Immaculate Conception

History of St. Mary's Immaculate Conception

Catholic life in the Custer area began in 1840 with the first Mass in the home of Owen Fehely, celebrated by Rev. Sale, S.J. Irish immigrants were the first settlers, later joined by Polish Catholic families in the 1860s. For 35 years missionary priests traveled from as far as Milwaukee to serve the scattered faithful, and after St. Stephen Parish was founded in Stevens Point in 1853 its priests visited Custer regularly. In 1875 the parishioners built the wood-frame church that still stands, on land donated by Timothy O'Leary, Sr.; Bishop F. X. Krautbauer of the Green Bay Diocese dedicated it November 16, 1875. The first resident pastor, Fr. Joseph Augustine Geissler, arrived in 1886 and oversaw construction of the rectory that same year. The parish was transferred to the Diocese of La Crosse on January 7, 1946, and through the twentieth and twenty-first centuries has added a basement parish hall (1936), front-entrance enclosure and side additions (1960s–70s), classroom space, a re-purposed former public school for religious education, and steady maintenance through 2022. The parish counts many priestly and religious vocations, most notably Fr. Robert S. McCarthy (ordained 1942) and a number of Benedictine and other religious sisters.

• 1840 — First Mass in the home of Owen Fehely
• 1853 — St. Stephen Parish founded in Stevens Point; its priests begin visiting Custer
• November 16, 1875 — Church dedicated by Bishop F. X. Krautbauer (Green Bay Diocese); built by parishioners under contractor Michael Herbert
• 1886 — Rectory built; Fr. Joseph Augustine Geissler becomes first resident pastor (1886–1890)
• 1935–1936 — Basement parish hall and improved heating added under Fr. Joseph Schafer
• January 7, 1946 — Parish transferred to the Diocese of La Crosse
• 1968 & 1972 — Front entrance enclosed; side addition and classrooms added
• Ongoing stewardship: sanctuary remodel (2011), sidewalks & electrical (2014), Stations of the Cross painted (2016), carpet and classrooms (2020), ramp & sacristy repairs (2022)

Parish Mission & Identity

St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish describes itself as 'a practicing Catholic Community providing spiritual, social and educational opportunities for all God's people that we may deepen our love of God and one another through prayer and deed.' The parish commonly goes by 'St. Mary's, Custer,' and its identity is rooted in 180-plus years of rural Catholic life in the Township of Stockton.

Parish Ministries & Committees

The parish's Pastoral/Finance Council includes a Sacred Worship, Education, Family Life and Social Justice committee that serves parishioners in a variety of needs. Six elected members make up the Parish Council, which assists the pastor with matters concerning the spiritual life of the parish. 'Women on a Mission' meets on the first Monday of each month and welcomes all women of the parish for fellowship, learning and growth in faith. Liturgical roles are filled by parishioners serving as Eucharistic Ministers, Servers, Lectors, Greeters, Cantors, Ushers and Music Ministers.

• Parish Council (six elected members)
• Sacred Worship Committee
• Education Committee
• Family Life Committee
• Social Justice Committee
• Cemetery Committee
• Altar Society
• Women on a Mission (meets first Monday of each month)
• Liturgical roles: Eucharistic Ministers, Servers, Lectors, Greeters, Cantors, Ushers, Music Ministers

Sacraments

St. Mary's celebrates the full sacramental life of the Church. The parish's first recorded Baptism (Timothy Leary) was July 9, 1876; its first wedding, July 19, 1886; and its first funeral on record was for Richard O'Keefe on July 8 of that same year. Today, engaged couples complete part of their Marriage preparation through diocesan-approved sacramental marriage preparation retreats; the pastor, pastoral associate, or deacon can best direct couples in their planning. The sacrament of Reconciliation is offered weekly on Fridays from 7:30 to 8:00 a.m.

