St. Mary of the Angels is at 650 S. Irwin Ave. in Green Bay, a multicultural and welcoming Catholic faith community with Polish roots and a Franciscan identity. Founded in 1898 as a Polish mission, the parish is grounded in Christ and is known for liturgical worship enriched by congregational singing, dedicated lay ministries, and practical care for older adults and people in need. Fr. Bill Stout, OFM, welcomes visitors to weekend Mass, while the parish reaches outward through music, small groups, sacraments, volunteer service, and outreach shaped by Franciscan simplicity, peace, and care for others.
From a Polish Mission to a Franciscan Parish
On February 10, 1898, Vilatte, owner of the defunct St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, signed over the church, its contents, and two lots to the Green Bay Planing Mill, which had foreclosed on him. The next day, mill representatives J.S. Chase and James Robb sold the property to Bishop Messmer for $1,025. The altar, pews, bell, and lots were part of the sale. Because St. Mary's parish had not yet been incorporated in Wisconsin, Bishop Messmer made the purchase as bishop and trustee of the Polish Catholic Congregation of Green Bay. The former church was remodeled and decorated, then dedicated on February 22, 1898, with the title St. Mary of Czestochowa.
St. Mary of Czestochowa became the fifty-eighth Polish church established in Wisconsin. It began as a mission affiliated with Holy Trinity Church in Pine Grove and was served by Father Malkowski. Not every Polish family in Green Bay joined the new parish. Some remained at the Cathedral, while others belonged to St. Patrick's or SS. Peter and Paul; some in the city's north and west sectors considered the distance to St. Mary's too far. St. Mary's served a distinct Polish Catholic community without becoming the home of every Polish Catholic family in Green Bay.
Before April 20, 1899, Bishop Messmer offered the Green Bay Polish parish to the Polish Franciscan Fathers of Pulaski. With a permanent Franciscan settlement in Green Bay, the church and monastery changed their title from Our Lady of Czestochowa to St. Mary of the Angels in 1900. The new name was easier for non-Poles to pronounce and also refers to the Portiuncula, the little church in Assisi associated with St. Francis and described as the cradle of the first church of the Franciscan Order. Franciscans of the Assumption Province have remained vital to the parish's growth and life for more than a century.
The mission statement, Grounded in Christ, in the Franciscan Tradition, reflects both this heritage and a philosophy of reaching out to others. The parish describes Franciscan spirituality as Christ-centered, marked by deep dialogue with God, Gospel brotherhood, prayer and contemplation, concrete poverty, humility, peace, and a simple adherence to the Gospel. Those qualities shape how the parish serves, sings, forms people, and cares for those in need.
Franciscan Identity in Daily Life
St. Ann Fraternity brings together lay women and men from the greater Green Bay area who seek to live Gospel-centered lives in the style of St. Francis. Members are parents, employees, spouses, volunteers, neighbors, friends, business owners, and others who remain in their families and everyday work while committing themselves to peace, humility, gratitude, service to people who are poor or marginalized, and the dignity of every person. The Secular Franciscan Order is a Catholic order whose members live in their own homes and gather in local fraternities for prayer, formation, accountability, and shared mission.
The Green Bay fraternity meets on the third Saturday of each month from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at St. Bernard's Catholic Church, 2040 Hillside Lane. Its gatherings include morning prayer, faith sharing, spiritual formation, a brief business agenda, and social time. The meeting is open to adults and emphasizes living the Gospel in ordinary life rather than leaving family or work behind. Its concerns for peace, justice, creation, and people in need give the parish's Franciscan name a practical expression.
The same outward impulse appears in Joyful Noise, an evangelistic choir that sings familiar secular songs in various settings outside the church to share the spirituality of the Catholic faith. The parish also places evangelization within a broader missionary pathway of discovering Jesus, following Jesus, worshiping Jesus, and sharing Jesus. The bishop's pastoral invitation asks Catholics to invoke Our Lady of Champion, St. Francis Xavier, and St. Therese of Lisieux for the missions and to become more attentive to chances to proclaim the Gospel in daily life.
