Visit
5400 W Washington BlvdMilwaukee, WI 53208Mass: Sunday 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. (St. Sebastian)
When to go
Mass times
- Sunday8 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. · St. Sebastian
- Sunday9 a.m. · St. Catherine
- Monday8:30 a.m. · St. Sebastian
- Tuesday8:15 a.m. · St. Catherine
- Wednesday8:15 a.m. (8:30 a.m. on days when school is not in session) · St. Sebastian
- Friday8:30 a.m. · St. Catherine
- Saturday8:30 a.m. Mass, followed by Reconciliation & Adoration · Alternates between St. Sebastian (1st/3rd/5th Saturdays) and St. Catherine (2nd/4th Saturdays)
About
Summary
St. Sebastian Parish is a welcoming and inclusive Catholic community in Milwaukee's Washington Heights neighborhood. Founded in 1911, the parish offers a rich history, diverse worship times, and a strong commitment to faith formation and community engagement. Learn more about our mission.
Details
St. Sebastian Parish, founded in 1911, has served the Milwaukee community for over a century. Originally established to serve German Catholics in the Washington Heights area, the parish has grown into a vibrant and diverse community rooted in tradition and open to all. The church building, completed in 1930, is a French Gothic-style structure that has undergone several renovations to meet the need. The restoration is close to complete, enhancing the historical design of the interior.
From Faith Near Me
Saint Sebastian Parish in Milwaukee's Washington Heights neighborhood offers a welcoming Catholic community rooted in over a century of service. First-time visitors may appreciate the diverse worship schedules, historical French Gothic church with recent renovations, and vibrant community events like the popular fish fry. The parish emphasizes inclusivity and faith formation, with a congregation described as friendly and engaged in neighborhood life.
Pros
- Welcoming and inclusive Catholic community with diverse Sunday Mass times including early morning and evening services
- Offers faith formation programs for children and adults alongside youth ministry and sacramental preparation
- Features a restored French Gothic-style church building and community events like the acclaimed fish fry
- Provides community outreach initiatives and multiple gathering spaces including a school and gymnasium
- Historical significance with a congregation described as warm and accommodating to newcomers
- Includes weekday Mass options and special services like reconciliation and adoration on select Saturdays
Cons
- Parking availability may be limited given the neighborhood location and event attendance
- Some variation in Mass style or parish practices noted in visitor experiences
- School administration practices have drawn mixed feedback impacting overall parish perception
- Accessibility details for facilities or services are not explicitly mentioned on the website
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- Justine Flowers10 months ago
This school makes up rules as they go and does not treat all kids equally. While the kindergarten and second-grade teachers are amazing, the administration is rude, unprofessional, and inconsistent. The principal ignores her own rules and …
- Michelle Klotz10 months ago
A wonderful place to worship! All are welcome, no matter where you are in your faith journey. There is something for everyone. Come find out. See you at Mass!
- Susanna Hoffman7 years ago
Beautiful church. The priest was very warm and engaging. I love that he stands and reads the gospel out in front of the altar, rather than just standing far away behind a pulpit. The whole atmosphere of the church is so inviting and warm. After visiting other parishes since moving to the area 2 months ago I think we have found our permanent parish.
- Ragan Green7 years ago
Tonight was our first time having their fish fry and it was amazing. They really out done themselves my husband and I are so full right now. We plan to eat there every Friday night that they are open. PS service was fast and so friendly
- Carolyn Peerbolt3 years ago
FISH FRY REVIEW - can't say much about the church or service, but the fish fry is great! Nice portions, great services, reasonable prices. We stop every time it's open - check website for dates and times
- angelfire angelfire8 years ago
The Pastor is very dramatic, although he gave a good homily. The Pastor WALKED AWAY FROM OUR CONSECRATED LORD TO GIVE THE SIGN OF PEACE, LEAVING OUR CRUCIFIED JESUS...ALONE. He is NOT SUPPOSED TO DO THAT! The PRECIOUS BLOOD WAS IN CRYSTAL CUPS AND NOT GOLD/SILVER CHALICES. Would Our Lady have put down or aside the Body of Christ to greet people who came to comfort her when Jesus was taken from the cross? Short answer...No. This church is divided....some stand and some kneel for the consecration. The Holy Mass does not need drama, but reverence, first in its Pastor. The cantor and piano player was exceptional!!!
- Eric Anderson7 years ago
Best fish fry in Milwaukee. AYCE, with salad bar. 5th graders provide the best service! Prices went up in 2018, but it's for a good cause. God bless St Seb's, a cornerstone of Washington Heights neighborhood!!!
- Jeff Benkea year ago
Beautiful church first time I've been in one since I got married
- Eunice Grennier3 years ago
I went to the church for her funeral it was someone being laid in state and the area was totally beautiful totally clean it is a beautiful church with a beautiful area to meet the needs of the neighborhood
- Caitlin R.4 years ago
This is a beautiful church. The restoration is close to complete. The interior is historical in design. Well worth getting a look inside.
- John Ehlinger7 years ago
Not my favorite Catholic church. Some would call it a liberal Catholic Church. If you don't follow their way during the Mass, you can expect to be corrected. Did not find parish to be friendly or inviting. Parking is a nightmare.
- Daniel McCollum6 years ago
Well, it's my Church :) Friendly congregation, they work really hard to involve people in parish life. Also, having a 6pm Sunday mass is a lifesaver for this nightowl :)
- John Hefter6 years ago
This is my church where I renew my faith in God and my neighbors. Our new Pastor, Fr. Peter Patrick is an inspiration.
- Mary E Redlinger3 years ago
Went for a Christmas concert-- Milwaukee Festival brass band and the Church is beautiful band was fantastic!!!
- Joe Jagodensky12 years ago
One of Milwaukee's great Catholic churches. Music and prayer beatifully blended together.
- Chuck Schramm6 years ago
Beautiful, warm church environment. Great choir!
- karen czajka2 years ago
Great place to catch Mass on a Sunday night.
- Martin Volka year ago
Very interesting and confusing take on a catholic mass.
- Peg Harloff4 years ago
Was there for an Irish funeral. Meaningful music & service.
- Susan Hoffman6 years ago
Very welcoming. Beautiful parish.
Services and facilities
Services
- Faith Formation For Children And Adults
- Youth Ministry
- Sacraments And Rites
- Fish Fry
- Community Outreach
- Choir
Facilities
- Church
- School
- Gymnasium
- Gathering Spaces
- Parking
Events and programs
Christmas Concert
Annual
Features Milwaukee Festival brass band
Connect
- Phone
- 414-453-5830
- Phone
- 414-453-7150
- Phone
- 414-453-1928
- Phone
- 414-453-8909
- Phone
- 414-453-5831
- Phone
- 414-453-9449
- Contact page
- Open contact page