About St. Francis Solanus · Stone Lake, Wisconsin
St. Francis Solanus Indian Mission is a Catholic parish located on the Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Reservation in Stone Lake, Wisconsin, serving a community inspired by Gospel values of compassion and love. It includes a Catholic school for grades K-8, staffed by Sisters and lay teachers, and operates a souvenir shop selling Native handcrafts and religious items. The parish has deep historical roots, with missionary work beginning in 1860 and continuous service by Franciscan and diocesan priests. It is a vibrant faith community centered on liturgy, education, and service, with strong ties to Native American culture and traditions.
- Established
- 1860
- Patron
- St. Francis Solanus
- Rector
- Fr. David Neuschwander
- Diocese
- Diocese of Superior
Why belong here
Join a community that lives out Gospel values through liturgical life, religious formation, cultural celebration, and service to all. Experience a unique blend of Catholic tradition and Native American heritage, with ministries that include a thriving school, parish outreach, and spiritual programs rooted in compassion and love.
Mass times at St. Francis Solanus
Weekly Mass schedule
Mission & History
The parish traces its roots to 1790, with formal missionary work beginning in 1860. Franciscan priests took charge in 1878, and a log cabin church was built in 1881. The school was reopened in 1927 with Sisters of St. Francis, and major renovations occurred throughout the 20th century, including a new church in 1923-24 and a full renovation in 2013. The parish celebrates the canonization of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha in 2013 and maintains strong ties to Native American heritage.
School
The Mission School serves 50-100 students annually in grades K-8, staffed by 4 teachers: 2 Sisters and 2 Lay Teachers. The Sisters of St. Francis from Milwaukee have been teaching since 1885, and the school has undergone numerous upgrades, including new buildings, technology, and playground equipment.
Faith & Community
The parish is a Catholic faith community inspired by Gospel values of compassion and love. It offers liturgical life, religious formation, cultural dimensions, and service to all. The community is rooted in Native American heritage and Catholic tradition, with strong ties to the Lac Courte Oreilles Indian Reservation.
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. Gregory Hopefl1988
Diocesan priest, became pastor in 1988
- Rev. Philip Gordon1918-1938
First American Indian priest; served as pastor