St. James the Apostle, Kenosha

Our Parish Roots

This history of St. James Parish intertwines with the history of Kenosha (which at the time was known as Southport). Before Wisconsin was established as a state, English-speaking Catholics in Kenosha would meet for Mass, sacraments, and prayer. In 1834, this community was ministered to by the Rev. Martin Kundig of Detroit, the official circuit-riding missionary. This community gathered at the original mission church building where our current rectory building stands today. Once the Diocese of Milwaukee was established and Bishop John Henni arrived, the Catholics of the original mission formed our parish officially on March 12, 1844.

St. James Parish has been committed to the faith from its early days to our present time. Our parish currently shares a priest and staff with St. Elizabeth Parish, and together, we serve the Downtown Kenosha Catholic community. The Catholic faith in Kenosha started downtown, and it continues through our Downtown Kenosha parishes.

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Our Share

Through much prayer, planning, ad conversation, we have identified our greatest needs and initiatives to strengthen our mission and vision for years to come.  Our share of the funds raised will be used to repair the facilities of the parish, specificially with renovation of the interior and exterior of our church building.