History

A Rich History of Catholic Faith on the West Side of Green Bay

Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Mission Statement
Annunciation Parish is a worship community called by God and those around us to make His presence felt
in the lives of many people. In order to do this, we educate those who do not understand, inspire those who have no dreams, bring justice and dignity to those who have been oppressed, and bring near those who are far away.

Our Patron
Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Feast Day: March 25

History
In the spring of 1932, Rev. William H. Kiernan was appointed to establish the eighth Catholic parish in Green Bay and the third parish on the west side. The new parish was named “The Congregation of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.”

When Annunciation Parish was established, most of the parishioners were of German descent. There was nothing in the area at the time but cabbage fields and frog ponds.

Annunciation School opened in September of 1933 and was served by the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, Wisconsin, until June of 1980.

St. Joseph Parish

Mission Statement
We, the parishioners of St. Joseph, Green Bay, have been a community of faith since 1914. We accept the challenge
and commitment of our Baptism to follow the example of Jesus in all things. We commit ourselves to be a people of prayer and worship. We make life-long faith formation a priority as we provide opportunities for growth and development for all members. We strive to be generous stewards of our gifts, skills and resources. Trusting in the Lord’s presence in our lives, we are able to bring God’s message to our families, our community, and our world.

Our Patron
St. Joseph is the patron of workers, the Universal Church and immigrants.
Feast Day: March 19

History
St. Joseph Parish was established in 1914, accommodating the increasing expansion of the west side of the city, then being served solely by St. Patrick Church. Rev. Matthias Kraus was appointed as first pastor and served in this position until 1930.

St. Joseph Catholic Grade School opened in 1917 and was run by the Sisters of St. Agnes until 1932. In 1938, because of deteriorating structural conditions, a decision was made to construct a new church, school, and convent—the buildings now known as St. Joseph. The new school was staffed by the Franciscan Sisters of Manitowoc and had an enrollment of 354 students.

Although previously established churches in Green Bay were formed primarily by ethnic groupings, joining people with similar national backgrounds, St. Joseph would have territorial lines only, including many of the common laborers and less wealthy people. Thus the name St. Joseph, patron saint of laborers, was chosen.

 

ST. JUDE PARISH

 

Mission Statement
St. Jude Parish is a Catholic Community bound together by baptism and faith in Jesus Christ. We gather to worship God and hear the Gospel message. The Gospel calls us to serve others and to be a sign of God’s love, justice, peace, unity and reconciliation in the world. As we journey together, we strive to know Jesus better and to use our gifts of time, talent and treasure for the building of God’s kingdom.

Our Patron
St. Jude is the patron of lost causes.
Feast Day: October 28th

 

 

History
Bishop Stanislaus V. Bona made the official announcement establishing St. Jude Parish on June 17, 1957. Father Anthony Baier was appointed the founding pastor.

Soon after the formal announcement was made, a rectory was built at 503 N. Platten Street. Sunday masses were held at Annunciation Church, weekday masses and parish meetings were held in the newly constructed rectory. Contracts for the church-school-convent complex were let on March 11, 1958. Groundbreaking took place March 30, 1958. The church was completed on December 14, 1958. The first Mass was celebrated in St. Jude Church on December 14, 1958.