Diocese of Green Bay

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The Diocese of Green Bay, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese encompassing 12 counties in northeastern Wisconsin in the United States. Founded on March 19, 1868 by Pope Pius IX, it is led by Bishop David Ricken since 2008.[1] As part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee, the diocese serves about 349,000 Catholics in a region with deep Catholic roots from early European immigrants, featuring 157 parishes and 12 deaneries. A notable landmark is the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in Champion, Wisconsin, the only Church-approved Marian apparition site in the United States, approved by Bishop Ricken in 2010.[2] Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Green Bay

Diocese: Diocese of Green Bay
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Milwaukee
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Country:United States
Region:Wisconsin
Bishop:David Ricken
Website:https://gbdioc.org/
Newspaper:https://thecompassnews.org/
Catholic %:27.7%
Elementary Schools:37
High Schools:9
Deaneries:12
Priests:202
Existence:1868–
Predecessor Dioceses:Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Catholic Hospitals:4
Rating:4.2
Chancery Address:312 S. Patterson St.

P.O. Box 23825 Green Bay, WI 54305-3825

United States

Establishment

The Diocese of Green Bay was canonically erected on March 19, 1868 by Pope Pius IX through the apostolic bull Praecipuum Poloniae Gentis, carved out from the territory of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee to serve the growing Catholic population of German, Irish, and Polish immigrants in northeastern Wisconsin.[3][4] Archbishop John Martin Henni of Milwaukee served as its first ordinary until 1875.

History

The diocese developed amid rapid 19th-century immigration, with early bishops overseeing church construction and schools amid frontier challenges. Boundary adjustments occurred over time, such as minor territorial shifts with neighboring dioceses. In the 20th century, it navigated urbanization, World War impacts, and Vatican II implementation. Bishop Paul Peter Rhode, the first Polish-American bishop in the U.S., served from 1905 to 1945, strengthening Polish Catholic communities.[5]

In modern times, Bishop David Ricken approved the apparitions at the Shrine of Our Lady of Champion in 2010, boosting pilgrimage.[6]

Geography

The Diocese of Green Bay covers 8,210 square miles (21,265 km²) across 12 counties in northeastern Wisconsin:

  • Brown
  • Calumet
  • Door
  • Florence
  • Forest
  • Kewaunee
  • Manitowoc
  • Marinette
  • Menominee
  • Oconto
  • Outagamie
  • Shawano

It forms a suffragan see in the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee.[7][8]

Mother church

St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay serves as the mother church. Completed in 1881 in Romanesque Revival style, it was elevated to cathedral status upon the diocese's founding and underwent renovations in 2007.[9]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop David Ricken, appointed by Pope Benedict XVI on April 10, 2008 and installed July 9, 2008, previously served as Bishop of Cheyenne. He has emphasized Eucharistic devotion, approved the Champion apparitions, and promoted vocations.[10][11]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
John Martin Henni 1868–1875 First bishop; also Archbishop of Milwaukee.
Peter Joseph Hurth S.J. 1875–1883 Died in office.
Sebastian Gebhard Messmer 1885–1903 Transferred to Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Paul Peter Rhode 1905–1945 First Polish-American bishop in U.S.; died in office.
Bona Paul 1945–1967 Died in office.
John A. Grewe 1968–1972 Resigned.
Aloysius John Wycislo 1973–1983 Retired.
Adam Maida 1984–1990 Transferred to Archdiocese of Detroit; later created Cardinal.
Robert Joseph Banks 1990–2003 Retired.

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

Theological and cultural orientation

The diocese rates 4.2 (slightly conservative), with Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) offered weekly in over 10% of parishes including the cathedral, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life initiatives through its Respect Life office, and leadership under Bishop Ricken prioritizing Eucharistic revival, doctrinal fidelity, and devotion to Mary while engaging social issues.[13][14]

Statistics

As of 2021, the diocese covers 8,210 square miles (21,265 km²), serves 348,751 registered Catholics (27.7% of total population of 1,257,505), across 157 parishes and missions, with 202 priests (152 diocesan), 102 deacons, 37 Catholic elementary schools, 9 high schools, and 4 Catholic hospitals.[15][16]

Religious Communities

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, founded locally in 1869, operate schools like St. Joseph School and healthcare ministries. Address: 2409 S. Monroe St., Green Bay, WI 54311.[17] FSCS

Capuchin Franciscans

The Capuchin Franciscans staff parishes like St. Willebrord in Green Bay and support Native American ministries. Address: 3258 Washburn St., Green Bay, WI 54311.[18]

Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes

The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes focus on education and elder care. Address: 1 Cambridge Circle, Fond du Lac, WI 54935 (nearby province).[19] CSA

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of Green Bay
Diocese of Green Bay

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This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)

No results The Diocese of Green Bay includes 157 parishes organized into 12 deaneries, serving diverse communities from urban Green Bay to rural Door County, with special apostolates for Hispanic, Hmong, and Native American Catholics.[20]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese supports 37 elementary and 9 high schools educating over 10,000 students.

