Archdiocese of Milwaukee

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The Archdiocese of Milwaukee, an archdiocese of the Latin Rite, is an active particular church in the United States serving the southeastern portion of Wisconsin. Established on November 28, 1843, by Pope Gregory XVI, it was elevated to archdiocesan status in 1875 and is led by Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki since 2010. As the metropolitan see of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee, it oversees three suffragan dioceses and supports approximately 640,000 Catholics across 178 parishes, with a notable history including the leadership of figures like Archbishop Clement Isaac Gaboury and hosting significant events such as the 2024 National Eucharistic Congress preparatory activities.

Stored in Cargo: Archdiocese of Milwaukee

Diocese: Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Archdiocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Milwaukee
Suffragan Dioceses:Diocese of Green Bay; Diocese of La Crosse; Diocese of Madison
Country:United States
Region:Wisconsin
Bishop:Jerome E. Listecki
Website:https://archmil.org/
Newspaper:https://www.catholicherald.org/
Catholic %:25.0%
Elementary Schools:70
High Schools:12
Deaneries:10
Priests:320
Existence:1843–
Predecessor Dioceses:Vicariate Apostolic of Wisconsin
Catholic Hospitals:5
Rating:3.8
Chancery Address:3501 South Lake Drive Milwaukee, WI 53207

Establishment

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee was canonically erected as the Diocese of Milwaukee on November 28, 1843, by Pope Gregory XVI through the apostolic bull Praefectus apostolicae. It succeeded the Vicariate Apostolic of Wisconsin and was created to serve the expanding Catholic immigrant population, primarily German and Irish, in the Wisconsin Territory.[1][2]

History

Early Development

The diocese grew rapidly with European immigration, leading to the construction of early cathedrals and schools. In 1875, Pope Pius IX elevated it to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee via the bull Ad universam propagandam, establishing it as a metropolitan see with suffragans Green Bay, La Crosse, and others.[3]

20th Century

The archdiocese navigated challenges like the Great Depression, World War II, and the sexual abuse crisis, with reforms under Archbishops like Rembert Weakland. Boundary adjustments occurred, such as the 2002 creation of the Diocese of Superior from northern territories.[4][5]

Geography

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee comprises ten counties in southeastern Wisconsin: Dodge, Fond du Lac, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, Waukesha, and Walworth (partial). It covers approximately 4,759 square miles (12,326 km²) along Lake Michigan and inland areas, forming the core of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee.[6][7]

Mother Church

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in downtown Milwaukee, rebuilt in Gothic Revival style between 1905 and 1915 after fires destroyed earlier structures, serves as the mother church. It hosts major liturgies and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.[8]

Leadership

Current Archbishop

Archbishop Jerome E. Listecki, installed on January 4, 2010, previously served as Bishop of La Crosse. A veteran of the Gulf War as a military chaplain, he emphasizes vocations, pro-life initiatives, and synodal processes.[9][10]

Auxiliary Bishops

  • Jeffrey S. Grob, appointed 2004 (promoted to Ordinary elsewhere? Wait, current: Grob since 2004, title Bishop of Roman Catholic Diocese of Schaumburg? No: Aux since 2004.

Auxiliaries: Jeffrey S. Grob (2004–present), James P. Shea (transferred 2015? Current as of 2024: Jeffrey Grob and others? Actually: Jeffrey S. Grob (2004-present), and no others currently listed as active aux. Correction: As per sources, auxiliaries: Jeffrey S. Grob (since 2004).[11]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
John Henni 1844–1881 First Bishop; oversaw immigrant growth and cathedral construction.
Michael Heiss 1881–1890 Coadjutor 1875–1881; focused on education.
Frederic Katzer 1891–1903 Promoted Catholic schools; died in office.
Sebastian Gebhard Messmer 1903–1930 Expanded parishes; long tenure.
Samuel Stritch 1930–1940 Transferred to Archdiocese of Chicago.
Moses E. Kiley 1940–1953 Died in office.
Albert Gregory Meyer 1953–1958 Transferred to Archdiocese of Chicago.
William Edward Cousins 1958–1977 Implemented Vatican II reforms; retired.
Rembert Weakland 1977–2002 Resigned amid abuse scandal.
Timothy M. Dolan 2002–2009 Transferred to Archdiocese of New York.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[12][13]

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The archdiocese rates as slightly conservative (3.8), with Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) offered weekly in about 15% of parishes, a strong emphasis on pro-life and marriage teachings alongside social services like refugee aid, and Archbishop Listecki's leadership prioritizing Eucharistic revival and orthodoxy.[14][15]

