Mission Statement & Philosophy of Old Saint Mary Parish

We, the members of the Parish of Old Saint Mary,recognizing our responsibilities as children of God, followers of Christ, and members of the Roman Catholic Church, declare our earnest desire to continue the evangelization begun by Christ, and promote the spiritual well-being of Old Saint Mary Parish and its faithful followers.

Knowing that in the context of 'parish' we express our faith, we become one with other Roman Catholics in testimony of our union and communion with God the Father, His Church, and His visible vicar, the Holy Father. Therefore, we commit ourselves to the apostolic endeavors of that same church in an effort to become one in faith and grace while we develop further as a people of God. Well aware that the membership of Old Saint Mary Parish includes those who believe and those who seek the true Faith, we commit ourselves to maintain a parish community that supports our fellowship, and nourishes our members' faith as well, so that Old Saint Mary Parish transmits the light of Christ and the hope of salvation in our particular geographic and social context.

Old Saint Mary Parish and the City of Milwaukee were both born in 1846. Old St. Mary, now a landmark of the City of Milwaukee (1970), is also listed in the National Register of Historic Places (1973). Important as these honors are, its greatest service ever remains in the area of the spiritual. A recent article on Old St. Mary Parish spoke of the “businessmen, office workers and clerks who find Old St. Mary to be within easy walking distance. A number of these bring their families on Sunday to share the beauty they have grown to love.” There is an intangible magnetism about this venerable old church, a certain indescribable attraction in its old world atmosphere. 

“Here have I stood these may years,
Asking the busy passer-by,
Whether one carries,
Even as I,
Christ in one’s heart.”

Fr. Timothy L. Kitzke, Pastor
Fr. Brian G. Mason, Associate Pastor