Our Lady of Perpetual Help,
Whittlesey
W 5409 Whittlesey Ave, Medford, WI 54451
Located in Taylor County
Phone: 715-748-3336
Year parish was established: 1891
Number of households: 125
Parochial Administrator: Fr. Philip Juza
Deacon: Joeseph Stefancin
Weekend Mass: Sunday: 8 a.m.
Describe your faith community
More than 125 years ago, 31 hard-working, German Catholic families were determined to establish a mission church in the Whittlesey area. Through their efforts, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish was founded. We have parishioners whose roots can be traced back to the original members, as well as others who, throughout the years, have become an integral part our Catholic family. We are located in north central Wisconsin and are proudly surrounded by rich farmland and beautiful woods. Our members actively proclaim God’s call by participating in many ministries.
When visitors come to our parish they will …
… be greeted by friendly faces and a “Good morning, glad to have you join us” attitude! Our parish is a pleasant place to worship within a relaxing atmosphere. You will hear our members “making a joyful noise” as they sing traditional Catholic hymns, see youngsters participating as Mass servers and people of all ages filling the roles of ushers, communion ministers and lectors.
In what way(s) does your parish proclaim the Gospel with its actions?
Our parish hosts weekly adoration services, religious education classes for all our students and prayer groups for adults. New members are welcomed with a gift basket, regular correspondence is made with shut-ins, members participate in a prayer chain and care packages are sent to active military members and college students. We annually host cluster-wide Divine Mercy services and Seder meals for confirmation students. A quilting group was started several years ago and many quilts have been donated for local benefits as well as to victims of national disasters and homeless veterans. We have an active parish council and ladies sodality that initiate and oversee many of the above activities.
What is something about your parish most people might not know?
The bell that currently adorns our cemetery originally resided in our previous church, which was built in 1904. Some of our older parishioners recall the bell being tolled, signifying the start of Mass. A cross and steeple in the back of our cemetery was once a part of our sister parish, St. Theresa, Westboro. It was donated to our parish upon the closing of their church.