Weekend Mass and the Prayer Rhythm of the Week
Weekend Masses are celebrated at 4:00 p.m. Saturday and 9:00 a.m. Sunday by Fr. Bill Stout, OFM. Weekday Mass is celebrated at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Fr. Jim Feely is listed for Monday and Tuesday, while Friday Mass is celebrated by Fr. Bill in the back chapel. Confessions are offered Saturday at 11:00 a.m.
On the first Friday of the month, the 8:00 a.m. Mass is followed by Eucharistic adoration, Benediction, and a Eucharistic Holy Hour. This creates a recurring pattern of Sunday worship, weekday sacraments, and monthly adoration, with Friday carrying a particular emphasis on prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
The worship follows the Catholic liturgical form, with the Word proclaimed, the Eucharist celebrated, and congregational song placed at the center. Lectors are trained to proclaim the Word, while commissioned Eucharistic Ministers assist with the Eucharist and bring Communion to sick and homebound people. Students after fourth grade and adults may serve as Mass Servers, assisting the celebrant at weekday, weekend, and special-feast liturgies. Ushers assist with seating, collections, general information, and health concerns. Couples, families, or pairs of friends may bring up the bread and wine. Fr. Bill's welcome to weekend visitors fits a parish where worship is shaped by service, music, and hospitality.
Four Ways the Parish Makes Music
Singing is treated as an integral part of worship. The call of Psalm 100 to make a joyful noise to the Lord and serve with gladness is joined by the plain principle that singing is praying. Leanne Snell serves as music director, and everyone is welcome to participate through one of four choirs.
- Adult Choir: Participants range from ages 15 to 90. The choir sings four-part harmony for Sunday Mass and special occasions and rehearses on Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. from September through May. It sings on the first, third, fourth, and fifth Sundays of the month when a fifth Sunday exists.
- Family Choir: Parents and children of all ages, as well as individuals and families of one, are welcome. The group sings in unison once a month and rehearses for about 30 minutes before Mass on the second Sunday.
- Resurrection Choir: This choir sings for funerals. It has no fixed practice schedule and focuses mainly on well-known songs for solemn occasions honoring the deceased.
- Joyful Noise: An evangelistic outreach group that sings classic, familiar secular songs in community settings. Its practice is held on Sundays after Mass.
The different choirs make room for different kinds of participation. Older and younger adults can share four-part harmony, families can sing together, musicians can assist at funerals, and those who prefer an informal setting can carry familiar music beyond the church. New members are welcome in each group.
Serving at the Liturgy and Around the Parish
Service is not confined to a few staff roles. Women and men may serve as Eucharistic Ministers, Mass Servers, Lectors, Ushers, and gift bearers. Deacon Paul Umentum oversees the ushers, whose ministry includes seating assistance, collections, general information, and caring for health issues during weekend and holy-day liturgies. Couples, families, or pairs of friends who wish to bring up the gifts speak to an usher at least 15 minutes before Mass begins.
St. Elizabeth Altar Society includes all women of the parish. Its members provide altar needs such as candles, vestments, and altar cloths while sharing social, spiritual, and outreach activities. The group meets on the second Monday of each month at 1:00 p.m. in St. Clare Hall. The Men's Club meets on the first Monday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m., directly after the Buildings and Grounds meeting, with time for conversation and social fellowship.
Parish governance supports this work through the Parish Pastoral Council, Finance Council, and Trustees. The Pastoral Council works closely with the pastor on significant policies and initiatives and meets at least four times a year. The Finance Council assists with parish finances, property, buildings, grounds, and the annual financial report. Trustees serve as advisors, overseers, and counselors in financial and nonfinancial records, with two-year terms for the elected offices.
