About Us

Established in 1975

Ironically, it was a local Lutheran minister, Pastor Ted Menter, who first saw the need for a Catholic church in the growing Woodhaven-Brownstown area. He shared his feelings in a letter to the Archdiocese of Detroit back in 1975. On May 15th of that year, Fr. John Leo Phalen, then an associate pastor at Christ the Good Shepherd in Lincoln Park, was sent to start a parish in Woodhaven.

Between spring and fall of 1975, Fr. Phalen, with the passion of a missionary, visited over 1,300 homes, Catholic and non-Catholic alike. He was a familiar sight on his yellow, 10-speed bicycle, meandering among the homes in the new subdivisions that were springing up all over the area.

On September 6, 1975, Father Phalen celebrated his first Mass as pastor of the new parish in Bates Elementary School on Gudith. This one Mass soon grew to a total of four weekly Masses at three different locations. Two Saturday evening Masses were said at Bates School. There was a Sunday Mass at 8 am at the Center for Christian Service, located on Gudith at Carter, and another at 11 am at Cadillac School. For the next two years, he moved every single item that was needed for the worship celebrations back and forth between both locations.

Along with the first Mass came the suggestions for names for the new parish: New Jerusalem (a personal favorite of Fr. Phalen’s), Prince of Peace, Jesus the Messiah, Elizabeth Ann Seaton and Our Lady of the Woods. Our Lady of the Woods was selected by a 4-to-1 margin. For more information on our Patroness, click here.

In December of 1975, Fr. Phalen moved into the century-old farmhouse that stood on the site of the present church. The farmhouse was renovated to become our parish house, office and chapel. It became the spiritual center to a growing number of Catholic families in the area. During its final days, it twice brought thrills and excitement to the hearts of neighborhood children as the site of the annual Jaycees Halloween Haunted House! Father Phalen’s reason for this rather strange occurrence was simple: “It brought people around and that’s what I wanted.”

By the spring of 1976, 250 families were officially registered–the minimum required by the Archdiocese of Detroit to establish a parish. The old, yellow bicycle was replaced by a red moped as Fr. Phalen continued his rounds. Community life flourished with activities like Friday night bike rides which ended with a hot dog roast. There were also community garden plots on the church property, card parties, women’s bazaars, retreats, the ushers’ annual parish picnic and sweetheart dance, a sharing-the-faith program, and welcoming teas. The many social events were organized to attract people to the parish and help it to grow.

By the spring of 1978, the parish had grown to the point where Father Phalen needed more permanent help. We were blessed with two men from the parish who were studying to become lay deacons, Ernie Riopelle and Robert Tremmel. But there was an even more immediate need: a formal religious education program. Two religious sisters, Sister Francine Lipka and Sister Kathleen Lupton, were officially appointed by the parish council to work full-time in the areas of Christian social service and religious education.

The house adjacent to the present property was purchased and it became the new Parish Center, currently the Rectory, housing our new sisters, the parish offices and chapel. Attendance at weekly services grew rapidly. It was now apparent that there was a need for our own building–a real church with stained glass windows, a sanctuary and an organ. Ground was broken for a permanent facility in May, 1978. Our Lady of the Woods Church was joyously dedicated on May 24, 1980, with Cardinal John F. Dearden officiating.

In the early-80s, Sr. Francine was able to develop the religious education program. By the end of the decade, annual student enrollment reached over 800 children. It became time for new education facilities, the Christian Growth Center and the new adjoining social hall. The new facilities were dedicated in February, 1990. For the first time, all of the religious education classes were held on church property. With the new social hall now open, the church building’s worship space was expanded. Major new programs implemented during Fr. Phalen’s pastorate included Stephen’s Ministry and Eucharistic Adoration.

On July 22, 1990, after 15 years as pastor, Fr. Phalen received a new assignment taking him to St. Joseph parish in Lake Orion. With a festive, but sad, farewell dinner, we wished our beloved founding pastor, all the best in his new parish. As a permanent reminder of his leadership and dedication, the city officially named the parish driveway Phalen Drive, complete with an appropriate street sign.

Over the years many other religious have served on the staff at Our Lady of the Woods:

• Pastors: Fr. Clifford Ruskowski, Fr. Rich Bartoszek, Fr. Rick Macey, Fr. Andrew Czarnecki, and Fr. Bob Johnson
• Weekend Assistants: Fr. William Griffith, Fr. Ray Sayers, Fr. Andy Daniels, Fr. Walter Ptak, Fr. Ron Des Rosiers, and others
• Deacons: Rev. Mr. Ernie Riopelle, Rev. Mr. Bob Tremmel, Rev. Mr. Tom Bousamra, and Rev. Mr. Dennis Scanland
• Religious Sisters: Sister Teresa Marie Slonina, Sister Rose Mary Ala, and Sister Carol Juhasz

From a humble beginning of 250 families our parish has grown. As we continue our journey into the new millennium, we offer thankful prayers for the blessings we’ve received, and we remember humbly that success is measured not only in achievements …but in lessons learned, lives touched, and moments shared along the way. We continue to celebrate life as a thriving parish community here at Our Lady of the Woods. May the years ahead see us continue to advance in wisdom and in grace before the Lord.