St. Roch of Flat Rock, Michigan at 25022 Gibraltar Road, Flat Rock, MI 48134 US - The History of St. Roch

In 1954, Mrs. John Kornowski and other future parishioners petitioned the late Cardinal Mooney to permit the establishment of a parish at Flat Rock. There was a census taken and Cardinal Mooney gave permission to begin the Mission of St. Roch that same year. The Mission was served by St. Mary Parish in Rockwood. Father John Hubert and Father Ed Scheuerman, who were assistants at St. Mary's at the time, came to celebrate the Masses in the Flat Rock Theater each weekend. The Old Hill Farm was purchased with funds from the Archdiocesan Development Fund for the Parish site. The property had an old farmhouse which served as the first rectory. The barn and other out buildings were taken down by the parishioners. The request became a reality in 1956, when Fr. Norbert Chateau arrived at Flat Rock as Founding Pastor of St. Roch Parish, June 22, 1956. About 450 families comprised the new parish community. The first baptism was celebrated on June 24, 1956, as Timothy Ciersezwski was christened. The first Sunday bulletin appeared on September 2, 1956. With Fr. Chateau named pastor, a king-size housecleaning detail was formed, armed with soap, paint and glass polish. The old farmhouse became the site for daily Mass with a chapel on the east side of the living room. Another room, which was a former nursery, complete with cowboy pictures on the wall, became the sacristy and confessional. In these meager surroundings, Fr. Chateau arranged with an architect ro draw up plans for the church building. Fr. Chateau remained as pastor through 1962. The present Church building was constructed and the first Masses were held on Ascension Thursday, May 30, 1957. The first Sunday Masses were held on June 2, 1957. After this, Cardinal Mooney blessed the Church on May 11, 1958. On June 22, 1962, Father Valentine Kaznowski was appointed second pastor of St. Roch Parish. Father Val built the new rectory which was completed in September, 1964. The parish had a total membership of 500 families at that time. The present social hall was constructed in 1967. The first Parish Pastoral Council was established in August, 1970. When the Liturgical Renewal of the Second Vatican Council was promulgated, Fr. Val supervised the renovation of the sanctuary of the Church. In September 1972, Fr. Lawrence E. Dunn was appointed third pastor of St. Roch. Fr. Larry came home from missionary work in Brazil and used some of the mission techniques to help build a sense of community within the parish. Fr. Dunn stayed for three years. Fr. Thaddeus Ozog was appointed the fourth pastor of St. Roch Parish on March 25, 1976. The main thrust of Fr. Ted's ministry was the continuation of the Liturgical Renewals of Vatican II. The reconciliation room was constructed for the celebration of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This afforded the penitent the opportunity of celebrating the sacrament according to the revised rite for this sacrament. Harold Goodhue was ordained a permanent Deacon on June 10, 1978, and has served the people of the parish since that time through his service at the altar, visiting the sick, baptizing infants and ministering to the poor and needy. Fr. Arthur Bell was appointed fifth pastor of St. Roch Parish on January 2, 1979. Fr. Bell continued to build the liturgical programs begun by the previous pastors. The thrust had been to make the celebration of Mass an experience of beauty with the visual aids of new vestments and the new hymn books to afford a greater variety of hymns to praise and thank the Lord. Fr. Fred Misiolek became the sixth pastor on December 5, 1990, and served the parishioners until 2001. Fr. Fred worked at saving funds for the building of a new church. In his years as pastor, he visited the sick and infirmed along with ministering to the people in many other ways. He worked toward adding the new accessible lavatories as well as refurbishing the sanctuary. When F. Fred left for his new assignment in July, 2001, Fr. Kevin Thomas became temporary administrator until Fr. Rick Hartmann became pastor on October 1, 2001. Over the years, the parish has had many different service organizations, some of which are still with us today. The Parish Council's various commissions have all played a role in the worship, education, Christian service, and stewardship of our Parish and Community. Throughout its history, the people of St. Roch Parish have remained faithful to our Catholic Church and have worked for the betterment of our parish community.

(Back)