About St. Bridget · River Falls, Wisconsin
Saint Bridget Catholic Community is an active parish in River Falls, Wisconsin, part of the Diocese of Superior, that has served its community since 1854. The parish operates under the mission of "Awaken Faith, Build Community, and Make Disciples," offering weekend Masses, a robust K-11 Faith Formation program, and an associated PreK-8 parish school at 135 E. Division Street. With approximately 4,500 members and more than one hundred ministries of service, Saint Bridget is led by Parochial Administrator Rev. Balaraju Policetty and supported by two permanent deacons and a full parish and school staff.
- Established
- 1854
- Patron
- St. Bridget (of Ireland)
- Rector
- Rev. Balaraju Policetty (Parochial Administrator)
- Diocese
- Diocese of Superior
Why belong here
Saint Bridget is a large, multigenerational parish of roughly 4,500 members with more than one hundred ministries of service — from altar servers and ushers to faith formation, music, and outreach. The parish combines a strong liturgical life (three weekend Masses, daily Mass most days, Eucharistic adoration, and regular Reconciliation) with an on-site PreK-8 Catholic school and a K-11 Faith Formation program that prepares children for the sacraments. Its mission to "Awaken Faith, Build Community, and Make Disciples" is lived out through RCIA/OCIA, women's Bible studies, a women's prayer group, Life in the Spirit seminars, Eucharistic ministry, and a vibrant stewardship of time, talent and treasure. For families, students, and visitors to River Falls seeking a welcoming, active Catholic community, Saint Bridget offers both deep roots (since 1854) and many ways to get involved.
Mass times at St. Bridget
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Tuesday 4:30 p.m. (before 5:00 p.m. Mass)
- Thursday 7:30–8:00 a.m. (before 8:00 a.m. Mass)
- Friday 7:30–8:00 a.m. (before 8:00 a.m. Mass)
- Saturday 3:00 p.m. (before 4:00 p.m. Mass)
- Community Reconciliation services during Advent and Lent
- By appointment with Fr. Balaraju Policetty
Adoration times
- Friday 7:30–8:00 a.m. (Eucharistic Adoration during the reconciliation hour)
About Saint Bridget Catholic Community
Saint Bridget Catholic Community is an active parish in River Falls, Wisconsin, belonging to the Diocese of Superior. The parish describes itself as committed to spiritual growth and community service, gathering under the mission statement: "Awaken Faith, Build Community, and Make Disciples." The parish office is open Monday–Thursday 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m., with weekend Masses Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
Parish History
Saint Bridget of River Falls traces its roots to 1854, when the first permanent Catholic settlers arrived — just six years after Joel Foster founded the town. These families acquired government land south of what is now the city. A parish history was compiled by George M. Kremer in July 1992. The parish established its first Parish Council in the summer of 1984 and built a Stewardship program around the commitment of Time, Talent, and Treasure, with committees for Liturgy, Faith Formation, Evangelization, and a Finance Council. The parish's original records from 1890–1950 are preserved at the UW–Madison Libraries, including financial records and St. Bridget's Cemetery burial permits.
- 1854 — first permanent Catholic settlers in the River Falls area
- 1951 — parish school dedicated August 27, 1951; first opened with 79 students in grades 3–6 taught by Sisters of St. Joseph
- 1957 — gymnasium and additional classrooms added; first lay teacher hired
- 1961–62 — peak enrollment of 323 students in the eight-grade school
- 1974 — first 5K (Kindergarten) program added in the Diocese of Superior
- 1984 — first Parish Council formed under direction of the Diocese of Superior
- 1989/1992 — Pre-School added to the school
- 1993 — 4K program added
Sacraments
Saint Bridget celebrates all seven Catholic sacraments, with parish staff and volunteer couples walking families and individuals through preparation. Baptism preparation classes are held on the first Friday of each month in the parish library. Marriage preparation requires contact with the parish at least six months in advance and uses FOCCUS facilitator couples. OCIA (formerly RCIA) welcomes unbaptized adults, Christians baptized in other denominations, and Catholics needing Confirmation and Eucharist. The Anointing of the Sick and vocations inquiries are coordinated through Fr. Balaraju Policetty.
- Baptism — first Friday classes: 6:00 p.m. (second child) and 6:30 p.m. (first child)
- First Communion & Confirmation — through Faith Formation
- Reconciliation — see weekly schedule above
- Marriage — six-month preparation with FOCCUS couples
- Anointing of the Sick — contact Fr. Balaraju Policetty
- Holy Orders — contact Fr. Balaraju Policetty
- OCIA / RCIA — Order of Christian Initiation of Adults
Faith Formation & Religious Education
Saint Bridget runs a comprehensive K-11 Faith Formation program for parish children, in addition to its PreK-8 parish school. The program is staffed by a part-time Coordinator of PreK-8 Faith Formation (currently Tessa Schuermann, serving since 2024 after many years as Coordinator of Teen Faith Formation beginning in 2004) and a Coordinator of 9-12 Grade Faith Formation (Jessie, who joined the team in September 2024). The parish celebrates candidates entering the Church at the Easter Vigil each year; recent 2026 Vigil candidates included Van Hanson, Rick & Gloria Troester, and James Quilling.
