Diocese of La Crosse
Religious InstitutionsWisconsin, United States51-200 Employees
The Diocese of La Crosse is a Catholic ecclesiastical jurisdiction serving about 950,000 people across nineteen counties in west and central Wisconsin, with the majority of its territory rural and focused on agricultural communities. Established in 1868 by decree of Blessed Pope Pius IX, the diocese comprises 159 parishes and supports a Catholic presence in the region through sacramental worship, teaching of the faith, and services addressing the needs of individuals and families. Based in La Crosse, Wisconsin, the organization operates within the religious institutions sector, guided by its mission to seek the kingdom of God and to foster vocation, marriage and family life, sacred worship, and the pursuit of holiness. Its governance and leadership have evolved over time, including recent changes in bishopric leadership, and its history reflects a diverse mix of immigrant and native communities that have contributed to its development. The diocese’s activities are centered on spiritual formation, pastoral care, and community service grounded in Catholic tradition.