About St. Joseph · Menomonie, Wisconsin
St. Joseph Parish in Menomonie, Wisconsin, has served the local community since 1861, beginning as a mission church for pioneers and loggers of various European backgrounds. Rooted in Catholic tradition and centered on the Eucharist, the parish is committed to evangelization, education, and service. It operates a grade school and offers a wide range of ministries, sacraments, and prayer opportunities for all ages and stages of faith. The parish welcomes newcomers and active members alike, emphasizing spiritual growth and community involvement.
- Established
- 1861
- Patron
- St. Joseph
- Rector
- Fr. John Selva Manohar
- Diocese
- Diocese of La Crosse
Why belong here
Join a parish that welcomes all on their spiritual journey, offering ministries like the Knights of Columbus, PCCW, and Tuesday’s Table. Experience faith formation for all ages, sacraments, and opportunities to serve the community. Whether you’re new, returning, or active, you’ll find a home here through prayer, education, and outreach.
Mass times at St. Joseph
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- 3:00 PM Saturday
- 5:15 PM Friday (when UW-Stout is in session)
About Us
Deriving our strength from the Eucharist, we are committed to preaching the Gospel by word and example, educating members of all ages in the Catholic faith, providing welcome, comfort and support to the vulnerable, and creating a spirit of evangelization in the community.
Our History
St. Joseph Parish began as a mission church in 1861, serving pioneers and loggers of Canadian, Irish, German, and Austrian descent. The first Mass was celebrated in John Nolan’s home, and a small frame church was built from donations by mill workers and camp crews, completed in 1865. A larger church was built in 1883–1885 on the southeast corner of Wilson and 9th Street. The parish has grown steadily, with about 500 members by 1874. The parish school opened in 1890 under the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.
Pastoral History
Monsignor Charles Blecha (1955–1984), Fr. Vaughn Brockman (1984–1995), Fr. Lyle Schulte (1996–2003), Fr. Tom Krieg (2003–2014), Fr. John Selva Manohar (2014–2015), Fr. James Kurzynski (2015–2018), Fr. John Selva Manohar (2018–Present).
Ministries
St. Joseph Parish offers a variety of ministries including the Knights of Columbus, PCCW, Tuesday’s Table, Religious Education, Safe Environment, and SCRIP Form Ministry. The parish school strives for spiritual, academic, and social excellence.
- Knights of Columbus
- PCCW
- Tuesday’s Table
- Religious Education
- Safe Environment
- SCRIP Form Ministry
- St. Joseph School
Sacraments
The parish offers Baptisms, Weddings, Anointings, and Funerals. Confessions are available at 3:00 PM Saturday and 5:15 PM Friday (when UW-Stout is in session).
- Baptisms
- Weddings
- Anointings
- Funerals
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Monsignor Charles Blecha1955-1984
- Fr. Vaughn Brockman1984-1995
- Fr. Lyle Schulte1996-2003
- Fr. Tom Krieg2003-2014
- Fr. John Selva Manohar2014-2015
- Fr. James Kurzynski2015-2018
- Fr. John Selva Manohar2018-Present