Diocese of Superior

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The Diocese of Superior, a suffragan diocese of the Latin Rite, is an active diocese in the northern third of Wisconsin in the United States. Established on January 12, 1905, by Pope Pius X, it encompasses 14 counties and is led by Bishop James Patrick Powers since his installation on May 20, 2008. A member of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee, the diocese serves approximately 94,000 Catholics through 74 parishes amid vast forests and lakes, fostering a strong missionary spirit rooted in its frontier origins.[1][2]

Stored in Cargo: Diocese of Superior

Diocese: Diocese of Superior
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 Powers
Website:https://catholicdos.org/
Newspaper:https://www.superiorcatholicherald.org/
Catholic %:10.4%
Elementary Schools:17
High Schools:3
Deaneries:10
Priests:98
Existence:1905–
Predecessor Dioceses:Diocese of La Crosse; Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Catholic Hospitals:3
Rating:3.8
Chancery Address:1201 S. Stevens St. Eau Claire, WI 54701-6194

Establishment

The Diocese of Superior was canonically erected on January 12, 1905, by Pope Pius X through the apostolic constitution Ex supremi Apostolatus, carved from the territories of the Diocese of La Crosse and the then-Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This creation addressed the needs of the growing Catholic population in northern Wisconsin, particularly among immigrants from Germany, Ireland, Poland, and Scandinavia engaged in logging, mining, and farming.[3][4]

History

The diocese's early years were marked by rapid expansion under its first bishop, who constructed numerous churches and schools in remote areas. Boundary adjustments occurred minimally, with the focus remaining on evangelization in rural settings. In the 20th century, it navigated challenges like the Great Depression, World War II, and declining rural populations, while promoting vocations and Catholic education.

Modern developments

Under Bishop Raphael Fliss (1979–2003), the diocese emphasized lay leadership and social services. Recent leadership has prioritized Eucharistic revival and priestly formation amid demographic shifts.[5]

Geography

The Diocese of Superior spans 14 counties in northern Wisconsin, covering approximately 15,000 square miles (38,850 km²) of forests, lakes, and rural communities:

  • Ashland County
  • Barron County
  • Bayfield County
  • Burnett County
  • Douglas County
  • Iron County
  • Lincoln County
  • Oneida County
  • Price County
  • Rusk County
  • Sawyer County
  • Taylor County
  • Vilas County
  • Washburn County

It forms part of the Ecclesiastical Province of Milwaukee.[6]

Mother church

Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior serves as the mother church. Completed in 1929 in Romanesque Revival style, it features stunning stained glass and hosts major diocesan liturgies.[7]

Leadership

Current Bishop

Bishop James Patrick Powers, ordained a bishop on May 20, 2008, leads the diocese. Previously rector of St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota, he has emphasized family life, vocations, and Eucharistic devotion.[8]

Past Bishops

Name Tenure Notes
Augustine Francis Schinner 1905–1913 First bishop; built over 50 churches and schools.
Joseph Merrill Dionne 1914–1950 Longest-serving; navigated Depression and WWII.
William Thomas Malloy 1950–1967 Expanded education; died in office.
George Henry Biskup 1967–1969 Transferred to Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
Raphael M. Fliss 1979–2003 Promoted lay ministry; retired.
Peter F. Christensen 2004–2007 Transferred to Diocese of Boise.
James Patrick Powers 2008– Current bishop.

According to Catholic-Hierarchy.org and diocesan records.[9][10]

Theological and cultural orientation

The diocese rates 3.8 (slightly conservative), with Traditional Latin Mass offered weekly in several parishes, a strong emphasis on pro-life initiatives alongside social services for the rural poor, and leadership prioritizing doctrinal fidelity and traditional devotions like the Rosary.[11][12]

Statistics

The diocese covers about 15,000 square miles (38,850 km²), serving 93,959 registered Catholics (10.4% of total population of 902,000) across 74 parishes and 10 deaneries, with 68 diocesan priests and 30 religious priests.[13][14]

Religious Communities

Benedictine Sisters

The Benedictine Sisters of Rice Lake run Mount Senario Monastery and support education and retreats. Address: 5914 Highland Rd, Rice Lake, WI 54868.[15]

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity

The Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity from Manitowoc serve in healthcare and parishes. Active in Superior diocese hospitals and schools.[16]

Poor Clares of Hayward

The Poor Clares maintain a contemplative monastery. Address: 10940 Nyman Ave, Hayward, WI 54843.[17]

Parishes

Main article: List of parishes in the Diocese of Superior
Diocese of Superior

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No results The Diocese of Superior includes 74 parishes organized into 10 deaneries, serving diverse rural and lakeside communities with English, Spanish, and Hmong Masses in some locations.[18]

