We, the parishoners of St. Joseph, come together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit to grow in faith and share this faith with the world around us by actively reaching out and warmly welcoming all God's people with hospitality, grace, and charity. We seek to serve the Lord and each other by providing opportunities for service, outreach, education, and improvement to our local and global community through our collective gifts and talents centered in the love of Christ.
In 1884, a frame church was erected on Bible Hill in the northwest part of Shell Lake. It was destroyed by fire in 1894. A new church was built in 1895 and continued to serve Catholics until the present church was completed in 1981. in 1897, during the pastorate of Fr. Stephen Leinfelder, a small building was erected behind the brick church. It served as the visiting priest's residence, as well as a winter chapel and catechism classroom. Around 1900, St. Joseph, consisting of 90 families, was made a mission of Cumberland. From 1902, when Fr. Apollonius Hopdegard was named the first resident pastor, until 1914, St. Francis de Sales Parish in Spooner served as a mission of Shell Lake.
After Fr. Dean Buttrick's arrival as pastor in July 1967, the parish began plans for building a new church. On July 19, 1981, Bishop Raphael M. Fliss dedicated the new church and hall. St. Joseph's Church is now clustered with St. Catherine of Alexandria in Sarona and St. Francis de Sales in Spooner.
502 Second Street
Shell Lake, WI 54871
All women of the parish are considered members and invited to participate.
Contact Diane Downs (715) 520-2928
Prayer Chain: If someone wants to request prayers for themselves or another individual, please contact Diane Downs (715) 520-2928 This person will pass along the intention to the others on the prayer chain.