- PreK-8 Faith Formation (Coordinator: Tessa Schuermann)
- 9-12 Grade Faith Formation (Coordinator: Jessie)
- Sacramental prep: Baptism, First Communion, Confirmation
- Catechists for grades 5, 6, 7, and 9
- Annual K-11 Faith Formation Registration (registration form published each summer)
St. Bridget Parish School (PreK-8)
St. Bridget Parish School is a welcoming, innovative Catholic community focused on faith, family, and individual academic excellence — "fostering living examples of God's presence in our world." The school is accredited by the Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation (WRISA), employs a full-time principal, 19 full- and part-time teachers, a secretary, kitchen staff, several Before and After Care workers, and a maintenance person. It currently enrolls approximately 152 students.
- Principal: Dannell Nordstrom
- Pastor: Rev. Balaraju Policetty
- Address: 135 E. Division Street, River Falls, WI 54022
- Phone: (715) 425-1872
- Programs: PreK, 4K, 5K, and grades 1–8
- First 5K program in the Diocese of Superior (1974)
- 4K program added 1993
- Founded 1951, opened with 79 students taught by Sisters of St. Joseph
Parish Staff
The parish and school are led by Parochial Administrator Fr. Balaraju Policetty and supported by two permanent deacons, a Parish Administrator, coordinators of faith formation, a Coordinator of Liturgical Ministries, a Director of School Development & Marketing, a Head of Maintenance, and a full-time office staff. Pastor emergency line: (651) 300-4028.
- Rev. Balaraju Policetty — Parochial Administrator / Pastor ([email protected], ext. 103)
- Deacon John Woehrle
- Deacon Joe Paron '92 (with wife Clarisse)
- Barrett Grove — Parish Administrator (ext. 102, [email protected])
- Tessa Schuermann — Coordinator of PreK-8 Faith Formation (ext. 106, [email protected])
- Jessie — Coordinator of 9-12 Faith Formation (ext. 105, [email protected])
- Barrett Grove — Coordinator of Liturgical Ministries (ext. 108, [email protected])
- Dannell Nordstrom — School Principal
- Laura Jo Jarchow — Director of Faculty
- Kaila Kastens — Director of School Development & Marketing
- Randy Koller — Maintenance Director (since 2019)
- Scott Johnson — Head of Maintenance (Church & School)
- Mike Leary — Middle School Social Studies
- Lauren Baillargeon — Middle School Religion
- Marra Dietsche — Music
- Sophie Kolars
- Steven Mark
- Denis Langlois — 8th Grade & Middle School Science
Ministries & Service Opportunities
With more than one hundred ministries of service, Saint Bridget offers many ways for parishioners to live out their faith and Stewardship commitment. The parish highlights liturgical roles (altar servers, ushers, Eucharistic ministers, greeters, cantors, choir), faith formation catechists, prayer groups (a women's prayer group, women's Bible studies, Life in the Spirit seminars), outreach to the sick and homebound, and stewardship through SCRIP fundraising and time-and-talent commitments. Parishioners have participated in mission trips, including trips to Guatemala.
- Liturgical ministries: altar servers, ushers, Eucharistic ministers, greeters, choir/cantors
- Faith Formation catechists (grades 5, 6, 7, 9)
- Women's Prayer Group, Women's Bible Studies
- Life in the Spirit seminars
- Eucharistic ministering to the homebound and sick
- SCRIP volunteer fundraising
- Stewardship — Time, Talent, Treasure
- Mission trips (including Guatemala)
- Parish Council, Liturgy Committee, Faith Formation Committee, Evangelization Committee, Finance Council
Membership & Becoming Catholic (OCIA)
Saint Bridget welcomes new parishioners and those interested in becoming Catholic through its OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) ministry, formerly known as RCIA. OCIA welcomes unbaptized adults, Christians baptized in another denomination, and Catholics who have not yet received Eucharist and Confirmation. The journey typically culminates at the Easter Vigil, though candidates may be received at any time of year. The parish notes that baptized Christians from other traditions are not re-baptized.
- OCIA / RCIA for adults entering the Church
- Easter Vigil reception of candidates
- Parish registration available through the church office
Contact & Visiting
The parish office is open Monday through Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Visitors are warmly welcomed, and the parish encourages newcomers to join the parish family, attend Mass, and explore its many ministries. Online Giving is available for those who wish to support the parish from a mobile device.
- Parish address: 211 E. Division Street, River Falls, WI 54022
- Mailing address: PO Box 86, River Falls, WI 54022
- Phone: (715) 425-1870
- Email: [email protected]
- School address: 135 E. Division Street, River Falls, WI 54022
- School phone: (715) 425-1872
- Facebook: facebook.com/St.Bridget.RF
- Saturday 4:00 p.m. Mass livestream available online