Mission and services

Catholic Education

The diocese oversees 17 elementary/middle schools and 3 high schools:

School Name City Type Website
All Saints Catholic School Hayward Elementary https://allsaintshayward.org/
Aquinas Catholic Schools La Crosse High School
Chetek Catholic Schools Chetek Elementary/High School
Christ Prince of Peace Catholic School Rice Lake Elementary
Divine Savior Catholic School Rice Lake Elementary
Holy Rosary Catholic School Medford Elementary
Immaculate Conception Catholic School Eau Claire Elementary
Notre Dame Catholic School Ashland Elementary
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy Ladysmith Elementary
St. Francis de Sales School Ashland Elementary
St. Joseph School Spooner Elementary
St. Jude School Hayward Elementary
St. Mary Catholic School Park Falls Elementary
St. Peter School Winter Elementary
Sacred Heart Catholic School Tomahawk Elementary
Seton Catholic Schools Eau Claire Elementary/High School https://setoncatholicschools.com/
St. Catherine School Park Falls Elementary
St. Mary/Sacred Heart School Rice Lake Elementary
McDonnell Central Catholic High School Rice Lake High School https://mcdonnellcentral.org/
Northwood Catholic Central Minong Elementary

Sources vary; consult diocesan directory for updates.[19]

Community Outreach

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Superior provides food, shelter, and family services to thousands annually, including refugee resettlement and pregnancy support.[20]

Notable Events or Figures

  • First Bishop Augustine Schinner, a pioneer, personally fundraised for missions in harsh winters, establishing over 50 churches by 1913.[21]
  • The diocese hosted the National Catholic Youth Conference regional events, drawing youth from across the Midwest in 2018.[22]

Fun facts

Below are some fun facts about the Diocese of Superior:


  • Did you know? Pope Pius X created the Diocese of Superior in 1905 to serve loggers and miners in Wisconsin's wild northwoods, where the first bishop traveled by dogsled to remote missions!
  • Surprise! The Cathedral of Christ the King in Superior boasts stunning imported Italian marble and stained glass depicting local saints, dedicated in 1929 amid the Roaring Twenties.
  • Here's something cool: Spanning 14 counties with over 1,000 lakes, the diocese is nicknamed the "Land of 10,000 Lakes for Catholics," perfect for fishing retreats and watery pilgrimages.
  • Wow moment: Bishop Joseph Dionne served an incredible 36 years (1914-1950), guiding the diocese through world wars and the Great Depression without missing a beat.
  • Little-known gem: The Poor Clares in Hayward live a cloistered life surrounded by pristine forests, baking and praying for the diocese's spiritual needs.
  • Fun fact: McDonnell Central Catholic High School in Rice Lake has produced pro athletes and priests, blending sports and faith in the heartland.
  • Did you know? The diocese's 10 deaneries stretch from Lake Superior's shores to the Chequamegon Forest, hosting summer Eucharistic processions through birch groves.
  • Surprise! Early Polish immigrants built onion-dome churches like St. Joseph in Rice Lake, blending Old World faith with New World pioneer grit.

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    References

    1. ↑ "Diocese of Superior". https://catholicdos.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    2. ↑ "Diocese of Superior". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsupr.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    3. ↑ "Diocese of Superior". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsupr.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    4. ↑ "Roman Catholic Diocese of Superior". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_Catholic_Diocese_of_Superior. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    5. ↑ "History". https://catholicdos.org/about/history/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    6. ↑ "Diocese Map". https://catholicdos.org/about/diocese-map/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    7. ↑ "Cathedral of Christ the King". https://catholicdos.org/cathedral/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    8. ↑ "Bishop James Patrick Powers". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/bpowers.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    9. ↑ "Diocese of Superior". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsupr.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    10. ↑ "Bishops". https://catholicdos.org/about/bishops/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    11. ↑ "Liturgy". https://catholicdos.org/worship/liturgy/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    12. ↑ "Respect Life". https://catholicdos.org/respect-life/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    13. ↑ "Statistics". https://catholicdos.org/about/statistics/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    14. ↑ "Diocese of Superior". https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/dsupr.html. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    15. ↑ "Benedictine Sisters of Rice Lake". https://benedictinerice.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    16. ↑ "Franciscan Sisters". https://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    17. ↑ "Poor Clares of Hayward". https://poorclareshayward.org/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    18. ↑ "Parish Directory". https://catholicdos.org/parishes/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    19. ↑ "Schools". https://catholicdos.org/schools/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    20. ↑ "Catholic Charities". https://catholicdos.org/charities/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    21. ↑ "Bishops". https://catholicdos.org/about/bishops/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 
    22. ↑ "News". https://catholicdos.org/news/. Retrieved 2024-10-01. 

    External links

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