“Impelled by Christ’s call”. What does that mean to you? Here at Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church, it means everything. Saint Philip Neri Parish began in 1960. Archbishop Rummel created the Parish. Father A. Charles Kenney celebrated the first mass on July 3, 1960. It took place in “The Tent”. For 27 months, the Tent served as the Parish’s spiritual home.
On October 29, 1962, the Parish celebrated its first mass in the “Original Church”. School Buildings 2 and 3 were built in 1964-65. The Assembly Hall followed in 1972. The “Original Church” served the Parish until 1979.
The “New” Church was dedicated on July 2, 1979. It continues to be Saint Philip Neri’s spiritual center. Many projects have improved the Parish since 1991. Modular buildings were added. A fence went up around the school complex in 1992-93. Since 1994, the parking lot was expanded. The Porte Cochère was erected. School Building 1, the “Old” Church, was renovated.
The Archdiocese of New Orleans established a diocese April 25, 1793. Pope Pius VI made it the second oldest diocese in the United States. The archdiocese is the Metropolitan See for the Province of New Orleans. It includes dioceses like Houma-Thibodaux, Baton Rouge, and Lafayette. Archbishop Gregory M. Aymond currently leads the archdiocese. He is the fourteenth Archbishop of New Orleans.
Saint Philip Neri is part of this archdiocese. The archdiocese’s mission is clear. Ministries serve people in parishes, schools, and organizations. They help them encounter Jesus and witness with joy.
Saint Philip Neri’s mission is similar. They are a Catholic community, united as a church family. They are dedicated to continuing Christ’s ministry. They strive to be examples through open minds and hearts. They welcome everyone.
In October 1992, Fr. John Giuliani, C.O., studied the possibility of a Catholic community in the Fort Mill area. By early 1993, 44 families gathered. They established a Mission Church known as the Fort Mill/Tega Cay Catholic Community. Masses were first held at Lake Wylie Lutheran Church. Later, they moved to Philadelphia United Methodist Church.
On January 8, 1994, Bishop David B. Thompson celebrated Mass. He announced acceptance of the Mission Statement. He named the community after St. Philip Neri. Saint Philip Neri founded the Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri.
In February 1995, the Parish bought eight acres on Munn Road. Groundbreaking for a future church was held September 1, 1997. Easter 1998 saw the first Mass in the partially completed Parish Center. The Parish Center officially opened May 30, 1998. Bishop David B. Thompson dedicated it months later.
In April 2002, a new campaign raised funds for construction. At that time, there were over 1,000 registered families. In June 2003, Saint Philip Neri celebrated its 10th Anniversary. Plans began for the Ministry Building in early 2004.
A major snowfall on February 28, 2004, damaged the Parish Center roof. The building was unusable until repairs finished eight months later. In November 2005, the congregation launched “The Mission Continues”. This four-year campaign raised funds for a new sanctuary. The parish had over 1,700 registered families then. After much planning, Saint Philip Neri Church dedicated its sanctuary in May 2013.
From humble beginnings, the church developed a rich heritage. Dedicated parishioners generously offer their time, talent, and treasure. Saint Philip Neri Church continues to grow. Today, it has over 3,300 registered families.
The cross in the sanctuary represents Christ’s crucifixion. It symbolizes His sacrifice to redeem humanity. It inspires all to carry their crosses. It reminds them to bear one another’s burdens.
Priests from The Congregation of the Oratory of Saint Philip Neri serve here. Saint Philip Neri founded this religious community in the 16th century. Members, known as Oratorians, live in Oratory houses worldwide. They carry on Saint Philip Neri’s charism. They focus on prayer, Scripture, and work with the laity. They commit to serving the faithful.
Saint Philip Neri is the patron saint of joy. He is also known as the Apostle of Rome. He helped others find virtue and laughter together. He delighted in God’s love. To share his happiness, he became a priest. He attracted men seeking holiness. They formed a community, eventually founding the Oratory.
Remember Saint Philip Neri’s prayer. Trust that the Lord is always at hand. Let the joy of the Holy Spirit transform your life. Find peace here at Saint Philip Neri Catholic Church.