About Us
Our History
From the mountains of Lebanon to the shores of Lake Michigan — the story of Saint Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church in Caledonia, Wisconsin.
Rooted in the Ancient Church
The Maronite Catholic Church is one of the oldest Christian communities in the world, tracing its origins to the first century of Christianity in the region of Antioch — the city where followers of Christ were first called "Christians." The Church takes its name from Saint Maron, a Syrian monk and hermit of the 4th and 5th centuries whose holiness drew thousands of disciples and whose spiritual legacy gave birth to a distinct Christian people.
Through centuries of persecution, exile, and hardship in the mountains of Lebanon, the Maronite people preserved their faith, their ancient Syriac liturgical tradition, and their unbroken communion with the Bishop of Rome. The cedar-covered mountains of Lebanon became the cradle of a Church that would eventually spread to every corner of the world — including the heartland of America.
The Mission Comes to Wisconsin
Saint Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church began as a mission community in southeastern Wisconsin who longed to worship in the ancient tradition of their ancestors. Brought together by a shared love of the Maronite liturgy, the intercession of Saint Sharbel Makhlouf, and the desire to pass on the faith to the next generation.
The community found a welcoming home at St. Louis Catholic Church in Caledonia, Wisconsin, where the Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday at 11:00 AM and every Thursday at 7:00 PM. What began as a small gathering has grown into a vibrant parish family, united in prayer, service, and the rich spiritual heritage of the Maronite Church.
Why Saint Sharbel?
The community chose Saint Sharbel Makhlouf as its patron for good reason. Born in 1828 in the village of Beka-Kafra in northern Lebanon, Sharbel entered the Maronite monastic order and spent the last 23 years of his life as a hermit, living in radical poverty, prayer, and penance. He died on Christmas Eve, 1898, and was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1977.
Since his death, Saint Sharbel has been associated with extraordinary miracles of healing — physical, spiritual, and emotional. His intercession is sought by people of all faiths and backgrounds, and his witness to the power of prayer and sacrifice continues to draw souls to Christ. He is a saint for our time: a man who found God in silence, and whose life radiates the light of the Gospel to a noisy and distracted world.
Saint Sharbel Makhlouf
1828–1898 · Canonized 1977 · Patron of the Maronite Church
The Healing Mass
One of the most distinctive expressions of our community's charism is the monthly Healing Mass — a solemn celebration of the Divine Liturgy offered for the healing of the sick in body, mind, and spirit, through the intercession of Saint Sharbel. The Healing Mass draws faithful from across Wisconsin and beyond, and has become a powerful witness to the mercy and love of God.
Learn about the Healing Mass →Our Community Today
Today, Saint Sharbel Maronite Catholic Church is a growing community of families, individuals, and seekers who have found a spiritual home in the ancient beauty of the Maronite tradition. We celebrate the Divine Liturgy in both English and Arabic, honoring the linguistic heritage of our ancestors while welcoming all who wish to encounter Christ in this ancient rite.
We are a community in full communion with the Holy Father in Rome and under the pastoral authority of the Maronite Eparchy of Our Lady of Lebanon of Los Angeles. We are proud to be part of the universal Catholic Church while cherishing the particular gifts of our Eastern heritage.
Come and Be Part of Our Story
Whether you are Maronite by birth, Catholic by faith, or simply curious about the ancient Christian East — you are welcome here. Come and pray with us.