St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (St. Maximilian Kolbe Pastorate)

Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish is a Catholic community centered in Christ, serving multiple churches and schools in Dane, Lodi, Waunakee, and Westport, Wisconsin. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and commitment to faith, the parish offers a range of ministries and events. Learn more about the parish.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish is a vibrant Catholic community centered in Christ, serving four churches and two schools in Dane, Lodi, Waunakee, and Westport, Wisconsin. The parish is dedicated to spreading devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and emulating the example of selfless love and compassion exemplified by its patron, St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Franciscan friar who sacrificed his life in Auschwitz to save another prisoner.

The parish includes St. Michael Church in Dane, established in 1875; St. Patrick Church in Lodi, founded in 1885; St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee, established in 1874; and St. Mary of the Lake Church in Westport, founded in 1867. Each church has a rich history and serves the local community with a variety of ministries and events.

The parish offers a welcoming atmosphere, with visitors noting the friendly people and the Care Team's outstanding support Review 2. The priests are praised for their ability to connect with everyday life, and the Mass is described as a meaningful experience Review 3. The parish also provides sacramental preparation, family faith formation, and opportunities for involvement in parish life.

For those interested in joining the parish, the website provides information on registration and contact details for the staff. The parish office is located at St. John the Baptist Church in Waunakee, and the office hours are Monday-Thursday from 8:30am to 3:30pm and Friday from 8:30am to 12:00pm https://www.saintmax.org/.

The parish also operates two schools: Blessed Trinity School in Dane and St. John the Baptist School in Waunakee. These schools are integral to the parish's mission of faith formation and education.

The parish's commitment to community is evident in its various events, including church festivals and support for families during significant life events such as baptisms and funerals. Visitors have praised the parish's ability to create a sense of belonging and to put faith into action through its ministries and services.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Waunakee, WI, is part of the Saint Maximilian Kolbe Pastorate, offering a welcoming atmosphere rooted in tradition. Visitors can expect well-maintained historic churches, family-focused ministries, and community events like festivals with meals and music. The parish emphasizes accessibility through clear service times and a dedicated care team.

Pros

• Welcoming atmosphere with a friendly, supportive community
• Clear Sunday worship times at 10:00 AM
• Family-focused ministries including faith formation and sacramental preparation
• Historic and beautiful church facilities
• Community events like festivals with meals and music
• Accessible contact information and office hours

Cons

• Some visitors may find specific dress code expectations (e.g., hat removal) could feel overly formal