Good Shepherd Parish Westfield, WI

Good Shepherd Parish
Westfield, WI
 
Prior to the creation of Good Shepherd Parish, Catholic residents of the Westfield area worshipped at St. John the Baptist in Montello, St. Ann in Brooks or St. Methodius at Pilot Knob (both in Adams County and part of the LaCrosse Diocese).  These residents always dreamed of having a Catholic parish in Westfield, so they shared that dream with the Chancery office in Madison and on March 9, 1960 the parish was officially established.  On March 12, 1960, Fr. Gideon Kosterman, pastor of St. John the Baptist in Montello was also named pastor of the new parish and he proposed naming it Good Shepherd.  Later that year.  land was purchased for the new church, building plans were developed and a fund drive was begun.  Construction continued on the new church that year and on June 28, 1961, Bishop William O’Connor consecrated the altar.  The first Mass in the new church was a wedding liturgy on July 1, 1961 and the church was officially dedicated on August 20, 1961.
 
The church facility seats approximately 160 people with room for overflow seating in the narthex.  The lower level includes a large kitchen and classroom space for the Religious Education Program.  Throughout its history, the parish has consistently maintained and upgraded its facilities.  In the late 1980’s, air conditioning was added to the church, in 1989 the crying room was removed to create a gathering area and in 1995 an elevator was installed to make both floors of the parish handicapped accessible.
 
Good Shepherd has always made a strong commitment to providing sound Catechetical instruction to its parishioners.  A formal Religious Education program was established in 1980 by Fr. George Fox under the leadership of Mrs. Darlene Duley.
 
Good Shepherd has always been a mission parish of St. John the Baptist in Montello.  Following Fr. Kosterman, the priests who have served both parishes are:  Fr. Donald Wagner (1962), Fr. George Hastrick (1963-1967), Fr. Delbert Schmelzer (1967-1969), Fr. Philip Conlon (1969-1973), Fr. Leo Joyce (1973-1974), Fr. George Fox (1974-1984), Fr. Richard Lesniak (1984-1994), Fr. Gary Wankerl (1994-1998), Fr. Richard Heilman (1998-2004), Fr. Michael Doro (2004-2006) Msgr. John Hebl (2006),  Fr. Michael Richel (2006-2012),  Fr. David Carrano (2012-2014),  Fr. Tim Renz (2014-2016), Fr. Paulraj Sellam (2016-2018),  Fr. Savio Yerasani (2018-present).
 
Over the years, the linkage with Montello has grown stronger.  Today, the two parishes share a common staff.  They collaborate on many sacramental, educational and social activities.  Along with its registered families, the parish hosts many seasonal members and visitors who enjoy the beautiful natural resources of Marquette County.