Sacramental Milestones and Parish Belonging
Baptism is the first and foremost sacrament of initiation into the faith community. At least one parent of an infant must be a practicing Catholic and a member of the parish. Arrangements begin at least one month ahead and include an interview with the Director of Faith Formation and a pre-baptismal session presented by trained parishioners. Baptisms are not conducted during Advent or Lent.
First Reconciliation is traditionally celebrated when a child turns seven in second grade. The parish describes Reconciliation as a lifelong habit that supports continued growth in faith, offering forgiveness, freedom, and relief. First Communion is the second sacrament of initiation and a sign of unity with the faith community; it is also traditionally celebrated at age seven in second grade. Confirmation marks full initiation into the Church and a strengthening in the presence of the Holy Spirit. It is traditionally celebrated when a student begins junior year of high school, with two years of catechetical preparation and a community service experience encouraged beforehand.
Couples preparing for marriage contact the parish at least six months before the anticipated wedding. Preparation includes meeting with a priest or deacon and participating in a marriage preparation program, and a recent baptismal certificate is required. Local customs may shape the wedding liturgy and music. The Anointing of the Sick is received by those who are ill or suffering. Through the priest's sacred anointing and prayer, the Church commends the person to Christ, with the recipient receiving gifts of strength, faith, peace, and courage and suffering united with the suffering of Christ.
Mass intentions may be scheduled through the parish, with a $20 stipend set by the diocese. The parish will not deny a Mass because someone is unable to pay. An intention can be paid online before the date is scheduled, or by check sent to the parish office. Parish registration records membership, contact information, sacramental milestones, and interests in serving, including the Altar Society, Bible study, choir, reader, server, rosary, usher, and other opportunities.
Formation, Small Groups, and Outreach
Discipleship small groups gather for prayer, video, and discussion. A Wednesday evening pattern includes dinner from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., followed by video and discussion from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in Clare Hall. The parish has also considered a Tuesday morning group when interest is sufficient. A Sunday book study is paired with the parish's Donut Sunday gathering. Every Monday, the parish also sends an email with a schedule of activities and Masses, Catholic perspectives, articles and videos, and information about the diocese and nearby parishes.
Ministering to the Elderly provides service and support to older adults in healthcare facilities and those who are homebound. Kathy Lawniczak leads this ministry. Additional senior resources help families understand care facilities and programs that can help pay for long-term care. Catholic Charities offers services that provide basic support to people in need, while Knights of Columbus Council 4505 serves the parish through the organization's principles of charity, unity, and fraternity.
Safety is part of the parish's outreach as well. The Diocese of Green Bay uses Awareity, a confidential incident-reporting tool for concerns involving sexual abuse of a minor, harassment, boundary issues, threats of violence, concerning behavior by clergy, staff, or volunteers, and misconduct. Reports may be submitted anonymously. Parish staff and volunteers work with the diocesan process to identify warning signs, respond to concerns, and maintain safe ministry environments.
Giving and a First Visit
Giving is available through the parish's online Flocknote giving form. The scrip program offers gift certificates from participating businesses, with the parish receiving a percentage of each certificate's face value. Certificates for gas, groceries, clothing, and entertainment are sold on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to noon, Thursday from noon to 2:00 p.m., and after the Saturday and Sunday Masses. The program normally earns about $8,000 a year, with the possibility of at least $50,000 if more parishioners participate.
A first visit begins at 650 S. Irwin Ave. in Green Bay. Weekend worship is celebrated Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and Sunday at 9:00 a.m., with confessions at 11:00 a.m. Saturday. The parish office can be reached at 920-437-1979 or stmarygb@gmail.com, while the Faith Formation office can be reached at 920-432-2747. Ushers assist visitors with seating, general information, and health concerns. Online video is also available through the parish's YouTube channel.
St. Mary of the Angels continues a parish story begun in 1898, bringing Polish Catholic roots, Franciscan spirituality, sacramental worship, music, lay service, and care for others together at 650 S. Irwin Ave.