Appleton parish welcomes pilgrims

During this Jubilee year, we are asked to turn our hearts back to God, to be reconciled with God and with one another. One way to set our hearts and minds upon this reconciliation is through a pilgrimage.

Bp. Robert Banks has designated 10 pilgrimage sites for the Jubilee Year. Pilgrims may receive a special Jubilee Year indulgence granted by Pope John Paul. Conditions for the indulgence, besides the pilgrimage itself, include: Sacramental confession, at any time and place, during the Jubilee Year; Eucharistic Communion; and prayer for the intentions of the Holy Father.

Once at a pilgrimage site, the pilgrim is asked to recite the Lord's Prayer, the Apostles or Nicene Creed and a prayer for the Holy Father. Below is one of the 10 pilgrimage sites:

St. Mary of the Seven Dolors, 312 S. State St., Appleton

Weekend Masses: Saturday: 4:30 p.m.; Sunday: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Daily Mass on Wednesday and Thursday at 7 a.m. in Mooring Chapel and Friday at 8:10 a.m. in church or chapel.

Liturgy of the Word with Communion on Monday and Tuesday at 7 a.m. in Mooring Chapel.

Confessions: 11 a.m. on Saturdays

Special Jubilee events: Real Life Stories of Reconciliation and Healing Lenten Retreat, 8:30 to 11 a.m. on April 8. Continental breakfast included. Followed by Interparish Reconciliation Service at 11 a.m.

April 30: Mercy Sunday with Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament at 2 p.m. and Chaplet of Mercy at 3 p.m.

St. Mary is the oldest of the Catholic parishes in Appleton and was established in 1859 by largely Irish immigrants. It traces its roots to the first Mass said by Fr. Florimund Bonduel in 1835 in what would later become Appleton. That Mass was held at the home of Hippolitus Grignon, of French-Canadian descent, on the banks of the Fox River. The first church was built in 1860.

The present church dedicated in 1880. Parish historical notes indicate that several parish members mortgaged their homes to raise funds for the brick building. The marble and onyx altar and the stained glass windows were added in 1910, as part of the golden jubilee celebration. The original back and side marble altars remain and have been renovated. The original Communion rail was used in the new altar.

Originally, the structure had two complete bell tower steeples, but a May 1, 1930 windstorm toppled the south steeple into the church roof. Both steeples were then lowered and reinforced with steel and the parapets added.

The longest-serving pastor was Msgr. Walter Fitzmaurice, who served for 43 years from 1887 to 1930.

For eight years, 1891 to 1899, the parish supported a four-year, accredited high school. It was discontinued due to financial reasons.

Pastor: Fr. Michael O'Rourke

Parish membership: 3,219

(Sources: Compass files; diocesan Archives)