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Archbishop Nelson Perez Visit

I was blessed earlier today to have the opportunity to sit down with the board of the Michael the Archangel Ministry at the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5.

This vital ministry provides pastoral care, bereavement and crisis counseling, and spiritual enrichment to some 14,000 active and retired Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) officers and their families. The ministry is headed up by founder Father Steven Wetzel, an Oblate of St. Francis de Sales, and led by a number of experienced police professionals, many of whom are graduates of archdiocesan Catholic schools. Ministry members regularly partner with archdiocesan Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia to provide humanitarian aid throughout the city.

I also spent time with FOP President John McNesby discussing the pastoral needs of the Philadelphia Police Department as its members dedicate themselves to keeping our communities safe, at great risk to their own lives.

A piece about the ministry’s work via CatholicPhilly.com article: https://catholicphilly.com/…/beloved-saints-legacy…/.

Saint Michael the Archangel, pray for us!

Rest in Peace

Rest in Peace - Trooper.Martin Mack III and Trooper Branden Sisca

FOP Lodge 5 extends its deepest sympathies to the Pennsylvania State Police as we mourn the loss of two State Troopers. We ask you to keep them and their families in your prayers.

Beloved saint’s legacy lives on through local police, religious order (CatholicPhilly.com)

A beloved 17th-century saint might be surprised (and delighted) to learn his legacy lives on in hundreds of local police — thanks to a religious order, several archdiocesan schools and a unique ministry to Philadelphia law enforcement.

That heritage was in evidence Nov. 21, when the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge #5 hosted a Mass and breakfast honoring first responders at its Northeast Philadelphia location. 

Read full article in: CatholicPhilly.com

Past FOP Lodge 5 President Rich Costello

Rich Costello

The FOP is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Past FOP Lodge 5 President Rich Costello from 1988-2002.

Rich fought for Philadelphia Police Officers and their families for decades ensuring they were treated and respected like the heroes they are. Rich was the Recording Secretory and board member of Michael the Archangel Ministry Program where he served for six years. He was a great asset to our program.

Rest In Peace Rich!

Oblates of St. Francis de Sales’ First Responders’ Mass and Breakfast

On, Sunday, November 21, Oblates and active and retired members of Philadelphia Police celebrated the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales‘ First Responders’ Mass and Breakfast honoring Philadelphia Police Officers.

Fr. Steven P Wetzel, OSFS, is Chaplain of the Michael the Archangel Ministry which provides multi-denominational pastoral care, crisis ministry, and spiritual enrichment opportunities to the 14,000 active and retired members as well as families. The program offers support to members in both their professional and personal life by providing this ministry during critical moments. Fr. Steve celebrated the Mass and was joined by Rev. Lewis S. Fiorelli, OSFS, and Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, as con-celebrants.

Thank you for all those who support the Michael the Archangel Ministry Program and thank you for all the active and retired members of the Philadelphia Police.

Good Night Lights October 2021

In October 2021, dozens of Philadelphia police officers and Oblate Father Steven Wetzel, chaplain and founder of the Michael the Archangel Ministry, and board members of Michael the Archangel Ministry Program brightened the night for patients at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia.

The city’s fourth annual “Good Night Lights” transformed Broad Street with beams of red and blue as a police helicopter flew over, bringing joy to kids and cops alike.

(Video contains continuous flashing images.)

Michael the Archangel Ministry Program

Kathryn McCarty: My TV and Electronic Media class at Holy Family University in Philadelphia, I was given the opportunity to pair up with the FOP’s program called Michael the Archangel Ministry program which offers counseling services to retired and working officers and their families.

I’d like to thank Professor Vaziri, Father Steve, John McNesby, Michael Cerruti and all other affiliates of the FOP and Holy Family University who assisted me in the filming and editing process. We’ve sure came a long way – and I’m so happy with how this video turned out. I hope it increases awareness of how this program can help so many families, as well as increase donations for this wonderful ministry that I can’t wait to continue working with in the future!

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