About St. Joseph the Workman · La Crosse, Wisconsin
The Cathedral of Saint Joseph the Workman is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of La Crosse, located at 530 Main Street in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. Built in 1962 to a striking contemporary-Gothic design by the nationally prominent Cincinnati church architect Edward J. Schulte, it is sheathed in Wisconsin Lannon limestone and trimmed in Indiana Bedford oolitic limestone, with a tall clock tower topped by a stainless-steel cross that is the highest man-made point in the region. The parish itself traces its origins to 1863, when it was carved out of St. Mary's to serve the city's growing German-Catholic population, and the bishop of La Crosse continues to celebrate the major feasts of the church year (Holy Week, Christmas, ordinations) at the Cathedral today.
- Established
- 1863
- Patron
- Saint Joseph the Workman
- Rector
- Msgr. Richard W. Gilles
- Diocese
- Diocese of La Crosse
Why belong here
The Cathedral is the spiritual heart of the Diocese of La Crosse, where the bishop himself celebrates the great feasts of the year, and it offers a richer liturgical life than most parishes — daily Mass, a weekly 12-hour Eucharistic adoration on Wednesdays, First-Saturday adoration with Benediction, weekly confession six days a week, and the acclaimed Cathedral Gallery Singers who lead Gregorian chant and sacred choral music at the Sunday 10:00 Mass. Members are drawn into OCIA (RCIA), faith formation for children and youth, marriage and baptism preparation, the Parish Council of Catholic Women, the senior luncheon, the Mom's Group, parish missions and the diocesan-wide restoration effort, all in a landmark limestone cathedral by one of the most important mid-century Catholic architects in the country.
Mass times at St. Joseph the Workman
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Monday: 11:30 am - 11:55 am
- Tuesday: 11:30 am - 11:55 am
- Wednesday: 11:30 am - 11:55 am
- Thursday: 11:30 am - 11:55 am
- Friday: 11:30 am - 11:55 am
- Saturday: after the 8:00 am Mass until all are heard
- Saturday: 3:45 pm - 4:15 pm
Adoration times
- Wednesday: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm (with Benediction at noon and resuming after the 12:10 pm Mass)
- First Saturday of the month: 7:00 am - noon (following 8:00 am Mass, concluding with Benediction at 9:30 am)
About the Cathedral
Saint Joseph the Workman is a Roman Catholic parish and the mother church (cathedral) of the Diocese of La Crosse, situated at 530 Main Street in downtown La Crosse, Wisconsin. The bishop of La Crosse celebrates all the major feasts of the church year here — Holy Week, Christmas and many other solemnities — making the Cathedral the ceremonial and spiritual center of Catholic life in the diocese.
- Parish Mission Statement: 'To follow Christ who is the way of encounter and engagement, seeking to build the Kingdom of God in our midst.'
- Address: 530 Main Street, La Crosse, WI 54601
- Deanery: La Crosse
- Diocese: Diocese of La Crosse (11th bishop: Most Rev. Gerard W. Battersby)
History of the Parish and Cathedral
The parish was founded on January 4, 1863 to serve La Crosse's growing German-Catholic population, was named cathedral of the newly erected Diocese of La Crosse in 1868, and built the first cathedral (dedicated 1870, with the bell tower completed in 1884). Bishop McGavick and architect Edward J. Schulte signed a new-cathedral contract in 1944, but construction only began after Bishop Treacy re-signed with Schulte in 1957. The present limestone cathedral was completed and dedicated during the week of May 14–19, 1962 and given the title 'St. Joseph the Workman' in honor of the feast Pope Pius XII had established in 1955. A 2021–2023 Christ Our Cornerstone restoration addressed the failing steeple and interior, replacing 100 tons of limestone; the project was celebrated with new exterior lighting in September 2023.
- 1863 — Parish founded as St. Joseph's; first trustees elected January 6, 1863
- 1868 — Designated cathedral when the Diocese of La Crosse was erected
- 1870 — First cathedral dedicated on October 2, 1870
- 1884 — Original bell tower completed; bells still ring today
- 1903 — Munich (Franz Mayer) stained-glass windows installed
- 1904 — Interior redecorated (frescoes, flooring, rail, stations, electric)
- 1944 — McGavick and Schulte sign new-cathedral contract (later postponed)
- 1957 — Treacy signs new contract with Schulte, January 21, 1957
- 1959 — Last Mass at old cathedral September 6, 1959; razing September 21, 1959
- 1962 — Present cathedral dedicated May 14, 1962; first Mass April 11, 1962
- 1969 — Altar consecrated May 7, 1969
- 2008 — Six-week steeple repair
- 2020 — Falling stones prompt Bishop Callahan's Christ Our Cornerstone campaign
- 2021–2023 — Restoration replaces 100 tons of limestone; celebrated September 2023 as 'Beacon of Light and Hope'
- 2024 — Bishop Battersby installed as 11th Bishop of La Crosse (March 19, 2024)
Architecture, Stones and Art
Designed by nationally prominent Catholic church architect Edward J. Schulte and completed in 1962, the Cathedral is built of a veneer of native Wisconsin Lannon limestone over structural walls of Bedford oolitic limestone, a material prized for carving and a stone that 'hardens with exposure.' The soaring bell tower is the visual landmark of downtown La Crosse and houses the 1884 bells from the original cathedral.
