Honoring Father Steve Wetzel, OSFS: Memorial Plaque Dedication

The Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 honored the memory of beloved FOP Chaplain, Father Steve Wetzel, OSFS, with a Memorial Plaque Dedication last week. Father Steve, who passed away in April, served as Chaplain of Michael the Archangel Ministry Program supporting active and retired Philadelphia Police Officers and their families. His legacy of service will never be forgotten.

Held in the Heroes Ballroom at the FOP Lodge #5, the Plaque Dedication Ceremony was attended by over 200 Philadelphia Police Officers and their families. From the highest ranking to the newest officers, all gathered to celebrate the man who was so much more than Chaplain to them. Many consider Father Steve one of their dearest friends. They have countless stories of how much Father Steve meant to them and the deep gratitude they had for all he did for them.

John McNesby, President of the FOP Lodge #5, shared remarks about the impact Father Steve had upon the entire FOP family. McNesby said that he didn’t realize how many people Father Steve had touched until after he died. “People were coming from everywhere to tell me what he meant to them.” That is one reason why having a plaque in Father Steve’s honor was important. “We want him (Father Steve) in our building forever so that we can tell people years from now who Father was and everything he did for us,” McNesby said.

Father Steve’s mom, Caroline (DiPretoro) Wetzel, was joined by her daughters Donna Lebresco and Deborah Wetzel. Also present were Father Steve’s brother Oblates, Fathers Bob Bazzoli, Jim MacNew, and Joe Campellone.

His ministry as Chaplain of the Michael the Archangel Ministry Program brought great joy to Father Steve. He felt very connected to the men and women in blue. Father Steve truly journeyed beside them in their service to the City of Philadelphia as he joined them in ride-alongs, held Mass at the end of their shifts, counseled them after shootings, and celebrated their family moments. His life of faith and ministry led him to his last and special ministry.

Father Steve attended St. Timothy Grade School and graduated from Father Judge High School (Philadelphia, PA). Following graduation, he joined the Oblates and made his first profession of vows as a brother in 1980. He began his ministry as an Oblate brother and in 2003 was ordained an Oblate priest.

Prior to establishing the Michael the Archangel Ministry Program, Father Steve served in parishes, schools, and as Chaplain. He was Chaplain at Sacred Heart Hospital (Allentown, PA), Holy Redeemer Health System's St. Joseph Manor (Philadelphia, PA), and for the Upper Saucon Fire Department (Center Valley, PA) where he was certified as a Level- I Firefighter.

Father Steve ministered as a Deacon at St. Cecilia Parish (Fort Myers, FL), Pastoral Associate at St. Thomas More Parish (Allentown, PA), Parochial Vicar at Our Mother of Consolation Parish (Philadelphia, PA), Parochial Vicar at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish (Vienna, VA), and Vice Principal at St. Thomas More Parochial School.

Throughout his ministry, he served at St. Joachim Parish (Philadelphia, PA) as Deacon and later as Pastor. During his time there, Father Steve became involved with the Police-Clergy Program in both the 2nd and 15th Districts of the Philadelphia Police Department, where he served as local President for two years. With the closing of St. Joachim, he was able to refocus his ministry with the Philadelphia Police. In January of 2014, Father Steve helped to establish the Michael the Archangel Ministry Program FOP Lodge #5, serving as full-time Chaplain to 14,000 active and retired Philadelphia Police and their families.

Father Steve is greatly missed by his family, fellow Oblates, the Philadelphia Police Department, friends, the Custodes Pacis community, and the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania Sons and Daughters of Italy. This absence was felt as the ceremony closed with the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums playing “Amazing Grace.”

The plaque for Fr. Steve reads as follows:

Rev. Steven P. Wetzel, OSFS March 15, 1958 -April 27, 2022

Fr. Steve Wetzel, affectionately known as "Fr. Steve" was born and raised in Philadelphia. He was committed to service and was a professed member of the Wilmington-Philadelphia Province of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales for 41 years serving in a variety of service focused roles in Delaware, Florida, and throughout Pennsylvania. In 2014 he found his true calling when Fr. Steve helped create the Michael the Archangel Ministry Program at FOP Lodge#5. He assumed the role of full-time Chaplain to 14,000 active and retired Philadelphia Police Officers and their families.

The mission of the program was to provide multi denominational pastoral care, crisis ministry, and spiritual enrichment. In fulfilling this mission Father Steve became more than a Pastor, he became part of our family as in addition to his Ministry he presided over countless Police weddings, baptisms, and funerals. He will be greatly missed but we remember his favorite quote from Padre Pio:

"Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry"

View Plaque Dedication Ceremony Program Here