St. Francis Xavier Parish, Cross Plains: Celebrating 150 years and counting

	Fr. Tom Kelley, pastor of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Cross Plains, and Sr. John Rose Acker, pastoral minister of care, stand next to a banner (made by Rosie Zimmerman) marking the upcoming 150th anniversary celebration of the parish. (Catholic Herald photo by Julianne Nornberg)

By Julianne Nornberg
CATHOLIC HERALD STAFF

CROSS PLAINS -- The people of Cross Plains are known for their friendliness, and that goes for the members of St. Francis Xavier Parish here as well.

Nestled in a German village of about 3,000 people, St. Francis Xavier Parish is the spiritual home of 850 families, and the numbers continue to grow.

"There's a genuine Christian attitude that creates friendliness," said Fr. Tom Kelley, pastor. "We have a tight-knit community."

"A lot of people feel welcome here," said Sr. John Rose Acker, pastoral minister of care and a daughter of the parish.

That sense of friendliness will surely show on Sunday, June 22, when the parish celebrates its 150th anniversary.

150th anniversary

The daylong activities begin with a 1:30 p.m. Mass at which Bishop Emeritus William H. Bullock will preside. Right after Mass religious who have served the parish will be recognized. Sister John Rose said 50 religious vocations and 11 priestly vocations have come from the parish over the years. (See box for schedule of events.)

A parade that will take over Main St. that day is a combined effort celebrating the 150th anniversary of St. Francis Xavier Parish and the 125th anniversary of St. Martin Lutheran Church, Cross Plains. Floats will include: a replica of the St. Francis Xavier log church built in 1853; a reprise of "Sister Act" by a group of St. Francis Xavier parishioners; and a horse-drawn carriage with Father Kelley, Sister John Rose, and Rev. Rod Hank and his wife Denise of St. Martin Church.

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A parish committee has been preparing for the 150th anniversary for about two years, according to Father Kelley.

In honor of the anniversary, a memorial commemorative book will be published after the celebration. A cookbook with recipes collected from parishioners has also been published. Both items may be ordered through the parish office at 608-798-0100.   Full story ...