Main article: List of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Green Bay
School Name City Type Website
Abbot Pennings High School De Pere High School Abbot Pennings
Catholic Memorial High School Waukesha High School
De Pere High School (Catholic? No, list accurate: e.g. Notre Dame Academy Green Bay High School NDA
St. Mary Catholic Schools Marinette Elementary/High SMCS

(Full list at List of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Green Bay.)[21][22]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities serves 25,000+ annually with food pantries, housing, and immigration services across the 12 counties.[23]

Notable Events or Figures

  • The National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion received Church approval in 2010, drawing pilgrims to the site of 1859 apparitions to Adele Brise.[24]
  • Bishop Paul Peter Rhode (1905–1945) established numerous Polish parishes, reflecting immigrant heritage.[25]
  • Cardinal Adam Maida (1984–1990) advanced ecumenism and later served in the Roman Curia.[26]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Green Bay:


  • Did you know? Established in 1868 by Pope Pius IX, the diocese was carved from Milwaukee to serve waves of German, Irish, and Polish immigrants who built over 150 enduring parishes in frontier Wisconsin!
  • Surprise! It's home to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion—the only approved Marian apparition in the U.S., where Mary appeared to Adele Brise in 1859, calling for catechesis and the Eucharist.
  • Here's something cool: Bishop Paul Peter Rhode, serving 1905–1945, was the first Polish-American bishop in the U.S., championing Polish heritage amid a diocese rich in Eastern European traditions.
  • Wow moment: St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay, with its stunning Romanesque towers since 1881, hosts the oldest continuously used pipe organ in Wisconsin.
  • Fun fact: The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity, founded right in the diocese in 1869, have taught generations and now minister worldwide from their Green Bay motherhouse.
  • Little-known gem: Door County's parishes, like those in the "Cape of Good Hope," draw summer pilgrims with seaside devotions and lighthouses-turned-chapels.
  • Did you know? Bishop Ricken launched a diocese-wide Eucharistic revival, including perpetual adoration in many parishes, sparking a boom in young adult faith groups.
  • Surprise! The diocese boasts 12 deaneries across snowy forests and Lake Michigan shores, where Packers fans fill pews—proving faith thrives even in Lambeau Field territory!

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    References

    1. ↑ "Green Bay (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy"]. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgbay.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    2. ↑ "National Shrine of Our Lady of Champion". https://championshrine.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    3. ↑ "Green Bay (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy"]. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgbay.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    4. ↑ "Roman Catholic Diocese of Green Bay". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Green_Bay#History. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    5. ↑ "Diocese History". https://gbdioc.org/about-us/history/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    6. ↑ "Bishop Ricken Approves Marian Apparitions at Champion, Wisconsin". https://www.usccb.org/news/2010/bishop-ricken-approves-marian-apparitions-champion-wisconsin. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    7. ↑ "Territory". https://gbdioc.org/about-us/territory/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    8. ↑ "Green Bay (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy"]. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgbay.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    9. ↑ "St. Francis Xavier Cathedral". https://gbdioc.org/cathedral/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    10. ↑ "Bishop David Ricken". https://gbdioc.org/bishop-david-ricken/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    11. ↑ "Bishop David Laurin Ricken [Catholic-Hierarchy"]. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bricken.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    12. ↑ "Green Bay (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy"]. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgbay.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    13. ↑ "Traditional Latin Mass". https://gbdioc.org/worship/liturgy/traditional-latin-mass/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    14. ↑ "Respect Life". https://gbdioc.org/respect-life/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    15. ↑ "Green Bay (Diocese) [Catholic-Hierarchy"]. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dgbay.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    16. ↑ "Statistics". https://www.gbdioc.org/about-us/statistics/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    17. ↑ "Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity". https://fscchome.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    18. ↑ "St. Willebrord Parish". https://gbdioc.org/parishes/st-willebrord-parish/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    19. ↑ "Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes". https://csasisters.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    20. ↑ "Parish Finder". https://gbdioc.org/parishfinder/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    21. ↑ "Catholic Schools". https://gbdioc.org/schools/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    22. ↑ "School Data". https://ncea.org/NCEA_Proclaim/School_Data/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    23. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://catholiccharitiesgb.org/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    24. ↑ "History". https://championshrine.org/history/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    25. ↑ "Diocese History". https://gbdioc.org/about-us/history/. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 
    26. ↑ "Cardinal Adam Maida". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bmaida.html. Retrieved 2025-06-03. 

    External Links

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