St. Therese Milwaukee

Our Parish Roots

St. Therese Parish was born around 1925 as a small chapel built by Fr. Peter Schroeder. When it was completed, the chapel was named the “Little Flower Mission” on 94th and Adler after St. Therese of Lisieux. Fr. Joseph De Maria was chosen to head the community after Fr. Peter. Fr. Joe envisioned creating a church and school at St. Therese. In 1955 a deal was struck with Milwaukee County: the county could have fifteen acres of the Mission’s land — today used as the Zoo parking lot — if we could have fifteen acres for a church at the current site. The county agreed and the foundation was laid for St. Therese. Over time, the parish evolved and grew by focusing on religious education, social concerns, increasing involvement of the laity, spirituality, and a renewed commitment to living the Gospel in the ways of St. Therese. Beginning as just a small chapel on Bluemound Road, the “little flower” of St. Therese has blossomed into a lively community of believers. Despite challenges, St. Therese has always met them under the inspiration of our patron, St. Therese of Lisieux, following her “Little Way.

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Our Share

Through much prayer, planning and 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 for debt retirement, capital improvements to our parish buildings and additions to our school endowment fund.