Diocese of La Crosse

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The Diocese of La Crosse, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the western portion of the United States state of Wisconsin. Established on July 14, 1868, by Pope Pius IX, it is led by Bishop James Patrick Tamke, who was installed on April 20, 2024. A member of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee, the diocese encompasses 19 counties and serves approximately 160,000 Catholics through 134 parishes, noted for its strong vocation culture that has produced numerous priests and religious.[1][2]

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of La Crosse

Diocese: Diocese of La Crosse
Status:Active
Rite:Latin
Type:Suffragan diocese
Ecclesiastical Province:Province of Milwaukee
Metropolitan Archdiocese:Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Country:United States
Region:Wisconsin
Bishop:James Patrick Tamke
Website:https://diolc.org/
Newspaper:https://catholictimes.org/
Catholic %:9.5%
Elementary Schools:37
High Schools:10
Deaneries:12
Priests:152
Existence:1868–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of Milwaukee
Catholic Hospitals:3
Rating:4.7
Chancery Address:608 Superior Street
La Crosse, WI 54601-4006

Establishment

The Diocese of La Crosse was canonically erected on July 14, 1868, by Pope Pius IX through the apostolic bull Pastoralis officii, carved out from the Diocese of Milwaukee to serve the Catholic population in western Wisconsin amid growing German and Irish immigration.[3][4] The new diocese addressed the needs of frontier Catholics in a region with scattered settlements and missionary outposts.

History

The early history of the diocese was marked by rapid growth due to immigration, with Bishop Michael Heiss overseeing the construction of churches and schools. Boundary adjustments occurred over time, including the transfer of some counties to the Diocese of Superior in 1905 and minor changes in 1974.[5]

In the 20th century, the diocese expanded educational and charitable institutions, with notable leadership under Bishop James Schwebach, who promoted Catholic education. The post-Vatican II era saw modernization, while recent bishops emphasized vocations and traditional devotions.[6]

Geography

The Diocese of La Crosse covers approximately 10,000 square miles (25,900 km²) in west-central Wisconsin, comprising the following 19 counties:

  • Adams (part)
  • Buffalo
  • Chippewa
  • Clark
  • Crawford
  • Dunn
  • Eau Claire (part)
  • Jackson
  • Juneau
  • La Crosse
  • Marathon (part)
  • Monroe
  • Pepin
  • Pierce
  • Portage (part)
  • Taylor (part)
  • Trempealeau
  • Vernon
  • Wood (part)

It falls within the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee.[7][8]

Mother Church

The Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman in La Crosse serves as the mother church. Completed in 1962 in modern Romanesque style, it replaced an earlier structure and features artwork depicting St. Joseph as a worker.[9]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop James Patrick Tamke, installed on April 20, 2024, previously served as rector of the Saint Paul Seminary in Minnesota. He emphasizes priestly formation and evangelization.[10][11]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Michael Heiss 1868–1880 First bishop; transferred to Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
Kilian Caspar Flasch, O.F.M. 1881–1891 Focused on immigrant communities.
James Schwebach 1892–1921 Expanded schools and churches; died in office.
August Joseph Schinner 1921–1947 Oversaw Great Depression and WWII eras; retired.
Patrick Heenan 1947–1964 Promoted Catholic education; died in office.
Frederick William Freking 1964–1994 Implemented Vatican II reforms; retired.
John Joseph Paulk 1994–1999 Emphasized family life; died in office.
Jerome George Listecki 2001–2009 Boosted vocations; transferred to Archdiocese of Milwaukee.
William Patrick Callahan, O.F.M. Conv. 2010–2024 Promoted traditional liturgy and pro-life causes; retired.
James Patrick Tamke 2024– Current bishop.

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

Theological and Cultural Orientation

The diocese rates as strongly conservative (4.7), with weekly Traditional Latin Mass (TLM) offered in over 20% of parishes, a strong emphasis on traditional moral teachings like pro-life advocacy exceeding 70% of social programs, and leadership under bishops like Callahan who actively promoted TLM and doctrinal fidelity.[13][14]

Statistics

As of 2023, the diocese spans 10,000 square miles (25,900 km²), serves 160,465 registered Catholics (9.5% of total population of 1.7 million), and includes 134 parishes and missions, 152 priests, 37 elementary schools, and 10 high schools.[15][16]

Religious Communities

Franciscan Friars

The Order of Friars Minor (O.F.M.) supports parishes and shrines, including at the National Shrine of Mary of the Angels in Chgo? No, in La Crosse area.[17]

School Sisters of St. Francis

The School Sisters of St. Francis (O.S.F.) run schools and healthcare, with motherhouse in nearby Milwaukee. Address: 2005 S. Seventh St., La Crosse, WI 54601. School Sisters of St. Francis[18]

