Rev. Fr. Philip Paul Salmonowicz's Obituary
Father Philip Paul Salmonowicz, 67, of Muskegon, Michigan went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, July 21, 2016 at Mercy Health Muskegon Hospital. Surrounded by family, he succumbed to the lung cancer he had so valiantly battled. He was born on December 19, 1948 to Joseph and Helen Salmonowicz of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, the sixth of eight children, and a twin. A gifted speaker with a magnetic personality, he drew people into his living faith by his example and was dearly loved by all who knew him. After his graduation from Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit, Michigan with a degree in Theology, he spent many years in the business world. Logistics and materials management were his specialty. He was Vice-President of purchasing at St. Mary’s Hospital (Grand Rapids) and Holy Cross Hospital (Detroit). Shortly after his 50th birthday he turned from the business world to embrace the calling which had never left him. Graduating from Mundelein Seminary at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Wisconsin, he was ordained a Catholic priest in June 2003. The young boy who served as an altar boy with his twin (They could get 2 altar boys with one call! They were a team!) became Pastor of St. Charles and St. Margaret of Scotland parishes of Greenville, Michigan. After 8 years he came to St. Francis de Sales and St. Michael’s parishes in Muskegon, where he has shepherded his flock for almost six years. The heart of Fr. Phil’s ministry was to encourage each person to grow in their individual faith, as part of the Body of Christ, and to create a physical environment that invited and facilitated this growth. He instituted the Symbolon and Formed Programs, Wednesday Adoration, and participation in the Family Promise Program. The Prayer Ministry was revitalized. He completed the remaining projects of the “Fit at 40” campaign. The convent at St. Michael’s was demolished, the rectory remodeled as a much-needed convent and the statues in St. Michael’s Church were refinished. Lighting in the Sanctuary of St. Francis was completed, religious formation classrooms were refinished and air conditioning installed. Importance and honor were placed on the altars and their surroundings and meditation and prayer encouraged in the Marian Garden. The Journey of Faith campaign was created to meet remodeling, updating, faith-building needs to serve parishioners today and in the future. “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” Father Phil was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph G. and Helen L. Salmonowicz, and his most beloved miniature Schnauzer companion, Leo. He leaves behind siblings, Sharon Salmonowicz, Joseph (Judy) Salmonowicz, Kathleen (Jack) Clark, Mary Elyse Salmonowicz, his twin, Charles (Barbara) Salmonowicz, Mark (Margaret) Salmonowicz, James (Victoria) Salmonowicz; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Rosary and Chaplet were offered at St. Michael’s and a prayer vigil was held at St. Francis de Sales on Thursday, July 21. VISITATION will be at St. Michael’s (1716 6th St., Muskegon) on Monday, July 25, 2016 from 2-8 PM with a vigil at 6:30 PM. VISITATION will be at St. Francis de Sales – Marian Chapel (2929 McCracken, Norton Shores) on Tuesday, July 26, 2016 from 8:30-10:45 AM. THE MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 26, 2016 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with The Most Reverend David J. Walkowiak presiding. Interment will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Rev. Fr. Salmonowicz may be made to the Journey of Faith at St. Francis or St. Charles Foundation for Catholic Schools (505 W. Lafayette St., Greenville, MI 48838). Arrangements are being handled by The Walburn Chapel, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., 231-759-8565.
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