- Architect: Edward J. Schulte (Cincinnati)
- Style: Contemporary Gothic / Late Art Déco — Gothic Revival hybrid
- Exterior stone: Wisconsin Lannon limestone veneer (Waukesha County)
- Trim stone: Indiana Bedford oolitic limestone (also used on arches, pillars and interior walls)
- Bell tower: 1884 bells from the original cathedral (still ringing)
- Cross atop spire: cast stainless steel, ~22 stories high — highest man-made point in the region
- Stained glass: Franz Mayer of Munich (1903), memorials from parish families; in excellent condition per 2023 restoration review
- Interior features: marble, gold-leaf details, vaulted sanctuary ceiling, ornamental carving
- Exterior bas-relief statue of St. Joseph, dedicated 1961
Christ Our Cornerstone Restoration (2021–2023)
When limestone began falling from the steeple in the summer of 2020, Bishop William Patrick Callahan launched the diocesan-wide Christ Our Cornerstone Campaign in the fall of 2020. Restoration began in March 2021 and addressed the steeple stonework, roof leaks, interior staining, stained glass repair, interior lighting, plaster, flooring and rectory repairs. Approximately $6 million was raised and roughly 100 tons of limestone were replaced — 229 individual stones totaling 70,000 pounds on the bell tower alone. The work was completed in June 2023 and celebrated in September 2023 with a 'Beacon of Light and Hope' event featuring the new exterior accent lighting.
- Steeple: full replacement of cut Indiana Bedford oolitic limestone with new anchors, membrane, and modern mortars
- Stone weight removed from tower: 229 stones / 70,000 lbs
- Interior limestone: poultice cleaning after leak repairs; chandelier and accent lighting refurbished to original design
- Stained glass: cleaned and repaired in a few locations; overall in excellent condition
- Roof and floors fully addressed; plaster and cosmetic restoration completed
- Rectory: pre-dating the cathedral, received preventive maintenance, energy-efficiency upgrades and exterior preservation
Worship Schedule
The Cathedral offers a richer-than-usual liturgical schedule for a parish church, with two weekday Masses, daily confessions, a weekly all-day Eucharistic adoration, and monthly First-Saturday Marian adoration. The 10:00 Sunday Mass from mid-September through mid-June features the Cathedral Gallery Singers in a full sacred-choral repertoire, and the diocesan bishop presides at major feasts throughout the year.
- Sunday Masses: Saturday Vigil 4:30 pm; Sunday 7:30 am, 10:00 am
- Weekday Masses: Monday–Friday 6:30 am and 12:10 pm; Saturday 8:00 am
- Holy Day Masses: 6:30 am, 12:10 pm, 5:10 pm (see bulletin for changes)
- Confessions: Monday–Friday 11:30 am – 11:55 am; Saturday after the 8:00 am Mass until all are heard, and 3:45 pm – 4:15 pm
- Eucharistic Adoration: Wednesday 7:00 am – 7:00 pm (Benediction at noon and resuming after the 12:10 pm Mass)
- First Saturdays: Adoration with devotional prayers following 8:00 am Mass, concluding with Benediction at 9:30 am
- Church open: Mon–Fri 7:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sat 7:00 am – noon; Sun 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sacraments and OCIA
Because the Cathedral is the parish church for downtown La Crosse (as well as the diocesan mother church), it offers the full range of Catholic sacraments to registered parishioners and welcomes those preparing for initiation into the Catholic Church. Marriage preparation requires at least six months advance notice and a three-month active-registered membership at the parish; baptisms are scheduled by calling the office; and the OCIA (formerly RCIA) meets every Thursday evening in the Cathedral Library from October through early June.
- Baptism — contact the parish office ahead of the anticipated date
- First Eucharist and Confirmation — through parish faith formation
- Marriage — at least six months advance notice; three months registered active membership; not celebrated during Lent
- Anointing of the Sick — for the seriously ill, those facing surgery, or the elderly
- OCIA (RCIA) — Thursdays 6:00–7:30 pm, Cathedral Library; runs October through early June; coordinated by Deacon Joseph Richards
- Holy Orders / Vocations — supported through the diocesan vocations office
Faith Formation and School
Cathedral parish runs year-round formation for children, youth and adults, and is also home to its own parish elementary school. Faith-formation staff work across the deanery in cooperation with neighboring parishes such as Mary, Mother of the Church, La Crosse (mmoclacrosse.org), sharing directors of family and youth formation with those communities.
