Historic St. Florian Parish in West Milwaukee to close, plans merger with Holy Assumption

At the invitation of Archbishop Sebastian Messmer 109 years ago, the Discalced Carmelite Friars undertook parish ministry at St. Florian Parish in West Milwaukee.

That history will end soon with masses at historic St. Florian likely to conclude in mid-September, The Rev. Elijah Martin said in a letter to parishioners.

The announcement was made during Masses June 3-4 with the letter following the next week in the church bulletin.

St. Florian plans to merge with a parish in neighboring West Allis

The parish hopes to merge with Holy Assumption Parish at 1526 S. 72nd St. in West Allis.

“Both parishes will need to petition Archbishop (Jerome) Listecki asking that St. Florian Parish be permitted to merge into Holy Assumption Parish,” Martin said.

Notre Dame Catholic School, which currently operates two campuses in Milwaukee, plans to purchase the full St. Florian campus at 1233 S. 45^th St. to accommodate its growing student population.

“They have agreed to purchase the entire campus for this purpose,” Martin said in his letter. “So, while we have a difficult transition ahead of us and there is most certainly a grieving to accompany it, there is also a great consolation in knowing that a Catholic presence and ministry will continue here.”

The 'lack of sufficient personnel' to staff the parish and finances played a role in the closure

Plans to transfer pastoral care of the parish from the Carmelites to the Archdiocese began three years ago following a visit from the Superior General of the order to St. Florian. Martin said there were “too few friars to constitute a formal community at St. Florian Monastery with few prospects for sending additional members.”

Despite a petition to Rome to delay and other efforts by friars and the parish to stay at St. Florian, lack of sufficient personnel to staff the parish and little change to parish membership and finances played a role in the closure.

In his letter, Martin acknowledged the decision “is painful for all involved.”

“Now our work will be to look forward, knowing that change is difficult but trusting that all things work unto good for those who love God,” he said, adding thanks to the members for many years of support, commitment and collaboration.

“Over the years, we have faithfully served the parish and the local Church in a variety of roles and ministries,” writes Martin. “The church, monastery and campus here stand as a witness to an important Catholic presence and ministry in the Village of West Milwaukee, and one we are proud of.”

Martin said St. Florian Parish will continue working with the Archdiocesan Planning Committee and Parish Pastoral Council on a timeline for the transition.

A closing mass celebration is in the works, Martin said, but no details were shared.

Contact Erik S. Hanley aterik.hanley@jrn.com. Like his Facebook page,The Redheadliner, and follow him on Twitter@Redheadliner.

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