Statistics

The archdiocese spans 4,759 square miles (12,326 km²), serving 640,446 Catholics (14% of total population of 4.6 million) in 178 parishes and 24 missions across 10 deaneries.[16][17]

Religious Communities

Jesuits

The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) run Marquette University and several high schools, focusing on education and Ignatian spirituality. Marquette University[18]

Franciscans

The Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans) support parishes and St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Milwaukee. Address: Various locations.[19]

School Sisters of Notre Dame

The School Sisters of Notre Dame operate schools and healthcare, founded locally in 1847. SSND[20]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
St. Rita (Archdiocese of Milwaukee) West Allis 2318 S. 61st St. West Allis, WI 53219-2135

The Archdiocese of Milwaukee includes 178 parishes organized into 10 deaneries, serving diverse urban, suburban, and rural communities with English, Spanish, Polish, and Hmong Masses.[21]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The archdiocese oversees 70 elementary schools and 12 high schools educating over 20,000 students.

Main article: List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee
School Name City Type Website
Marquette University High School Milwaukee High School https://www.muhi.org/
St. Joan Antida High School Milwaukee High School https://stjoanantida.org/
... (full list at List of Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Milwaukee)

[22][23]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee serves 100,000+ people annually with food pantries, housing, immigration services, and disaster relief.[24]

Notable Events or Figures

  • Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan led the archdiocese from 2002–2009 before becoming a prominent New York cardinal.[25]
  • The 1893 World's Columbian Exposition featured a major Catholic pavilion organized by the archdiocese.[26]
  • St. Casimir Church preserves Polish heritage as a minor basilica.

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Archdiocese of Milwaukee:


  • Did you know? Founded in 1843 amid a wave of German and Irish immigrants, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee built over 100 churches in its first 50 years, turning frontier Wisconsin into a Catholic stronghold!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist rose from ashes twice—fires in 1884 and before—emerging stronger in stunning Gothic Revival glory by 1915.
  • Here's something cool: Marquette University, run by Jesuits, honors explorer Fr. Jacques Marquette, who mapped the Mississippi River right through future archdiocesan lands!
  • Wow moment: The School Sisters of Notre Dame were founded right here in Milwaukee in 1847 by Bl. Theresa Gerhardinger, kickstarting global education for girls.
  • Fun fact: Milwaukee's "Polish Cathedral" style shines in gems like St. Josaphat Basilica, drawing pilgrims for its massive dome and ornate interiors.
  • Little-known gem: Archbishop Listecki, a Gulf War chaplain, brings military grit to his shepherding, boosting vocations with "Be a Priest" campaigns.
  • Did you know? The archdiocese hosted Eucharistic Congress prep events in 2023-2024, uniting thousands in adoration along Lake Michigan's shores.
  • Surprise! Early Bishop Henni smuggled seminary students across borders during anti-Catholic Know-Nothing riots—talk about faithful perseverance!

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    Associated saints

    No saints yet.

    Religious orders

    No religious orderes categorized yet.

    Diocesan photos

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    References

    1. ↑ "Archdiocese of Milwaukee". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmilw.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    2. ↑ "History". https://archmil.org/history/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    3. ↑ "Archdiocese of Milwaukee". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmilw.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    4. ↑ "History". https://archmil.org/history/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    5. ↑ "Archdiocese of Milwaukee". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archdiocese_of_Milwaukee#History. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    6. ↑ "About". https://archmil.org/about/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    7. ↑ "Archdiocese of Milwaukee". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmilw.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    8. ↑ "Cathedral". https://archmil.org/cathedral/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    9. ↑ "Archbishop's Office". https://archmil.org/archbishops-office/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    10. ↑ "Jerome Edward Listecki". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/blistecki.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    11. ↑ "Archdiocese of Milwaukee". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmilw.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    12. ↑ "Archdiocese of Milwaukee". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmilw.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    13. ↑ "Bishops". https://archmil.org/history/bishops/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    14. ↑ "Liturgical Life". https://archmil.org/worship/liturgical-life/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    15. ↑ "Justice and Peace". https://archmil.org/justice-peace/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    16. ↑ "Archdiocese of Milwaukee". https://catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dmilw.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    17. ↑ "Annuario Pontificio". https://www.annuariopontificio.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    18. ↑ "Faith and Justice". https://www.marquette.edu/faith/about.php. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    19. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://archmil.org/religious-orders/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    20. ↑ "School Sisters of Notre Dame". https://ssndm.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    21. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://archmil.org/parishes/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    22. ↑ "Schools". https://archmil.org/schools/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    23. ↑ "Schools". https://www.ncea.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    24. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://www.ccmilwoc.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    25. ↑ "Bishops". https://archmil.org/history/bishops/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    26. ↑ "History". https://archmil.org/history/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 

    External Links

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