- Families Forming Disciples — Kristin Johnson, Director ([email protected])
- Youth Faith Formation — Samuel Obert, Director ([email protected])
- OCIA — Thursday evenings in the Cathedral Library
- St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral School (ACS-LC) — PreK, K, 1, 2 — 1319 Ferry Street, La Crosse, WI (608-782-5998) — part of the Aquinas Catholic Schools System
Music and Liturgy
Sacred music at the Cathedral centers on the Cathedral Gallery Singers, a mixed choir that has earned a regional reputation for the breadth and seriousness of its repertoire — from Gregorian chant through the best contemporary choral writing. They sing at the 10:00 Sunday Mass from mid-September through mid-June and for major feasts and special liturgical celebrations presided over by the bishop. Director of Music and Organist Dr. Brian W. Luckner has held the post since July 1988 and also directs the La Crosse Diocesan Chorale; the choir has sung in Rome at the Basilica of St. Peter and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
- Director of Sacred Music and Organist: Dr. Brian W. Luckner (appointed July 1988)
- Cathedral Gallery Singers — mixed choir; Sunday 10:00 am Mass, mid-September through mid-June
- Repertoire: Gregorian chant through contemporary choral masterworks
- International performances include the Basilica of St. Peter and the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome
Parish Staff and Clergy
Day-to-day life of the Cathedral is led by Rector Msgr. Richard W. Gilles, supported by two permanent deacons, a Director of Sacred Music, a Parish Mission Associate, a Director of Maintenance, an administrative assistant, and faith-formation staff shared with neighboring parishes. The 11th Bishop of La Crosse, Most Reverend Gerard W. Battersby (named by Pope Francis on March 19, 2024), is the ordinary of the diocese.
- Most Reverend Gerard W. Battersby — Bishop of La Crosse
- Msgr. Richard W. Gilles — Rector ([email protected])
- Deacon Joseph A. Richards — RCIA coordinator (608-461-8000)
- Deacon Chris Kabat — ([email protected])
- Dr. Brian W. Luckner — Director of Sacred Music
- Kevin Decker — Parish Mission Associate ([email protected])
- Nathanael Rhody — Director of Maintenance
- Jackie Craig — Administrative Assistant ([email protected])
- Kristin Johnson — Director, Families Forming Disciples (Mary, Mother of the Church)
- Samuel Obert — Director, Youth Faith Formation (Mary, Mother of the Church)
- Dominic Carstens — seminarian / pastoral apprentice
Parish Life, Ministries and Outreach
The Cathedral offers many ways to become more deeply involved — from liturgical volunteer roles (Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector, server, usher) to long-standing parish organizations such as the Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW), the Mom's Group, the monthly Senior Citizen Luncheon, parish missions and retreats, pro-life work, the Scrip gift-card fundraising program, and stewardship / legacy giving.
- Liturgical volunteers: Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, lector, altar server, usher
- Cathedral Gallery Singers (choir)
- Parish Council of Catholic Women (PCCW)
- Senior Citizen Luncheon (monthly)
- Mom's Group (weekly)
- Pastoral Council (meets in the Undercroft)
- Pro-Life / Defending Life ministry
- Scrip gift-card fundraising program
- Stewardship, Online Giving, Wills & Estates, Bequests and Legacy Giving
- Parish and deanery missions (e.g., 'Church on Fire' with Bart Schuchts)
Visiting, Tours and Pilgrimages
The Cathedral welcomes individual visitors and guided groups throughout its opening hours. Group tours must be scheduled at least one week in advance by calling the parish office. Beyond the daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration schedule, the Cathedral is part of an active Catholic pilgrimage and hospitality network in downtown La Crosse — convenient to the Riverside Park riverfront, the La Crosse Center, and the historic downtown district.
- Church doors: Mon–Fri 7:00 am – 6:00 pm; Sat 7:00 am – noon; Sun 6:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Group tours: call (608) 782-0322 at least one week in advance
- Items of interest inside: 1903 Franz Mayer stained glass, vaulted ceiling, marble and gold-leaf interior details, 1884 bells (still rung)
- Outside: 22-story bell-tower cross (highest point in the region), 1961 St. Joseph bas-relief, newly illuminated exterior
- Downtown La Crosse location, accessible from Main Street and 6th Street
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Rev. C. J. F. Schraudenbach1863 (founder)
Founded St. Joseph's Parish on January 4, 1863, carved out of St. Mary's to serve the German-Catholic community.
- Rev. G. Sluyter1895-1915
Appointed rector October 27, 1895; died in office August 19, 1915. Oversaw the 1897 school construction, exterior repairs, 1903 Munich stained-glass windows, and 1904 interior renovation (frescoes, communion rail, stations, electric wiring).
- Monsignor Papeearly 20th century through ~1940s
Led the parish into the mid-twentieth century and through both World Wars; oversaw the 1940-41 near-complete rebuilding of the rectory on the original brick shell.
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