Parish Staff & Leadership

The parish is currently served by Fr. Mark Miller as Pastor (since 2021) and Deacon Jim Sniadajewski (since 2023). The parish office can be reached at (715) 592-4330; the Pastor's direct line is (715) 600-6942. Marie Helminiak (715-592-4971) coordinates parish involvement and stewardship opportunities, including the parish expansion / building-fund giving tiers.

• Pastor — Fr. Mark Miller (2021–present)
• Deacon — Deacon Jim Sniadajewski (2023–present)
• Parish Office — (715) 592-4330
• Pastor's direct line — (715) 600-6942
• Parish involvement / building fund contact — Marie Helminiak, (715) 592-4971

Pastoral Succession

St. Mary's has been served by a long line of pastors since its first resident priest, Fr. Joseph Augustine Geissler, arrived in 1886. In the modern era the parish has welcomed many priests serving shorter assignments, including Fr. Sotico Florida (2002–2006), Fr. G. Thayilkuzhithottu (2006–2009), Fr. Rajen Anandan (2009–2012), Fr. Jude Dioka (2012–2015), Fr. Daniel Hackel (2015–2016), Fr. Gregory Machaud (2016–2019) and Fr. Allen Guanella (2019–2021), with Fr. Mark Miller becoming pastor in 2021. Deacons and pastoral associates have also served, including Deacon Art Schaller (1999–2003) and Pastoral Associate Chris Burr (2000–2003).

• Fr. Joseph Augustine Geissler — 1886–1890 (first resident pastor; built rectory)
• Fr. Joseph Schafer — oversaw 1935 vote for basement hall and new heating
• Fr. Sotico Florida — 2002–2006
• Fr. G. Thayilkuzhithottu — 2006–2009
• Fr. Rajen Anandan — 2009–2012
• Fr. Jude Dioka — 2012–2015
• Fr. Daniel Hackel — 2015–2016
• Fr. Gregory Machaud — 2016–2019
• Fr. Allen Guanella — 2019–2021
• Fr. Mark Miller — 2021–present
• Deacon Art Schaller — 1999–2003
• Chris Burr, Pastoral Associate — 2000–2003
• Deacon Jim Sniadajewski — 2023–present

Get Involved: Building the Future

St. Mary's is currently raising funds for a parish expansion. Donors at every level receive permanent recognition on a 'Giving Wall' within the expanded facilities, with naming opportunities for the Great Hall, courtyard, kitchen, stained-glass windows, statues and a baptismal fountain. One hundred percent of all monies raised remain in the parish's building fund. To discuss a gift or learn more, contact Marie Helminiak at 715-592-4971.

• Angel Donors ($200,000+) — Naming of Great Hall
• Guardians of St. Mary's ($100,000+) — Naming of Courtyard / Kitchen
• Sowers of Hope ($75,000+) — Dedication of a stained-glass window (south wall)
• Community Builders ($50,000+) — Dedication of stained-glass windows in the new addition's hallway; dedication of statues and baptismal fountain
• Pillars of Faith ($10,000+) — Name recognition on Giving Wall
• Friends of St. Mary's ($20,000+) — Name recognition on Giving Wall
• Faithful Stewards ($5,000+) — Name recognition on Giving Wall

Visit, Contact & Practical Notes

St. Mary's Immaculate Conception Parish is located at 7176 Esker Road, Custer, WI 54423, in the Diocese of La Crosse (Stevens Point Deanery). The parish mailing address is 7176 Esker Road, Custer, WI 54423-8800. Anyone needing a ride or assistance is encouraged to call the office. As of April 20 the exterior ramp has been removed and the North (Sacristy) Entrance is closed; ushers are on hand to assist anyone entering or exiting through the main entrance.

• Address — 7176 Esker Road, Custer, WI 54423
• Phone — (715) 592-4330
• Email — [email protected]
• Website — https://www.stmaryscuster.net/
• Diocese — Diocese of La Crosse (Stevens Point Deanery)
• Accessibility note — North (Sacristy) Entrance closed since April 20; ushers available at the main entrance to assist