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.

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.

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

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

Lay Ministry: Answering the Call

"Non io, ma Dio!"

The Patron Saint of our Jubilee 50th Anniversary, Saint Carlo Acutis, expressed, "Non io, ma Dio!" which translates to "Not I, but God!". Long before the millennial saint was born, his sentiment of keeping our eyes focused on our Eternal Father by answering his call to serve each other has been alive and well by lay people who have served our community.

Since Our Lady of the Woods first opened its doors in the mid-1970s, countless men and women—our fellow parishioners—have stepped forward to serve Christ’s Church with generous hearts. From those earliest days of carpeting and folding chairs through every expansion and renovation, lay volunteers have been the lifeblood of our community, offering their time, talent, and prayerful presence to build up God’s Kingdom in the community of Woodhaven, MI and beyond.

Those who have welcomed us at the doors as greeters, proclaimed the Word as lectors, carried the Body of Christ as extraordinary ministers, and prayer with the sick, have given voice and presence to our faith each day. Behind the scenes, sacristans, liturgy planners, and environment teams have labored in quiet dedication, transforming our sacred space into a true home of worship. Our catechists, children’s liturgy leaders, youth ministers, and faith-formation volunteers have nurtured multiple generations, planting seeds of faith that continue to bear fruit.

Hospitality ministries—coffee and donuts hosts, funeral luncheon crews, ushers, and bereavement companions—have wrapped our parish family in warmth and care during seasons of joy and sorrow alike. Outreach teams, from the food pantry and Giving Tree to our Knights of Columbus and Our Lady's Catholic Women, have extended Our Lady of the Woods’ compassion into the wider world, living out the Gospel mandate to love our neighbor.

Answering the call of our Parish Mission, many have lent their voices to the choir, operated sound and streaming, decorated the altar, tended our grounds, and organized fellowship events. Every act of service—seen and unseen—has woven together to form the beautiful tapestry of parish life we enjoy today.

There are simply too many devoted lay ministers whose names have graced the halls of Our Lady of the Woods over the decades to list without risking the sorrow of leaving someone unmentioned. From early greeters and lectors to catechists, ushers, hospitality teams, and beyond, each person’s quiet dedication—often unseen and unsung—has woven the fabric of our parish life. As Jesus reminds us, “your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:4), and we trust that every act of service offered in humility is known and treasured in heaven.

To all who came before us, we extend our deepest, most heartfelt gratitude. Your faithfulness laid the foundation on which we stand today, your prayers fortified our community, and your generous hands shaped the ministry we now inherit. Thank you for answering God’s call with joy and perseverance—your witness continues to inspire and guide us as we carry forward the mission of Our Lady of the Woods.

As we look ahead, may we carry forward this legacy of lay leadership and collaboration. May each new volunteer discover in serving Christ a deeper understanding of their own gifts and a richer experience of community. To every person who has answered the call and who will yet answer the call in the future to minister in any capacity: please accept our heartfelt thanks. Your generosity has shaped Our Lady of the Woods, and your witness continues to inspire us all.