St. Sebastian 100th Anniversary

• We Remember – In 1909, the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, under the direction of Bishop Sebastian Messmer, purchased five acres of land on Milwaukee’s west side. With few paved streets, most of the area west of 52nd street was open prairie all the way to the village of Wauwatosa.  In 1911, Father Francis Kleser established the new parish – St. Sebastian – named in honor of the Archbishop.  A few months later, the first Mass was celebrated at the 55th and Vliet storefront, currently known as The Wonderbar.

• We Celebrate – In 2011, St. Sebastian Parish developed a variety of liturgical, social and outreach activities.   The entire parish family – past, present and future – helped celebrate how far we have come throughout this century and set an example for the next 100 years.

• We Believe – In remembering the Paschal mystery and the call to committed discipleship, our centennial journey was carried out in the spirit of the life and death of Jesus Christ, celebrating the risen Lord, and believing that he will come again in glory.

Keep in touch!

• Make sure you visit our alumni site to find class contacts – or volunteer to become one! We’re looking for people who would like to be the contact for your class at St. Sebastian.  Here’s who we HAVE SO FAR: 1940, 1947, 1948, 1955, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1988, 1994, 1997, 2000, 2002. Email margohaig@gmail.com for information about Alumni listings.

• Purchase the St. Sebastian Cookbook,  100 Years of Sharing a Table
• Purchase the St. Sebastian History Book, 100 Years of Community
• Find out how St. Sebastian was honored on May 23, 2011!
• View Photos from the St. Sebastian 100th Anniversary Gala on October 22, 2011.
• Contact Joann Perleberg to contribute to the 100th Anniversary fund to save the bell tower.