St. Francis of Assisi

The history of the Diocese of Superior dates back to the 17th century. Our Journey Through Faith offers a glimpse into the historic events that played a role in the growth of Catholicism in Northern Wisconsin. Diocese of Superior - Statistics

Our Journey through Faith: A History of the Diocese of Superior,

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Read the 98-page Executive Report 2013 (PDF)

Bishop George A. Hammes gave permission to form a parish in the Pier Willow area and the first Mass was celebrated in Hebert's Tavern on May 31, 1964. Mass was celebrated in the tavern every Sunday for two years. Leo and Ann Hebert donated two pieces of land for a church and a cemetery. A church was built and dedicated June 12, 1966, by Bishop Hammes and five other priests. St. Francis of Assisi has always been a mission church of St. Mary Church in Tomahawk. Due to the shortage of priests, Mass is celebrated about once each month. On the remaining Saturdays, one of five deacons from St. Mary Parish travels the 25-mile distance to lead a Communion service. When neither a priest nor deacon is available, the Communion service is led by one of the parish's two lay- leaders.

REFERENCE: Our Journey through Faith: A History of the Diocese of Superior,
by Sam Lucero, 2005.