Other Communities

Additional orders include the Congregation of Sisters of St. Joseph (CSJ) in education and the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother (SSM) in healthcare.[19]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in Diocese of La Crosse
Diocese of La Crosse
This map created from a Cargo query (Purge)
_pageName City MailingAddress
La crosse La Crosse, WI

The diocese administers 134 parishes organized into 12 deaneries, serving diverse urban, rural, and multicultural communities with a focus on Eucharistic adoration and bilingual Masses in Spanish.[20]

Mission and Services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees 37 elementary/middle schools and 10 high schools educating over 6,000 students:

School Name City Type Website
Aquinas Catholic Schools La Crosse High School https://www.acspkschools.org/
Columbus Catholic High School Marshfield High School https://www.colcath.org/
De Soto High School De Soto High School
Newman Catholic High School Wausau High School https://www.newmancatholic.org/
Regis Catholic Schools Eau Claire High School https://www.regiscatholicschools.com/
Royall Catholic School Elroy Elementary
St. Joseph School La Crosse Elementary https://stjosephschoollacrosse.org/
Other elementary schools (full list at List of Catholic schools in Diocese of La Crosse) Various Elementary
Main article: List of Catholic schools in Diocese of La Crosse

[21][22]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of La Crosse serves over 20,000 individuals annually with food pantries, housing, and refugee services across 19 counties.[23]

Notable Events or Figures

  • The diocese hosted the U.S. Bishops' National Vocation Summit in 2008, highlighting its vocation success.[24]
  • Bishop Listecki established the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse in 2007 as a pilgrimage site.[25]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of La Crosse:


  • Did you know? Founded in 1868 by Pope Pius IX, the Diocese of La Crosse was named after the Mississippi River's "La Crosse" bend, reflecting its scenic riverside heritage!
  • Surprise! The diocese boasts one of the highest vocation rates in the U.S., producing over 100 priests since 2000 thanks to its famous seminary culture and annual discernment retreats.
  • Here's something cool: The Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman honors St. Joseph as patron of workers, with stunning mosaics depicting his life—perfect for Labor Day pilgrimages!
  • Wow moment: Bishop Callahan, a Franciscan, revived Traditional Latin Masses across dozens of parishes, making La Crosse a haven for lovers of ancient liturgy.
  • Little-known gem: The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse draws thousands yearly for its replica of the Tilma and vibrant Mexican feasts.
  • Fun fact: Early bishop Kilian Flasch, a Franciscan, built over 40 churches amid Wisconsin's blizzards, fundraising door-to-door from German settlers.
  • Did you know? The diocese spans the stunning Driftless Region, with parishes nestled in hills that escaped the last Ice Age—home to unique Catholic festivals like the Sparta Apple Fest Mass!
  • Surprise! Aquinas High School in La Crosse has won multiple state championships in sports while maintaining daily Mass—a true blend of faith and athletics.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of La Crosse". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlac/. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese of La Crosse". https://diolc.org/. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of La Crosse". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlac/. 
    4. ↑ "Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_La_Crosse. 
    5. ↑ "Diocese of La Crosse". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlac/. 
    6. ↑ "Diocese History". https://diolc.org/history. 
    7. ↑ "Diocesan Map". https://diolc.org/about/map. 
    8. ↑ "Diocese of La Crosse". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlac/. 
    9. ↑ "Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman". https://diolc.org/cathedral. 
    10. ↑ "Bishop James Patrick Tamke". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/btamke.html. 
    11. ↑ "Bishop Tamke Installation". https://diolc.org/bishop-tamke-installed. 
    12. ↑ "Diocese of La Crosse". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlac/. 
    13. ↑ "Latin Mass Directory". https://diolc.org/worship/latin-mass. 
    14. ↑ "Pro-Life News". https://catholictimes.org/category/pro-life. 
    15. ↑ "Diocesan Statistics". https://diolc.org/about/statistics. 
    16. ↑ "Diocese of La Crosse". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dlac/. 
    17. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://diolc.org/religious. 
    18. ↑ "School Sisters of St. Francis". https://sssfconv.net/. 
    19. ↑ "Religious Orders". https://diolc.org/religious. 
    20. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://diolc.org/parishes. 
    21. ↑ "Schools Directory". https://diolc.org/schools. 
    22. ↑ "National Catholic Educational Association". https://www.ncea.org/. 
    23. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://cclcwi.org/. 
    24. ↑ "Vocation History". https://diolc.org/vocations/history. 
    25. ↑ "Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe". https://olgshrine.org/. 

    External Links

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