Called by Jesus Christ to “Seek first the kingdom of God;” we are the Diocese of La Crosse, a sacramental people, who worship God, teach the Catholic faith, and serve the needs of the human person. Established on March 3, 1868, our local Church, the Diocese of La Crosse, was born by decree of Blessed Pope Pius IX. Today, we are proud to serve 950,000 souls, of whom 150,000 are Roman Catholic among 159 parishes. Father René Menard had arrived within our bounds more than 200 years earlier, and after him came other missionaries, settlers, farmers, woodsman, trappers, and riverboat mariners. Since its inception, the Diocese of La Crosse has seen the growth and increase from many nations—Polish, German, Irish, Hmong, and Mexican—added to its native peoples. It has seen the heroic witness of many, including Venerable Frederic Baraga, Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli, Blessed Solanus Casey, Servant of God Father Joseph Walijewski, and Polonia’s Guatemalan Martyr Blessed James Miller. The territory of the Diocese is nineteen counties in the west and central part of the State of Wisconsin. The western boundary of the diocese is formed by the Mississippi River. The Wisconsin River forms the southern and eastern boundary of the diocese. The northern boundary of the diocese is the southern boundary of the Diocese of Superior. The majority of the diocesan territory is rural and used for agriculture. There are six urban centers with combined populations close to 630,000. As we look forward as a diocese, Bishop William Patrick Callahan, our tenth bishop, is giving vision to our mission of building up the Kingdom of God. Called by the love of Christ we recognize the Spirit of God in one another and give witness to the value of human life by mutual respect and honor. In particular, this is represented in everyone’s call to vocation, marriage and family life, sacred worship and a deep desire to live a saintly life and thus meriting heaven.
External link for Diocese of La Crosse
3710 East Ave S
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601, US
Diocese of La Crosse reposted this
"Today the Lord shows us his glorious wounds and his heart, an inexhaustible source of light and truth, of love and forgiveness...Through the mystery of this wounded heart, the restorative tide of God's merciful love continues to spread over the men and women of our time. Here alone can those who long for true and lasting happiness find its secret." - Pope Saint John Paul II #focuscatholic #DivineMercySunday
"May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to think in harmony with one another, in keeping with Christ Jesus, that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." (Rom 15:5-6) This morning, Bishop Gerard Battersby met with the leadership of Viterbo University as part of his first visit as the incoming bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse. Viterbo is the diocese's Catholic university, and its vision is "A Catholic, Franciscan university boldly transforming students and our communities through service, collaboration, and leadership." Pictured together (L-R) are Sr. Nettles, Bishop Callahan, Bishop Battersby, Viterbo President Rick Trietley and Father Conrad Targonski.
Retiring Diocese of La Crosse Bishop William Patrick Callahan and his successor Bishop Gerard Battersby paid an introductory visit to Viterbo University March 20. The Viterbo community extends its blessings and well wishes to both clergies. From left are Sr. Laura Nettles, Bishop Callahan, Bishop Battersby, President Richard Trietley, and Fr. Conrad Targonski.
We’re #hiring! We are excited to announce a new position within our diocesan curia - "Digital Evangelist & Marketing Specialist." The communication department's mission is to facilitate encounters with Christ, and this position is instrumental in that pursuit. Please review the description below and ask yourself, "Is this what He is calling me to do?"
The truth, beauty and goodness of our Faith are readily apparent in these pictures from an Ash Wednesday Mass today held at Regis Catholic Schools. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. For he knows how we are formed remembers that we are dust. (Psalm 103:13-14)
Karla leads the Catholic Charities warming center in La Crosse and will be speaking at Viterbo’s “Leadership over Lunch” event on February 5th. Come and listen!
Join the Viterbo University Reinhart Institute for Ethics for Leadership at Noon on Feb. 5. Click on the link for more details and to register! https://lnkd.in/gu7srajN
Diocese of La Crosse reposted this
"As we celebrate the birth of our Savior, may we be a blessing to each other, and especially for those who need to know they are blessed." We invite you to read the final reflection in CCUSA's Advent series. https://bit.ly/481favL
Diocese of La Crosse reposted this
Navy SEAL Michael Monsoor's heroic training mission, enduring icy waters, crashing waves, and a harrowing rescue, embodies his unwavering commitment to service and sacrifice, resonating with the Archangel St. Michael's ethos, culminating in his ultimate act of bravery during the Battle of Ramadi, where he shielded comrades from a grenade, earning him the Congressional Medal of Honor. #focuscatholic https://hubs.la/Q02c18ks0
Diocese of La Crosse reposted this
"In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.” -St. Teresa of Avila A heartfelt thanks for your abundant hope and joy. Grateful for you all on this thanksgiving day. Blessings, your friends at FOCUS. #focuscatholic
Diocese of La Crosse reposted this
Tradition holds that St. Cecilia "sang to God in her heart" on her wedding day, and her husband converted to Christianity with the assistance of an angel. Let us sing songs in our own hearts to the Lord with great faith and in intercession through St. Cecilia on her feast day. St. Cecilia, pray for us! #focuscatholic
Viterbo University’s University’s Father Conrad Targonski celebrates a rare Mass in the baptistery of St. John Lateran in Rome. Built in 440 AD, this baptistery was the site of every baptism in Rome for many years.