Bingo, and Funeral Planning. Parishioners are encouraged to participate in sacramental life, volunteer opportunities, and parish events that foster spiritual growth and fellowship. The parish’s mission is to serve as Christ taught, through Faith, Hope, and Love, making it a welcoming place for all ages and backgrounds.
Mass times at St. Philip the Apostle
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturdays – 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm
Parish History
St. Philip the Apostle Parish was formed in 1967 to serve the growing population of South Cheektowaga. The first Mass was celebrated on November 12, 1967, at the Brushenbrook Hunting and Fishing Club. By 1968, Masses were held outdoors due to large congregations. The current church building was completed in May 1969, and the rectory in 1972. The first Mass in the new church was on March 12, 1979. Pastoral leadership has included Msgr. Anthony J. Jasinski (1967–1990), Rev. Joseph H. Penkaul (1996–2008), Rev. David J. Borowiak (2008–2020), Rev. Jerome E. Kopec (2020–2021), and Msgr. Richard W. Siepka (2021–present).
Patron Saint
St. Philip the Apostle was born in Bethsaida, Galilee. He was a disciple of John the Baptist and is mentioned as one of the Apostles in the lists of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Acts. He is mentioned only in John in the New Testament. He was called by Jesus Himself. Philip participated in the miracle of the loaves and fishes, accounting for his symbol of medieval art of loaves. Just before the Passion, Jesus answered Philip’s query to reveal the Father, receiving the answer, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father.” No further mention of Philip is made in the New Testament beyond his listing among the Apostle awaiting the Holy Spirit in the Upper Room. According to tradition he preached in Greece and was crucified upside down. His feast day is May 3.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Msgr. Anthony J. Jasinski1967–1990
Retired as Pastor Emeritus in 1990; continued assisting with the Pastoral Team.
- Rev. Joseph H. Penkaul1996–2008
Passed away on September 2, 2008.
- Rev. David J. Borowiak2008–2020
Retired in June 2020.
- Rev. Jerome E. Kopec2020–2021
Assigned as Vicar for Clergy with the Diocese of Buffalo in 2021.
- Msgr. Richard W. Siepka2021–present
Named Moderator for the Family of Parishes in June 2023.