ST. MARY OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION & ST. MARY HELP OF CHRISTIANS
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The History and Mission of
​St. Mary OTIC & St. Mary HOC

Mission Statement

We, the parishes of St. Mary Help of Christians (Briggsville) and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Portage), in a spirit of faith and service rooted in the mission of Christ as revealed in the Gospel, are committed to creating welcoming communities that actively pursue opportunities for formation in our Catholic faith, spiritual growth and outreach to others in need.

Parish History

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St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Portage, WI

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Portage holds the distinction of being the oldest church in the Dioceses of Madison. The parish traces its origins back to 1833, when Rev. Samuel Mazzuchelli, a Dominican, arrived to work with the Winnebago (Ho-Chunk) Indians. By 1833 the fledgling parish already had its first church, and in 1851, a second one was built and dedicated to St. Bartholomew. In 1852 the first resident pastor arrived, Rev. James Roche. A third church was then built in 1854, and in 1857 that building and some property was sold to a local Baptist congregation, which in turn sold its holdings to the Catholics.

​The congregation's new property included the foundation of a church building, which parishioners completed and dedicated to St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in 1859.

St. Mary Help of Christians 
Briggsville, WI

Picturesque St. Mary Help of Christians is situated in a peaceful setting overlooking Lake Mason, a popular fishing lake in the small village of Briggsville.
​
In 1851, St. Mary was established by a Green Bay priest to serve a large number of Irish immigrants who had settled in the area.

Pioneers attended Mass in private homes until Mr. Briggs donated two large lake lots for the church in Briggs' Mill. The first priest to serve the people was Rev. Godhart, a Frenchman who came twice during the autumn of 1851. About six years later, Rev. Doyle built the first church. On a windy Memorial Day, 1924, referred to as "the blackest day" in parish history, the church burned to the ground. The present brick church was erected on the site of the first structure and completed by 1926.

​Today the congregation has grown to 132 family units.
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St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception & St. Mary Help of Christians

Home
About Us
Liturgy & Sacraments
Lifelong Faith Enrichment
Volunteer & Donate
​Pastoral & Spiritual Care
Our Mission
We, the parishes of St. Mary Help of Christians (Briggsville) and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception (Portage), in a spirit of faith and service rooted in the mission of Christ as revealed
in the Gospel, are committed to creating welcoming communities that actively pursue opportunities for formation in our Catholic faith,​
spiritual growth and out reach to others in need.
St. Mary HOC
Briggsville, WI 
​P: 608-981-2282
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St. Mary OTIC
Portage, WI 53901
​P: 608-742-6998
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Into the Deep
    • Mass Times
    • Publications >
      • Weekend Homilies
      • Recording Archive
      • Weekly Bulletins
    • History and Mission
    • Join the Parish
    • Parish Staff
    • Parish Leadership
    • St. Mary School - Portage
    • National Shrine of St. Philomena
    • Contact Us
    • Parish Center Hours
    • St. Mary Portage Facility Usage
  • Liturgy & Sacraments
    • Mass Livestream
    • Weekly Readings
    • Baptism
    • Reconciliation >
      • Advent Reconciliation
    • Eucharist >
      • Adoration
    • Confirmation
    • Marriage
    • Holy Orders & Religious Life
    • Anointing of the Sick
  • Lifelong Faith Enrichment
    • He Walks With Us - Podcast Series
    • Children's Liturgy of the Word
    • Portage Faith Formation >
      • Make-Up Work
      • Works of Mercy & Service
    • Briggsville Faith Formation
    • Adult Faith Formation
    • Becoming Catholic - RCIA
    • Youth Ministry
    • Catholic Resources >
      • Podcasts for Catholic Men
    • ASK US!
    • Liturgical Resources >
      • Advent Resources
      • Christmas Resources
      • Ordinary Time Resources
      • Lenten Resources
      • Triduum Resources
      • Easter Resources
  • Volunteer & Donate
    • Volunteer Opportunities >
      • Parish Leadership Committees
      • Liturgical Ministries
      • Music Ministries
      • Art & Liturgical Environment Ministries
      • Lifelong Faith Ministries
      • Hospitality Ministries >
        • Marketing Committee
      • Pastoral Ministries
      • Parish Events >
        • Parish Gala
        • Thanksgiving Dinner
      • Community Outreach
    • Financial Stewardship
    • SCRIP Program
  • Pastoral & Spiritual Care
    • Homebound Ministers & Communion Ministry
    • Joy of Mail
    • Prayer Chain & Prayer Requests
    • Prayer Shawl Ministry
    • Coffee Tea & Thee
    • Kaleidoscope Klub
    • Area Support Groups
  • Event Photos
  • Calendar