St. Catherine, Milwuakee

Our Parish Roots

St. Catherine Parish is unique among the Roman Catholic congregations born in the first quarter of this century. It was formed, not as the focus of a specific nationality’s worship, but to place the house of God where the people had built their houses. The northwest side of Milwaukee in 1922 was in its early stages of development with a few homes and many streets unpaved. It was here that Father Peter Flasch, under the direction of Archbishop Sebastian Messmer, St.Catherine of Alexandria Church was incorporated as a parish of the Milwaukee Archdiocese on November 13, 1922.

A pine-board barrack-type building was temporarily erected to serve as the school and church for the over one hundred Catholic families. In the next twenty-five years the school, convent, rectory, and an American Gothic church were erected, and various religious societies and youth groups were organized throughout the community.

On June 26, 2011, Blessed Trinity Parish merged with St. Catherine Parish to form one new faith community. We embrace and extend a greeting of peace to our brothers and sisters as we continue to blend our faith communities. Today the Congregation of St. Catherine stands on holy ground in the center of the city striving to live the Gospel message, proclaiming we are “Here to Stay, Here to Serve.”

Give Now

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 to enhance safety of entry ways, repaint indoor church and offices spaces, and strengthen the outreach, liturgy and formation programs at the parish.

Parish Goal

$267,816

Wave 3

January 2023 - June 2023

Final Total Pledge

$301,980

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CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS - $100,690

In 1922, forty-one families pledged $10,000 to be paid over a period of five years to help establish the parish. Through their generosity and belief, we have the privilege to be members of the St. Catherine community and inherit the beautiful worship space we have today. Following this tradition, funds raised will be used to improve our parish buildings for present and future generations. Access will be improved for those with mobility needs through essential church bathroom upgrades. To enhance safety, outdoor lights will be installed, and parish entries will be updated and secured. Church and office painting and repairs will be completed to preserve the vibrance of parish buildings.

MISSION AND MINISTRY - $60,000

As the neighborhood has grown and changed, the original focus on the needs of the neighborhood continues to be the lens through which St. Catherine views its mission. Funds raised will be used to continue and grow our investments in our long- established Food Pantry, St. Vincent DePaul Society, Common Ground, and partnerships within the Sherman Park neighborhood. Furthermore, funds will enable us to update audiovisual equipment to enrich Mass, music and formation ministries that serve parish and neighborhood youth, families, and adults. Funds will also help to build upon our strong history of outreach, growing our capacity to welcome and nourish those in need and in recovery by supporting our Community Center and hosting neighborhood events